If It’s a Choice Between WalMart or Target, Please Choose Target and Here’s Why

My initial decision to never shop at WalMart again came in 2001 when I read he book Nickel and Dimed – On (NOT) Getting by in America by Barbara Ehrenreich.  Then the book was made into a play which I saw that next year which further concretized my decision.

Ms. Ehrenreich went undercover for three months in three different cities doing three different minimum wage jobs to try to figure out how non-skilled workers made ends meet.  She was a waitress, a maid and worked at WalMart.

She experienced the term “working poor” and found that wages are kept low by reinforcing the low-self esteem portion she found inherent in each job, being treated like a child rather than the 50 something year old woman that she was.

When it came time for her stint at WalMart, I read about and then saw a practice that you hear about often from WalMart workers where they are made to “clock out” but then come back to work the floor for another couple of hours.  And today, there are so many people in line for those jobs, one complaint or a little grumbling could mean losing your job and the next person in line would just step up.  So you work for minimum wage and then you actually work for free, which effectively means you are working for well under minimum wage.  By the way minimum wage right now in Ohio is $7.35/ hour.  If a person works 40 hours, they would make $1176.00 BEFORE taxes.  Take home, as we all know, is significantly less.  And from this you have to pay your rent, car and food. 

Recently there was a story in the LA Times that further underlined why I don’t shop at WalMart but know that there are some ethical big box stores that are really trying to do the right thing by their employees.  The article by Andrea Chang was headlined Target in Compton helps store employees tackle their personal problems.  It chronicles the fact that the bog box stores like WalMart, Target, Kmart, and Costco are seeing one avenue of growth in building urban stores right in the downtowns of major cities.  They all knew, given where they were located, that they would have to pay more for “risk management” or “shrinkage”, a fancy way of talking about theft both by customers and employees.  So they all spent the dollars necessary to beef up security.

However, only one, Target, understood that when you hire folks for these urban stores you hire folks with urban problems.  Domestic violence, homelessness, no transportation and the list goes on.  So rather than try to recruit suburban folks to come work in the city or just realize and accept that you will have a huge employee turnover rate, Target did something that made so much sense and speaks to the kind of company that they are.  They hired a full time social worker to “man” the stores and help where they could.

In Compton that person was Sandra Edwards.  Her only job is to come in the morning, drop off her coat and personal items and then walk the store, engaging as many employees as possible in conversation about what’s going on.  In the past year she was able to find temporary housing for an abused employee.  One young man was battling depression and she was able to find medical resources for him.  Obviously employee turnover was reduced and employee retention was on the increase.  And Sandra only comes to Compton twice a week.  Based on her success, she now splits her time between three stores.  They had to deal with domestic violence, teenage pregnancy.  They had situations where folks were homeless and living in their cars.  According to Barbara, it is not about giving advise, it’s about giving assistance.

And it is good business.  Everyone who owns a small business knows that it is MUCH less expensive to retain good employees than to keep hiring new folks.  WalMart just keeps churning though the people since they see them as no more than cogs and VERY replaceable.

I know the deals are sometimes better at WalMart and I, like everyone else is looking for ways to save, but there are still some small choices that we can make that will make a difference in people’s lives.  Please shop Target.  Shop where they care enough about people to hire people to help people.  It just makes sense!!

PS  By the way, I participate in Ad Sense through this blog site and last week the Ad was for WalMart.  I have no say over what is advertised other than IO was able to check "no adult content" so.... I'm sorry if this blog is directly above a WalMart Ad.  Irony is not intended.

Final Advent Post - Christmas Reflection

The Christmas story has always been a beautiful narrative to read and contemplate.  However, now more than ever we cannot afford to allow it to be a passive recitation of an important event.

Christmas is a moment in time that continues to call us all to bring peace and joy to others.

We, too, are asked to be the star, the beacon showing others the way to peace and serenity.  Sometimes we are asked, like Mary, to let God use us to become present in others lives.  Or, like Joseph, we may be asked to give our support to others even though we might not quite understand God’s plan. 

Maybe this year we will be asked to merely witness to the work of a Higher Power as the shepherds were asked to do.  Or we, like the Magi, may be called to share our most precious gifts and ask for nothing in return save the knowledge that we are doing the right thing.

