http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts.html Interesting discussion about introverts and extroverts and working together.  We are all unique and beautiful in our way.  Namaste.

The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
My mother's life was the ultimate example of living the golden rule.  She sought to teach her children and grandchildren to do the same and I hope to pass on her legacy of love and respect.  My life was blessed by her presence and I miss her dearly.  Thank you, Mom, for the unconditional love you gave to your family and for teaching us to love others and love life!

Namaste: The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. In Sanskrit the word is namah + te = namaste which means “I bow to you” - my greetings to you. "The spirit in me respects the spirit in you."

Because laughter is good medicine... I watch Raising Hope.  The family's lifestyle is about as far from my own as I can imagine yet, we have many values in common.  What beauty I see in diversity!  :-)

My children are already aware of the roll of government and wish they could vote! 

Did you know... as President Ron Paul would take a yearly salary of $39,336, equal to the average US workers salary, instead of the current President's $400,000 salary?

Information from http://www.ronpaulbrochure.com/

Since this is an election year and political decisions directly impact our lives, I've been doing lots of research to make an informed decision.  I found this list of questions on another mother's blog (mitchellworks.com) and will be asking these questions myself from now on! 

From mitchellworks.com:
I’m also learning to ask these questions about candidates for elected office — and this will apply far beyond this election cycle. I will ask:

• Which of all these candidates has demonstrated both Liber and Public Virtue?
• Which one has read, lived and studied history and causality?
• Which one consistently compares issues to the Founders’ yardstick?
• Which, through his or her actions, has demonstrated his or her self-view as a servant of the public, not a master of such?
• Which one has made the sometimes hard and unpopular choices to defend liberty and national sovereignty?

Note: Liber is the quality of being able to think, speak and reason.

Books Read in 2012:
Dinotopia 1 & 2 by James Guerney
Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell
Declaration of Independence
The Secret Destiny of America by Manly P. Hall
Teach Your Own by John Holt
Vanish by Sophie Jordan
Heartlight by T.A. Barron
The Ancient One by T.A. Barron
Treegirl by T.A. Barron
A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L' Engle
Revolution by Ron Paul
Unschooling by Sara McGrath
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger