That’s a quote from the legendary musician Bob Marley.   Every time I hear that line (and I love me some Bob Marley, so I hear it often) it hits me hard.

I, like many I know, can easily get caught up in the trials and tribulations life throws at me.  That is not, however, what I should or want to throw back at life and those around me.  Easier said than done though eh?

But, there truly is so much sadness in the world already that it seems overwhelming sometimes; and that is why we must carry the light.

We have a choice.  If you speak your own happiness, it will combat the darkness with your personal light.  If you continue on thinking of your own woes, you add to the sadness.

There is always a light in the storm, even the worst storm you could ever imagine.  The light may seem small and may not touch all, but, that again is reason for the rest of us to speak happiness, be kind, and cultivate more light so those in need can feel its warmth.

So, if you find yourself thinking about the trials in your life with frustration, anger or negativity, try to think and speak happiness instead.  It may take effort.  Hell, it may take a LOT of effort.  But, the world really is sad enough, its important to add to the light instead.

With the dark cold days of winter come some of the best beers in my opinion; Imperial Stouts.

These rich, dark, yummy beers originated because the Czars of Russia loved the English stouts, but, the traditional stouts were too low in alcohol content to make the long journey to Russia.  The brewers needed something with a higher alcohol content to preserve the beer during its long journey.  Also, the malts and hops in Imperial stouts often require a longer fermentation time which is, again, perfect for their long trip from England to Russia.

Today, between micro breweries and the many accomplished home brewers that have arisen, Imperial stouts remain popular beers during the winter months when these dark and flavorful  brews can often be just the medicine ya need to keep the winter blues away!

If you’ve never enjoyed an Imperial Stout, you should!  My favorites I think are Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout and Siberian Nights from Thirsty Dog – Oh, and Old Rasputen – and Victory’s Storm King……I guess there’s just too many to list – so you’ll have to head out and have a taste test of your own; poor you!

For many people, this time of year is marked by waining light, hence all the celebrations!  The dark days can be hard.  We don’t have it as bad as some, but, the days are shorter here in Maine in December than where I grew up, and a lot shorter than those in New Mexico (where we spent 10 yrs).

Its not all bad.

The stars are amazing!

Nights spent cozy around the fire reading books or drawing; I long for those on the hot July days!

But, when you’re driving home from school and its dusk….that’s a little trippy!

Lucky for us northern dwelling humans the light comes back as fast as it leaves us so its not long that we must wait; though it may seem that way some days….

So, here’s to the dark, the light and everything in between!  Surrender to it all we must and it would be wrong any other way….Doesn’t mean we can’t complain a bit about it!!

I’ve watched The Simpsons since high school (ie – a long time).  Mr. T. did too.  So, for us, its pretty cool to see that they’re going to be sticking around for at least another year.  That makes 23 Seasons….and they’re still funny!!

Its easier since they’re a cartoon, which, by  nature opens the door for a lot of different ideas than a sitcom with regular actors has access to.  But, it takes a certain group of people to keep us laughing all these years.

Here’s to hopin’ they have at least a few more zingers up their sleeves cause the day The Simpsons goes off the air will be a sad day indeed.

I’m amazed to hear that people actually don’t vote.  I’ve voted in every possible election since I was eligible to do so at 18.  Its one of the only ways, aside from how we spend our money, that we can make our thoughts and opinions known.

I know it can be easy to become disenchanted, or even disgusted when it comes to politics; many of these folks are pretty shady creatures – or at least being in politics makes them that way.

But, you’ve just got to vote.

Don’t vote blindly.  Do your research and see which one would possibly represent you best.  Or at least see who is the closest.

If you don’t vote, you don’t participate in the process, and as such, you lose your right to complain about anything these individuals do while in office!  You had an opportunity to change things and make them more to your liking byvoting.  But, you threw that opportunity right out the window – so – you gave up your voice…which means you gave up your right to take issue with whats going on.

Don’t be lazy.  We’re all busy.  We all have too much on our plates.  But, it honestly takes just a bit of your time; less if you get an absentee ballot.

You really don’t want to throw your voice away.  So just go vote will ya!!

Use this link to vote411.org to find out where you need to go, and even more about the races and ballot measures in your area.

The wideness of our world today offers many benefits; I myself am a very grateful benefactor of the role that media has in people’s lives.  Unfortunately, there are many drawbacks too.

The drawback that was on my mind today is how advertising or “spin” is often used to propagate untruths.  With the increased access we all have to nearly everything, the use of this tactic to promote, and even create falsehoods is becoming very widespread.

Advertisers (of many different kids) work hard to, um, shine up the turds as it were.  And we, the people, the consumers, the individuals, must educate ourselves enough to read between the lines.  To read the fine print on the label.  To research who or what the person or product you’re supporting with your hard earned money is really about – not just what the advertisers; the spin doctors say.

We owe it to our kids at least.   To teach them to be critical thinkers.  To view the world through their own eyes and not take what “They” say at face value.  And the best way to do this is by example.