The manger provided a safe, warm place for the new life those centuries ago.  It may be that our job this year is to provide an emotional safe, warm and welcoming place for those struggling with a new way of life.

….So this year as we ask for peace to be granted to us and all those whom we love, we also pray that we all live our role in the bringing of peace and serenity to each other.

By Liz Adamson

original copyright 2000, copyright 2010

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Today's Gift - Hard Work

Okay, I am a republican…albeit not a very good one.  I am fiscally conservative and socially liberal.  I changed parties about 10 years ago to vote for a republican judge that I had spent time talking to and asking hard questions of when he was campaigning door to door and have never found the need to switch back.  But that certainly does not mean I am a “lock-step” with Mr. Boehner (and I don’t really care one way or another if he cries).  I used to listen to Rush Limbaugh when he was the voice of reason in the late ‘80’s early ‘90’s not the mean spirited, hatemonger he has become.  Enough of that.  I am a republican.

But here are two things that might make me go to the board of elections and switch.  Senator Jon Kyl (R) boomed in a speech to the senate that “ having to work so close to the Christmas Holiday is “disrespecting one of the two holiest holidays for Christmas”.  Later that same day, his fellow senator, Jim DeMint, said that having to work so close to the holiday is “sacrilegious”.  WHAT??????

And republicans wonder why so many Americans don’t believe that they understand the plight of the “everyman and woman” in our country.  Gosh I would love to say that working so close to Christmas is not necessary but I’m in retail and this is the time of year that you either make it or break it.  You don’t just go home because it close to the holiday. 

Actually I would like my congressmen and senators to work harder, not throw up their hands and go home.  Man-up and get it done!!!!  Okay, you don’t have to work on Christmas day.  Take Sunday and Monday off if you want.  Then get your butt back to work like the rest of the country.  At least the one’s who have jobs.  Remember.....that is still a problem we’d like you to work on.

Oh, and Mr. Kyl, what are the two holiest holidays for Christmas?  Christmas and…..??

I’m quite sure he is not referring to Hanukkah or Kwanza so….?  HMMM  Maybe he thinks that since he opens his gifts on Christmas eve that is a holy event.  Just don’t know.

We all know you want to spend less time in Washington so you can spend more time at home campaigning.  But don’t couch is in holy terms.  Be honest.  And get back to work.  We didn’t hire you to campaign.  We hired you to fix what is broken.  Get back to work.  NOW!

Today's Gift - "Why Buffalo Dance" by Susan Chernak McElroy

My good friend Peggy Chamberlain gave me this book to read knowing that I would love it.  She was right!  The author of the New York Times Best Seller Animals as Teachers and Healers takes us on a journey through the seasons of our lives.  What she reminds us by doing that is to look closely and deeply at what life is offering us at every turn because that is where and how God speaks. 

It is much more than a book of meditations.  It is a collection of nature's wisdom translated by a master wordsmith.  It is one of those books that you owe it to yourself to have in your collection.  You will never see the seasons the same again and what a gift.  Give it to yourself for Christmas!  It will be one of those gifts that keeps on giving to you and others.

Today's Gift - "Shake it off and step up"

I heard this story months ago but it has been on my mind lately so it becomes today’s gift to share with you.

A man had a favorite mule.  One night the mule fell into a deep hole that was just big enough for the mule but nothing else.  The man was beside himself and tried everything he knew to try to save his friend but everything he tried failed to work.  After trying for hours and using every suggestion he was given, the man thought the most humane thing to do was to bury his mule.

So shovel by shovel full, the man threw dirt and gravel over his old friend.  But with each shovel load the mule would simply shake off the load and step up.  Several hours later the mule had compacted enough dirt, soil and gravel that he simply rose high enough to just walk right out of the hole. 

What an awesome lesson for our life.  We often experience things that are meant to or have the capacity to “bury” us if we let it.  But, if we simply shake it off and step up nothing can have power over us. 

So the gift today is the realization that we all have the capacity to “shake it off and step up”.  Whether it is a physical, financial or personal issue, shake it off and step up.  Use what was meant for your demise to rise higher, live richer, lover deeper.  It is your choice.  May you always be able and choose to “shake it off and step up”.  I do (most of the time) and it has made all the difference!

