Lady Luck Never Smiles ... Oh Wait, Yes She Does!

GRATEFUL GIRL'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
​"Is anybody out there? Anybody there? Does anybody wonder? Anybody care?"

Fellow Def Leppard fans will recognize this as part of the refrain to 1983's hit song "Foolin."

Ah, the '80s when the rockers were pretty, the videos absolutely absurd (consisting of raw concert footage or over-the-top bad special effects) -- and the leather pants were about two sizes too small. #hairbands

But Joe Elliott, Mutt Lange and the late Steve Clark did raise some good questions with that particular little ditty. And it's something most adults ponder, at one point or another -- or maybe incessantly for those of us who are parents: Is anyone even listening to me?  

Sigh. There are those moments when it feels like the answer is no. When your colleagues appear to have little regard for your opinions or suggestions ... or your significant other seems to have the ability to hear you only selectively ... or your kids glaze over with indifference the very moment you open your mouth to speak.  Hmpf.  

​And then it happens.

Out of the blue, a sweet friend sends you an arrangement from the florist across the street ... or shows up with a potted sunflower plant -- or a vase full of gorgeous, bright summer flowers from her Mom's garden.  (Lori, Leannah and Diane; thank you is hardly enough to say. MWAH; love you all!)

Or someone swings by to hug you and tell you your positivism is a bright spot in their world -- or smiles and tells you that you're one of the reasons they look forward to coming into the office -- or calls and says the sound of your voice was the highlight of her whole day --or sends you a note or e-card thanking you for the gift of your friendship. (Gals you all know who you are and I adore you right back.)  I am unworthy of the blessings I have received but am also keenly aware of this and could not be more thankful.

Bottom line: words matter. Smiles matter. Hugs matter. YOUR VOICE IS POWERFUL ... and it matters. So for all you out there wondering if there's anyone listening - there sure as shootin' is. And I, for one, feel so honored and comforted by that realization. Here's hoping I at least toss out some worthwhile nuggets every now and again. #Heislistening 

Take heart - you are loved, you are valued and you are heard. And I'm not, f-f-f-foolin'


See Mt 11:25 R. Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom. Gospel Mt 13:10-17 The disciples approached Jesus and said, "Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?" He said to them in reply, "Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand..." PHOTO: 
https://www.google.com/search?q=def+leppard+2017&rlz=1C1GGRV_enUS751US751&tbm=isch&imgil=0ZOdtQSP6_6iVM%253A%253BeYAgReJF-RNDkM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.sandiegouniontribune.com%25252Fentertainment%25252Fmusic%25252Fsd-et-music-def-leppard-20170112-story.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=0ZOdtQSP6_6iVM%253A%252CeYAgReJF-RNDkM%252C_&usg=__KX3FApolPVziWo_NPWc7rSkU6uM%3D&biw=1920&bih=1070&ved=0ahUKEwiFjvCOxqnVAhVHHT4KHRXWD5QQyjcIoQE&ei=1-d5WcXGDse6-AGVrL-gCQ#imgrc=ndObDlSFWx8IRM:

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