ONCE IN A BLUE MOON...

Jillian B Hart
Hello... It's been a while... 
That happen sometimes in life.  Sometimes more then others. Somethings go in and out of our lives.  Some people go in and out of our lives.  Yet remain in our hearts.  Precious and treasured beyond words.  Feelings and reflections that words can't explain.  Those rare moments that are breath taking.  That steal the breath from your lungs.  When memories swim in your eyes and escape down your cheeks. People that do that to you.  That connect to your soul are rare.  They fill up darkness with brilliant blaze. Like a full moon decorates the endless ebony night.  They touch places inside of you that you didn't know you could feel.  Give you a high that compares with nothing except those moments that are exceptional, those moments that happen once in a blue moon.   

It's been almost three years since the last blue moon. If you are a lunar gazer like me, you'll be stepping outside to take in the extraordinary view tomorrow night.  A full moon - much like any other... yet has special significance. Like those people who are forever linked to you with heartstrings.  Others may see just another friend... yet you know that their impact on you has been a force of light in your life... a rare treasure, something that happens "once in a blue moon"... your life without them, no matter how big or small the role they currently play, is inconceivable.  

Look at that moon.  It doesn't come again for a long time.  Breathe it in and think about who is in your thoughts and envision all those that fill up your heart. That have left footprints on your soul.  Be sure to catch a moonbeam and make a wish for your "Harts" desire!  Take a moment and have gratitude for all that was, all that wasn't, all that is, and all that will be... That's what life is, a series of moments shared with those you love that makes you who you are today. My poem, Walk Me To The Moon, is dedicated to the "Blue Moons" of my life... not having them, not having those rare moments, is unimaginable!  XOXO

WALK ME TO THE MOON
Walk me to the moon
To the place

Where all that we once imagined might be

That place that dreams could touch

Above and beyond the light

Untouchable triumph and majesty

Banishing darkness in a sea of stars

In what was once our field of dreams 

Walk me to the moon

To that place I still dare to remember

Young love... 

Faithful, constant, bright & foolish... 

Believing you never run out of time. 

The willingness to give

Without getting in return

Without needing. 

Knowing you are enough. 

Walk me to the moon

To that place I think of 

With a haunted flutter in my heart

when memories swim in my eyes and escape down my cheeks

Bathed in a light once so pure 

That it blinded us

Walk me to the moon

That place daydreams are made of

Lift me on the summer breeze

And angel wings

To that place that cannot be

But forever is

Walk me to the moon

That place in your heart

With the warm glow

It cannot be hidden

Like the full moon's light

It'll always be... 

Whenever you need it

Feel the warmth - that's where I'll be

Wrapped around you embraced by our memory

Walk me to the moon

That place where I see the reflection 

Of smiling eyes... 

Brighter then sunshine

Where healing goes on and life survives

Banishing darkness in a sea of wishes, in that endless sea of stars

Loving your life doesn't mean that you forget having been blinded too

Walk me to the moon

That place where Memories... 

Always paint a picture in the sky

Every detail changes

Yet the love remains the same 

Love and light are eternal 
Flood me with warmth
that forever dances in my dreams
brilliant as moonbeams at ebony's darkest edge

MORE FOR LESS!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

 

More for less, that's what everyone wants. Whether it's more gallons of gas per dollar, more ounces of product in a container for  less of a price, or more skymiles per purchase, we all want more for less. That's OK. There's nothing wrong with wanting value for our hard earned money.

It's also OK for an employer to want value for the salary they pay. This means, no facebook, cellphone, crossword puzzles,or online shopping when an employee is supposed to be working. This is only reasonable. The employer, in turn should provide the following:

An employee should have a totally free rest break of 20 minutes if they are working 6 hours. For an 8 hour day, a half hour lunch break should be given.
The requirements are:*the break must be in one block*it cannot be taken off one end of the working day - it must be   somewhere in the middle*you are allowed to spend it away from the place on your employer's premises where you work *your employer can say when the break must be taken, as long as it meets these conditions
Obviously, there are exceptions to this. Each workers' individual contract should outline his or her rights and benefits.

An employer cannot expect employees to work "on their own time" unless this is stipulated in their contract. Phone conferences during vacations, checking and answering business calls, email and voicemail, etc is becoming more and more "expected" by employers. Because of the economy, they feel they can ask what they want and if the employee complains they're told "You should be grateful to even have a job." What does this say about our country? I find it very discouraging.

It's not just big business. It's schools systems bleeding teachers dry, even young students, working to help pay for school , are victims of this kind of thinking. I know a boy who was hired to work 20 hours a week while he went to college full time. His boss increased his hours a few hours here, a few hours there, and now he's working full time with no benefits, no health benefits , no sick days and no vacation.  He had to drop 2 classes to keep up because he couldn't afford to lose the job to pay for rent and tuition.

Why can't workers just do their absolute best during their working hours and bosses value and respect them and give them the pay and benefits they deserve? Every day I worked as a teacher and assistant principal, I tried to put in 110%. Some days I was more successful than others, but the effort and dedication was there. At times, I was fortunate enough to have a boss that recognized my efforts and treated me fairly and with respect. Other times, I was neither appreciated , nor given the respect I was due. I can tell you that I always tried hard, but inevitably I gave that much more to the boss who respected me. It's only human nature!

A friend of mine is a dentist. He's an amazing individual. He not only values and respects his employees, he provides opportunities for professional development at his expense. He's taken his staff (and spouses) on cruises, done team building fun activities with them, and takes them out to lunch or dinner every so often. I'm sure he does even more that I'm not aware of. His staff adore him and it shows in the quality of their work, their dedication, the atmosphere in the office, and the kind an patient treatment of the clients. The man is a genius. He found a way to have a totally loyal and super productive staff while having fun! I also have to point out, that the staff  is made up of hard working, professional individuals who would give an honest day's work even without the perks. The extras just keep morale and positive energy high!

Well, I'm done preaching. I'll get down off my soap box now. I just had to speak up for some people I know on both sides of the time clock - bosses and employees.
Have a great week, and always, give it your best!