Today's Gift - $15

I sometimes feel that we have become a nation of complainers.  We worry about this and fret about that as if the very act of worrying gives us purpose.  I believe that we have forgotten just how lucky we really are in this county.  For example, if you have a roof over your head you are better of than 75% of the worlds population.  If you have $15, you are in the top 8% of the world wealthiest people.  Fifteen Dollars!!!

We have so very much to be grateful for.  And yet we so often hear, “yes. I’m grateful, but....”  It’s those “yea, buts” that are like mental cockroaches that infest our minds with all the reasons why we really shouldn’t be happy or fulfilled.  

Today is my birthday.  According to the statistics, I should not have made it to this day but here I am.  And I hope that simply that fact alone helps me to appreciate the roof over my head and the $15 I have in my wallet.  The abundance in my life is huge and is measured in freedom and challenge and diversity and hope.  I refuse to complain and snipe.  We are called to be better than that and that is what we will be.  This year.  Right now!

Today's Gift - Alise Maria Adamson

On September 29,2010 the Adamson Family welcomed Alise Maria, weighing in at 7lbs, 8 oz.  She is the daughter of  Alex and Diana Adamson formerly of London, England now residing in San Fransisco, California.

I’m incredibly lucky because I get almost one picture a day of little miss “Ali” which makes my heart sing.  This new little life, so incredibly loved and cherished by her parents, grandparents, great grand parent (my mom) and various and sundry aunts, uncles and a great aunt (me). 

She is promise and potential.  She is holy and blessed, word made flesh.  She’s what we think of when we try to do anything that might make this world a better place.  She is our future but we are her present so she reminds me constantly to make the present more gentle, more loving.  For her I must be the change I want to see in the world.  She keeps me centered and focused on life and all the possibilities that each day holds.  I imagine her discovering it all for the first time and try to discover it right with her.  She makes me see all things new.  She is loved and she is love.  Thanks you Alise Maria.  I love you!!

Today's Gift - Chinese State Circus & Swan Lake

I know for sure that my current experience in life has made me more receptive to beauty.  It is such a gift.  It’s as if beautiful things are twice as beautiful and multiplied in breath and width.  It was that way when I had the opportunity to watch a You Tube Video of the Chinese State Circus performing Swan Lake.  There was actually a ballerina on point in the shoulder of her partner.  She wasn’t just performing Swan Lake.  She was the Swan, he the Lake.  It wasn’t just performance, it was transformation.  If it doesn’t move you\, you are immovable!! 

My friend Jo-Ann sent it on.  Thank you!  What a wonderful gift.  Simply Google Chinese Circus Swan Lake and let yourself watch the 6 minute version from You Tube.  You won’t be sorry you did.  

Today's gift - The Snow

I’m not quite sure when “snow” became some sort of dreaded plague forecast by fear mongers – also known as weathermen – letting you know when and where each flake will fall but somehow that is what it has become.  Grocery store shelves empty as if we will be socked in for days and people cancel parties and engagements even before they wake up to see if the forecast is really true.

My dad used to say that I am simple and he was right.  I like the snow, at least early in the winter.  I think a world blanketed in white is gorgeous and creates a winter’s quiet that gives rise to thoughts of peace on earth and good will to men.  It slows people down.  It makes us focus more on what we are doing and that attention is always a good thing.  It moves us to be more mindful of each step, each breath, and that is a great thing – not one to be scared of and frightened about.

Oh, I know.  Come late February and March when the snow is still flying, I won’t be quite so romantic about the beauty of it all.  But for now, today’s gift is snow.

Today's Advent Gift - the Sun

Although things have brightened up somewhat over the past several years, the reality of living in Cleveland and so close to one of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie, is that we have many cloudy days.  The past two days, however, we have had gorgeous, beautiful sunny days.  It’s almost as if it charges your batteries so that when the clouds and lake effect snow that they are predicting comes roaring off the lake you can still trust that the sun is still there and all is right with the world.  

We have weather men here in Cleveland that seem to take great joy trying to scare everyone to death about the snow to come and the cold that will be coming in out of the north.  It’s not like it doesn’t happen every year.  That is what happens in winter.  It snows and gets cold and get gray and cloudy.  But, still, behind it all, the sun still shines and will warm us eventually.

Until then, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and for us – at the bakery – that’s a great thing.  Amen! 