Read labels when you’re shopping at the grocery store.  Before you make a purchase, research the company, same with investments, donations, and pretty much anything else that has to do with how you spend your money; its how we can make our voices heard after all!

Another issue that’s at the forefront given the time of year is politics and elections.  Your vote matters.  Don’t just listen to the spin, the ads.  Find out what candidates really believe in and, more importantly, what they actually do to prove that they don’t just talk all that talk.  If you listen to the ads you’ll never be able to make sense of it all…which I swear are what many of them are counting on!!

With the internet, cable, 24 hour news channels, and every other “media outlet” we have now, access, as well as spin has increased rapidly.

Don’t be part of the herd  and succumb to the blurred reality that the spin creates – Find out the truth for yourself.  Read, research and Think!

Today when I was poking around the headlines, I saw this story about a man who created a home for over 600 stray and abandoned cats.

What got me is that he basically did this all for his kid.  He didn’t like cats…until his son had to leave his with him when he moved.  Then, that cat had kittens – which he was going to give away until his son told him he had to wait about 2 mo until they can leave their mom.

Mamma (aka Pepper) and her babies suckered this guy and he let them stay….and then he took in some more.  Apparently he had a bit of extra cash around as when he heard about some land for sale he bought it (he was having problems with so many cats in his condo) and made a home for his and many many more cats.

He didn’t just make a home for them in the woods like you mike think – he actually built them pretty little houses, a wall mart, a post office – its a whole kitty cat village!

He feeds them and takes care of them (regular vet check ups, spay/neutering, etc) and does all the work around “town” with the help of his own funds and donations.  He also has some help from volunteers to take care of the reserve – but mostly, its just him – the guy who doesn’t like cats, giving furrever homes to a big bunch of felines!

I’ve been interested in getting an 800 number for my business so, I started searching for options.  I came upon a service from RingCentral.com….and found a free trial with this great RingCentral referral code.  So, I tried it, for free.  I found out I liked the service and that it was a good deal for me.  All without paying a dime.

This got me thinking.  Why doesn’t everything come with a Free Trial?

Any product manufacturer worth your money really ought to offer you the opportunity to try out their product for free.  If you like it, buy it, if not, so be it.  The courtesy alone would get customers!

Admittedly, some things do offer a free trial (ie a test drive for a car) that won’t really tell you all that much about the item.  But, usually a free trial is a great option for a consumer, and most often, will get the product sold to even more people.

Born August 1st 1942, Jerry Garcia would have been 68 were he still alive today.

If you don’t know who he is - take a listen .

He has become an icon, and was (actually still is) a musical revolutionary…..both in spirit, and in the music he made.

No  or has ever played like Jerry (some have tried) – and no one ever will.  As soon as  a song he’s playing is heard, there’s no mistaking that it’s Jerry.  Even if you don’t hear his voice, his guitar sounds like none other.  That’s quite an accomplishment for any musician.

And now, today, he is inspiring others to follow their own “music” through keeping old traditional songs and forms/styles of music alive by tweaking them to fit today.  I think he’d be proud!  After all, that’s how he came up.  Playing acoustic guitar and banjo with the bluegrass bands in the early 60s.  Playing those old traditional songs that his own mentor, Bill Monroe was keeping alive.  I guess you’d call it the “audio tradition”.

Its fitting he, even after his passing, is the inspiration to so many.

“Let There be Songs – to Fill the Air!”

Jerry Garcia – 8/1/42 – 8/9/95

I’ve had pretty poor posture my entire life.  I can see several reasons for it and am now ready to change it.  For good.

Slouching is just so bad for me, and it creates a bad “look” for my body.  My belly protrudes and my upper body hangs down.  I walk/run over a mile every day and do crunches and other ab exercises too – I want that to actually show; not be clouded by my crappy posture.

As I was looking for ideas on how to improve my posture – I even learned it is probably the culprit of my lower back aches I always get.  Never figured that would be the case.

It will take some constant vigilance on my part I think.  I’ve developed some really really bad habits over the many years of poor posture – and they’ll be difficult to break.

The other thing I’m going to try and do is include some pilates and yoga exercises in my daily routine.

I always feel better after doing the Cat/Cow (on all fours hold your back straight, then rounded as if you’re a “scared cat”.  Relax back into the flat back or “cow” then, repeat.).

There’s also a great exercise from a Pilates DVD I used to use.  You lay on your tummy with your legs spread shoulder width apart and your arms both raised above your head.  Tighten your abs (like a string is pulling your belly button toward your back) and then, make a wide sweep with your arms down to your sides; almost like you’re doing the breast stroke.  As you do this tighten your shoulder and back muscles to pull your upper body up as well.  Lower your upper bodyback down as you reach up tall with your arms.  Repeat from beginning.

That last one really makes my back feel great and strong and helps pull my shoulders into the proper place….I’m a big shoulder sloucher.

It doesn’t help that I work on the computer, and am often carrying a baby on my hip.  But, I’ve got to give it some effort and try to get this under control.   There have been too many bad posture years and if I let it go any longer the effects will be even worse, and the habit that much harder to break.