Images came to life one day as I sat by the window looking out to a dull day. That of a young girl in high school and a best friend who saw herself as insignificant incompetent. That of an office-mate who didn't think that he could deserve a promotion. That of a niece who thought herself to be a loser. But all three were good at some talent or skill. I remember them so well.
Then came one day when.......
---Dina was pushed by her English teacher to join a campus essay contest. She came out besting the best. She was sent off to represent the school in a national competition; won that.
---James was sent by his boss to handle a project at their provincial branch office. He improved their sales dramatically within a year. He became the manager of that branch.
---Leah was asked by an uncle to assist in an NGO sponsored community activity for street children. The children adored her. She later headed similar community activities and became known for her highly-rated organizational skills and efficiency.
Sometimes we don't get to know our potential nor see the spark of genius within our selves. Sometimes we need a little push from someone who sees us for what we are.. one who sees our genius or potential. And when that happens, it now becomes our responsibility to let it shine even so much more. There can no longer be an excuse for not letting our star shine and shine even brighter. We should aspire to do what we do best at anytime, any place, with whoever is sent us, with every opportunity that knocks on our doors. We should be who we are constantly consistently unbendingly uncompromisingly... regardless... because that's who and what we are. The best is our yardstick. The goal is to live life with our best.
"Good, better, best. Never let it rest until good be better and better best."
-- Mother Goose rhyme
"Four basic premises of writing --
"Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you're not really losing it. You're just passing it on to someone else." - Mitch Albom
"We move through places every day that would never have been if not for those who came before us. .." (Mitch Albom) 
My tree continually evolves changing through every passing of time year after year after year. Sometimes it's so sparse with barely a tinsel hanging on its branches. Tough times but the Christmas spirit kept alive with love all around from everybody near or far. Then again in another year there would be tiny rag dolls the size of a finger in colorful peasant dresses. Yes indeed it was for three little girls who just love dolls. In other years the tree would be laden with very small bells or balls or shimmering ribbons or light cotton angels or butterflies speckled with glitter dust or tiny Santas made out of red yarn. And there was that year when I created miniature gift boxes tied in red and green ribbons. But whatever the theme on the tree, it would never be without Christmas lights.. circling the tree from top to bottom.. twinkling like stars up in the night sky. Sometimes we put one which twinkled in step with its pre-recorded Christmas music.
My best friends and I got together for lunch like we always do each month. Oh it's the usual updates and chit-chat ladies do when they come together... family, children, home, and work. Well, one still holds on to a 9-5 job. Sez she's not ready for retirement yet.. at least not for another year or two. Anyway we talk about anything and everything.. people, things, events, the world and life.