Dr. Cathy Graham, An Angel To Be Sure

There is a wonderful quote from the book “Pilgrim’s Progress” which says “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who cannot pay you back.”  Dr Cathy Graham, and the kind and wonderful staff she had surrounded herself with in her practice live this dictum.  Let me share my story.

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in March of this past year.  Although it had moved out of “situ”, it was very early stage and, certainly, a cancer people live with and through.  The problem came after the lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy when I was experiencing some rather benign symptoms. To be safe, Dr. Graham ordered a chest x-ray.  These x-rays used to be a matter of course before any surgery but with current insurances mandates, it never happened.  I got a call from Dr. Graham’s office that they wanted to see me and made time for me to come in at the end of the day – her long day of surgery and office visits.

She took me into her office looked me straight in the eye and said, in her own immutable way, “You have one big honkin’ tumor in your right lung.  It is very big and it was very serious.  But we are going to help you take care of this.  We are not going to leave you to fight this alone.  I will be with you every step along the way.  And she was.  The staff stayed that night until they knew I could leave and safely drive home.  She called in a favor to find a surgeon to take my case.  She visited me in intensive care and made sure I was okay on the surgical floor.  She facilitated my transition to the cancer center and my other angel, Dr. Nock.  She even made sure that it was she, and no one else, that put the port in my chest so that they could give me chemo much more easily since my veins are so hard to access.

I stopped by her office yesterday to give her a Christmas hug and let her know what was going on with me presently.  At a time in our country when we have a lot of negative things to say about health care, physicians, we all need to know that there are more healers and angels.  And, Dr. Cathy Graham, you are one.  Thank you!

Elizabeth Edwards

Today’s advent window opens on Elizabeth Edwards. She wrote on her Facebook page this past Monday that “The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful.”


She went through the death of a child, cancer and the infidelity of a husband – and that would be trying to any human being but she went through it all in the public eye and with a great deal of grace given the situation. Although there was a great deal of sympathy for her, I never saw her as a victim. She never presented herself that way. She was candid and open but not a victim. Thank you Elizabeth Edwards for your example of resilience. May I learn from and assume that in your stead to carry that on for myself and others fighting this disease.

The Phoenix

Behind our advent door today is the Phoenix.  The picture you see here is actually the one that I have tattooed on my forearm.  She is beautiful.

Most of us know the legend of the Phoenix.  She builds her own funeral pyre, throws herself into the flames, and as she dies, she is born anew and rises from the ashes to live again. – transformed.  It is the very picture of transformation, change, continually becoming more.

It’s interesting to notice what the “pyre” (flames) are made of.  Cancer, business, no longer useful ideas, institutions, and much more … all providing the energy to create something new, something amazing.

Is there a phoenix ready to be born in your advent this year?   What transformations are you being asked to make?  What needs to burn up in your fire so that you can become all that the universe is calling you to be?  

Birds of a Feather

Today’s advent window opens on “Birds of a Feather”.  It’s a little shop that does all things sewing, quilting, and such and is owned by Liz Sheehe.  When I found out that I was going to lose my hair due to the whole brain radiation treatments, I went in to see if they could make me a dew rag or scarf or hat or something.  It had to be “funky”, not the typical and they said they were up for the challenge.

These gals took it upon themselves as a project to make sure that I have some very cute things to wear.  And the fact that we are in the holiday rush, the fact that they have much more to do than think of the measurements of my head and the comfort of my noggin, did not matter.  It was just a matter of course for them, doing the next right thing, being good to people and trying to make my life easier.  That’s how they treat all their customers.  I’m proud to call them neighbors and certainly grateful for their talent and compassion in this small but important area for me. 

Angels come in all sizes and do all kind of things.  These angels happen to be called “Birds of a Feather”.

Moxie

Today’s gift is Moxie.  Moxie, the word, means vigor, courage, nerve.  But my “Moxie” is in the form of a little “runt-of-the-litter” Scottie that truly embodies her name.  A small dog, by any standard, but you can’t tell her that.  When we first went to pick her out, we actually had the name and we were looking for the dog that fit.  She is certainly it!  I mean just look at her??!!???

