“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Over the weekend, Brendan and I met up with some friends to take a walk around Orlando’s Harry P. Leu Gardens. The beautiful gardens situated on Lake Rowena were donated to the city over 50 years ago by Mr. and Mrs. Leu. It does my heart good to think that there is at least this one piece of land that is safe from developers.
Of course Leu Gardens is much more than just a developer’s wet dream denied, there’s lots to learn. For example, it’s interesting to me that they have a policy not to protect the plants from the weather; instead the study the effects of climate on the plants. So when you go to the gardens right now, you will see how some plants were damaged by our recent freezing temperatures and wonder why other weren’t.
Brendan and I have a membership to Leu Gardens, so we can visit whenever we like and it is a small way to support a treasured Orlando institution. One of the perks of having a membership is that it is “reciprocal” meaning you can use it at other gardens around America. Imagine going on vacation and having something free to do, right off the bat!
If you want to test it out first, Leu Gardens is celebrating its 50th year by giving you free admission on your birthday during 2011. Check out LeuGardens.org for details.
Drooling Jackal Syndrome
Oprah Talks to Julie Taymor
I love Julie Taymor. I’ve often said I would kick a puppy to work with her. She is one of those brilliant people who I know I’d play hell trying to keep up with, but I wouldn’t mind a bit. So it gets under my skin each time I hear someone speak ill of her new show Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. Don’t get me wrong, I not referring someone who went to see it and says it isn’t their cup of tea. I’m talking about people who gobbled up any bit of bad news about the show – over budget, delayed opening, injuries – with absolute glee. I’ve decided to name this mentality the Drooling Jackal Syndrome. People – ironically, they are usually people who purport to love theatre – who delight in flops.
Hopefully a few of these jackals will take a look at this Taymor interview by none other than Oprah Winfrey. Truly, you can only admire her journey of bringing this web-slinging tale to life in epic form. When an artist approaches their work with such honesty and passion, they deserve our support and admiration.
By the way Julie, the puppy kicking offer is always open!
One Less Thing to Worry About
Cleaning for a Reason
A couple of weeks ago, we had a get together at my house in honor of my birthday. One of my friends was able to attend even though she’s going through treatment for cancer. I was a little stunned to find out, as she was leaving, that she wasn’t feeling well and hadn’t been feeling well all night. Being there was important to her, so she gathered herself up and made it. If you had been there, you would have had no idea. I’m in awe of my friend and reminded of the resilience of the human spirit. I thought of her when my editor, Jamie, sent me the link to this awesome organization that cleans the house of women going through cancer. They can use their energy to concentrate on getting better instead of worrying about dustbunnies. If you know someone braving cancer, refer them to Cleaning for a Reason; they select 50 applicants a day.
A Candle for Madiba
46664
As I write this, Nelson Mandela is gravely ill. I learned of his condition on NPR and they mention that people in Africa were keeping a candle lit, so I lit one when I got home. Near the end of my life, if you ask me to list 10 people I’ve been impressed with in my life, he would have to be on it. Though he has many amazing qualities, I have mainly been struck by his capacity for forgiveness. “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy,” he has said. “Then he becomes your partner.” This is a man who has made friends with the guards who kept him in prison. We can all learn something from him.
This Ripple is for 46664, the AIDS organization that Mandela started to help combat the pandemic in his home country. The name is actually Mandela’s prison number. It was standard practice during the apartheid regime to reduce people to nameless numbers. Mandela uses his number here to remind us that we should never look at another human that way. Such a powerful point to remember that we must remember the numbers of individuals dealing with HIV/AIDS are people – it humanizes the matter in a way that inspires us to action.
Lace Up Your Sneakers!
AIDS Walk Orlando 2011
Speaking of action, for the second year in a row, my Watermark cronies and I will be strapping on our sneakers for AIDS Walk Orlando. If you are so inclined, please donate to our team or one of its members. Better yet, why don’t you become a part of our team and help us raise even more money from your family and friends? (Special thanks to Watermark staffer Erik Caban of Fire Down Below fame for setting up our team!)
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Out of the Darkness Community Walk
Scottie’s Donation Page
If you like what you read here, maybe you’d like to help me in my efforts to save the world? The next thing I’m working on is raising money for the Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Baldwin Park on February 5. This will be my first time walking in this annual event that raises money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
