Love in Gaza

Gaza City, Gaza

This photo was taken this week in the Gaza Strip by a friend of mine, Guy Benintendi, who has been delivering humanitarian aid in a convoy from London to Gaza over the past several weeks.

Guys writes about the people's overwhelming sense of powerlessness; that over time they have come to give up on their own happiness by being beaten down from "war" in their homeland.  

Yet look at this ... a graffiti heart!  When a couple is married, it is tradition to paint a heart on a wall with their names.  I don't know what the messages are next to it in Arabic. It could be full of hate, but the universal sign of love, a heart, holds a hope for more.  They are just like me and you ~ they want to love and be loved.  

And love marches on!
(the greatest power ever) 

If you'd like to read Guy's blog you can find it here: http://guybenintendi.blogspot.com/2010/10/power-to-people.html

The "101 Dalmatians" Walk

Let's see .... Terry has got me thinking about writing about my observations.  Here we go:

Today I was sitting at the park.  Yup ... just sitting and being.  It was a gentle five minute sabbatical from my busy day tending to the needs of my clients.

I suddenly got focused on watching the gait of the joggers, runners, woggers and walkers who were around me.  A rather interesting observation, don't you think? 

If you have never taken the time to embrace this pass time, I encourage you to do so.  And do it soon as winter is near and there will be much less variety.  I promise it will take your mind off your immediate concerns.  Heck, you may even laugh out loud!  HAHA!  

Some folks take loooong strides on the balls of their feet -  gliding just above the surface of the path.  This gazelle-like movement amazes me since my legs are rather short and stalky.  Others move with a fast pitter-patter,heavy step with arms just-a-swingin'!  There is SO much movement, but not much distance.  These folks usually have black socks and big hats.

Then there is the guy who instead of being at the park to exercise, is merely going from point A to point B and the park just happens to be en rout.  His feet stretch about a yard in front of him before they hit the surface.  Shoulders back.  WAY back into a leaning sort of posture.  Of course, skinny jeans and a cigarette are worn for good measure.

Just behind him is the mama, her dog, and the baby carriage moving at record pace.  Her outfit must match the collar and leash AND the stroller.  Heaven forbid she see someone she knows!  She is determined and focused.

courtesy of disney.wiki.com

Each one of these images sent me back to a childhood memory of watching the original 101 Dalmatians movie.  The dogs (Purdi & Pongo) and took their owners for a walk in the park at the beginning of the movie where there was a set-up meet and greet :)  All of the dogs and their owners resembled each other!  It was so animated and SO funny!  I still get the giggles!

CHEERS to the unique gait we each have.  Sometimes its graceful, easy, almost effortless.  Other times we just go so hard yet it feel like we get no where.  

Its all perfect ... and if you let yourself see it from a different angle, it can often make you laugh!

Peace!