Not long ago we were walking down the street and we came across  some folks walking their Rottweiler and rescue pit bull.  My labordoodle, Bailey, fell sheepishly quiet as we passed but not Moxie.  She, in her own immutable way, was right in their face saying you may be big and scary to some but to me, your just a visitor on my block.  She is the classic big dog in a small body ready with big love, big mischief, big play, big Moxie.

When we used to live in a neighborhood where more dogs were off leash, she would play.  The bigger dogs could throw her around pretty good, putting one paw on her neck just to try to held her down.  Often I would see her doing cartwheels after some larger dog would try to set the record straight.  But that was no problem to her.  She just finished the roll, shook off the aggression, stood right back up and commanded her block once again.  After all, she IS Moxie! 

Always claim your moxie.  It’s your birthright to know who you are and live happily in the skin your in.  

Be the Eagle

I saw an eagle yesterday.  What an amazing bird.  Certainly glad we, as a nation, decided on him rather than the turkey to represent all that could be best of our being Americans.  

The eagle is a symbol of the power of the Great Spirit - the connection to the divine.  The eagle soars and as he goes higher is able to perceive the overall pattern of life.  Instead of getting involved in the fray, he simply takes off higher where other birds can’t come.  According to the belief systems of many Native American tribes, the eagle represents a state of grace achieved through hard work, understanding, and a completion of the tests of initiation which result in the taking on one’s own personal power.  It is only through the trial of experiencing the lows in life as well as the highs, and through the trial of connection to the Great Spirit, that the right to use the essence of Eagle medicine is earned.

 I believe that my eagle was a reminder to me to take heart and gather courage because the universe is presenting me with the opportunity to soar above the mundane levels of life. I’m being called to fly higher, regardless of the fear because that is the only way that I can join in the co-creation with the Divine.  And…I believe that I’m being called to share that with you.

So in the midst of the craziness that can be the holidays when families and friends often push buttons that have been installed for years, when the lists of what needs to be done seems to fill many more hours that could ever be available, remember the eagle.  Sit for a moment and in your mind’s eye, take flight.  Fly around up there for a while to get your bearings.  Then, return renewed.

Oh, and by the way, it also the best way for the eagle to find what’s for dinner.  So “Bon Appetit!”

Snowflakes

The last couple of days here in northern Ohio we have begun to see snow.  Out first!  Nothing that has stuck on the ground but just enough to let us know that it’s on its way. 

They say that no two snowflakes are the same.  Each one has its own patterns, nooks, crannies.  And none come to stay.  They all come to pass. 

But the really cool part is what makes a snowflake is the space between the actual wet stuff.  Otherwise it would simply be a snowball, good for other purposes but not a flake, for sure.

And that is what my snowflake teaches today.  We must appreciate the space between the “stuff” of life because that is where the real difference lies.  Like music, it is the space between the notes that makes it come alive.  Other wise it would just be some long droning note.  It is in the space between the notes, the space between the thoughts, the nothing that is really the energy of the universe shouting though the nothingness of its love for us.  And all neatly packaged in the passing of a snowflake.

May you experience and hear the grand energy in that space today.  Take the time.  Listen to the space between your thoughts.  You will find God there!  That’s just where he hides out in the open for us all to see.  His reminder today is a snowflake!

Miracle on Detroit Rd.

About a month ago we received a call from a gal who had stopped in the store and loved what she experienced here.  She is a young mother, works part time and was interested in seeing if we might need some help for the holidays.  Barb, my business partner, said that we were not in a position to hire but wanted to meet her so that if that ever changed at least a conversation could have been had.

When Barb and Maureen met, Maureen said she would be interested in volunteering.  NOW is that a MIRACLE of what!!  She’s great with people, she adds to the positive energy we always try to convey to our customers and is willing to do whatever it takes.  So today, I opened my Advent window to find Maureen, my miracle on Detroit Rd. 

So the take away from today.  Everyday, we need to strive to do two things.  One, be the miracle in someone else’s life.  Two, make sure you look for all the miracles that are in your life today.  They are there simply waiting to be discovered!  May you have a miracle filled day!!  And….Maureen, thank you for being my miracle today!

Turn It Over

My life and times and jobs have taken me close enough to 12-step programs to have heard the phrase, “Turn it over to God” on one or more occasion. Usually, it had to do with some insurmountable (or seeming so) issue of paramount importance at the moment, I had done everything I knew to do to make it different, or better or more tolerable and, at the end I was at a loss. Hense, turning it over seemed a good choice.

Turning it over was supposed to leave it in God’s hands to do what he willed. But what I found is that that was not what my Source ever has in store for me. When I’m asked to “Turn it over”, I’m asked to look at whatever the issue is from another side. So instead of handing the book of my life over to God, he hands it back to me and says, “Well, hey did you ever think of looking at it this way, or could you simply change your perspective here or there.”

That is the gift of today. Perspective. My choice to believe that, for example, this cancer has come for me, not to me. That is current disability is the source of my ability to do things that I would not normally be able to do. What a gift! I choose to make it a gift and no one else has the power to do that in my life. WOW!

So choose door #1 and turn it over. Whatever, it is in your life right now, try to look at it from a different perspective. What that says, very forcefully, is that you are responsible for your happiness and nothing you can do can shake that force.

It’s Time for the Advent Calendar

Funny how things pop into your head after years of absence. Out of the blue this morning, I thought about the advent calendars that we used to get around Christmas. Certainly if you grew up Catholic, you know the ones I’m speaking of. They had those little windows that opened up – one each for the last 25 days before Christmas, each little window revealing some special “something” that was to have acted as the present for the day or at least a thought for the day to get you head going in the right direction. It was a small, little ritual but it exemplified what the season could be – a waiting, a revealing - snippets of love and peace before the main event.

This is how my God speaks to me. In these remembrances, these urges to reconnect. It seems that the point, and not too subtle I might add, is that each and every day we need to actively look behind the veil of what seems to be to see the gift of what is. First we need to find the little opening, then spend the time examining the message and then wait for all the goodness to start up again the next day. Yep, I think that’s the message.

So here’s what I’d like to try to do… and if you’d like to come on along, that would be great. Starting tomorrow (December 1), I will share with you the gift of my day here in the Baker’s Blog. I’ll share with you what my Source shared with me and maybe that sharing can magnify the blessing and grace of the season for us all. Hope so. Let me know!!

A Huge Thank You

In a lot of ways we consider Carriage House to be a lot like "Cheers" without the alcohol. We may not know your name but there is that neighborhood recognition of folks knowing one another and even parts of their stories. We usually know about who's having babies, getting married - the good and the bad news about many of our customers' lives.

Well, as many of you know we have had some news of our own that actually began in March and continues though today. Liz, one of the owners, was diagnosed initially with breast cancer and then a totally separate lung cancer was diagnosed in April. Currently she is in chemo for the lung cancer and it will be a long process through this and then the rest of what needs to happen with the breast cancer.

We bring this up to you more because we want to explain why you are seeing so many different faces when you come into the bakery and one not around near as much as she used to be. Life happens and you deal with it. But we have also had the most loving, amazing, supportive folks who have stepped up to work and help and those who have come into the bakery just to check in and we want to thank all of you. You are the greatest.

So many have asked what they can do and you are doing it. KEEP COMING!! We need to keep this little bakery rolling along so it can be here for us all in the coming years. Thanks for your support and understanding.

We Are Better Than This

I started my professional career as a high school teacher in an all girls' Catholic High School here in Cleveland. As you might imagine, some of your time as a teacher was spent as a referee in the battles that took place between best friends, worst enemies and the whole range of possible relationships in between. When things had really degraded to the depths of misunderstanding, I would often try to move the participants to a "higher ground" by reminding them that they were "better than this" and that they needed to "show what they were really made of". Gratefully, I found that appealing to what is best in people usually worked and I could at least get them in their respective corners if not talking once again.

WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS. We are better than the cheap shots, condescending manners, and downright mean spirited tantrums that have become part of our "discourse". We CAN disagree about a topic without becoming enemies, without the mudslinging, without the personal barbs. Degrading someone into submission is not winning, it is simply another definition of rape -- pure and simple. And that is not America at it's best.

Making someone else look small does not make us bigger. It simply makes us appear larger. But illusion is always illusion regardless of how many people believe in it.

How We Greet Others Says A Lot About Us

As an old (read former) English major, I love "etymology" - finding out where words come from and what they actually mean. Lately, I've be struck by how hollow our "hello" is. Basically, it has no meaning but is simply "a shout to attract attention" that was used by Alexander Graham Bell when he first answered the telephone.

Contrast this with "namaste", a sanskrit word which means "all that it best in me salutes all that is best in you" or "I bow to you. The light in me honors the light within you". Some people have further defined the word as meaning "the god in me greets the god in you". Now that's a greeting!!!

How about what they say in eastern Tibet? "Tashi delay" which means "I honor the greatness in you. I honor the place in you where lives your courage, honor, love, hope and dreams." Wow!!

And instead of a handshake, which is a holdover from medieval times when you offered your empty hand to show that you did not have a sword in it, they bow in respect to one another, placing their hands in what is understood in any culture as a gesture of prayer- palms together, fingers raised to the heavens in the middle of the chest over their heart.

I wish I had the courage to be totally counter cultural and simply start to greet all my customers, friends and family with the more intimate greetings of the east. I really do believe that small changes like this might bring some civility back to our culture. But... alas, I have a business to run and I'm afraid folks would surely think I had totally lost it. This might work in California but the midwest rust belt - not so much.

However, what I can do is be present enough at each juncture in my day that I look at the person I am speaking to and say inwardly to that person, "namaste" or "tashi delay". I can look at them with enough respect to say, "the light in me greets the light in you". My bet is that in doing so, the way I treat them will change.

Who knows? Maybe, I will be bold. Isn't it sad that it is a difficult choice to be more loving?

Einstein said it best. "How many people are trapped in their everyday habits: part numb, part frightened, part indifferent? To have a better life we must keep choosing how we are living."

Pollyanna Had It Right

When I was growing up, my dad would often fault me for being such a "Pollyanna" and would suggest that he had never met anyone who was so "simple minded". Truth be known, like any good dad, he was simply trying to make sure that I wouldn't get hurt by being too trusting.

But the reality is that Pollyanna had it right. Simply by always looking for the good in people and in situations, she transformed an entire town and the people in it from a curmugeon's hide-a-way into a pleasant place to live. She accomplished this amazing feat by simply refusing to see the "dark side".

It would seem to me that we could use some of that unbridled optomism, or what people are calling positivity, right now. The truth is that what we given our attention to, we create both for ourselves and for our world. So isn't it about time that we focused on what is good and right instead of what is bad and wrong.

There is a wonderful story that emerges from the American Indian tradition. An old brave was telling his grandson that within every person there is a fight going on between two wolves. One is mean, cruel, pessimistic and hopeless. The other is joyful, optomistic, loving and hopeful. The little boy asked his grandfather, "So, which one wins?" To which the wise old man replies, "the one you feed".

It's time to stop feeding that negative side of ourselves. Turn off the 24/7 news channels and the talking - or more often, screaming - heads for a while. Take a newspaper "fast" for a week or two. Vow to look for the good in everyone you meet - especially the ones who grate on your last nerve. Be Pollyanna for a little while. You will be happier and so will everyone around you.

@ 2 for 60 for Peace

I'm a baker. Not a politician. Not a religious leader. Not an academic. I'm simply a baker. And I have a challenge for everyone who reads this. Starting TODAY and precisely at 2pm every day from now on you need to stop what you are doing and for 60 seconds think of, pray for and intend peace. For just one minute out of your day. And convince as many other people as you can to do the same thing as soon as possible.

Why? Because we are better than this. All of us, throughout the world. We are much better than we are allowing ourselves to be. And I believe that most of us know it and that we simply feel powerless to change it.

There is tremendous power in our thoughts, our prayers and our intentions. And when they are joined with just a few others, we can and do change things. Imagine the power if for just one minute a day hundreds of thousands of people were focusing their intention on one thing - peace. And, if we can get this message around the world, because of all the different time zones that 2 pm prayer will be happening all day long. Imagine the possibilities.

So here is our challenge. Make sure everyone you know knows about and commits to focus the power of their intention "@ 2 for 60" for peace. I know it's simple. I know that believing that we really can change the world would be considered by some as naive. I personally believe that it is not just a place to start but it could very well be THE start the world need to get back on track. Let's give it a try. We have everything to gain.

Let's watch this grow. Write back and let me know how it's going; what cities, states, countries and continents are participating. And, just as important, can anyone sense a change. Look for it. It will happen if we believe it will.