Once upon a time, in a land far, far away…ok, not THAT long ago, and not far away at all…there once was a motivational speaker named Leo Buscaglia. When it came to motivating, inspiring and loving others…Leo was awesomeness on steroids.

He would speak on PBS, Channel 13 in Dallas/Fort Worth several times a year. Primarily, during their annual membership drive, he would deliver several amazing talks to the masses and peddle his books.

For a young, easily influenced mind of 13 years old, it was motivational-speaker-love-at-first-sight. Leo spoke to my heart and soul.

One of the most memorable things I remember him sharing was a story about how he had been trained as a child to lie in bed at night and ask himself, “Leo, What! did you learn today?”

I adored that idea. And adopted it for my own life. While my family accuses me of being the perpetual student, that isn’t too short of the mark. I do like to learn something each day. Doesn’t make me all bad. Nor does asking myself each night, what was it I learned today? Or what was it I did?

This evening, I was reminded of Leo when talking to my Mother on the phone and making Chicken Paprikash to take to work and share with my new friend and partner in crime. While she relayed she had done very little…I know my Momma, and I knew better.

So I ask myself, What WAS it I learned today? What was it I did?

Well, today, I learned that NOT all first impressions are accurate. I learned that some people may need a little more motivation than I am willing to give…if I want to keep my boundaries within reason. I learned that there really are some nice people at work! (see first impressions!) I learned that even if you only have half of the type of paprika you need for a recipe, you can substitute and still make it work. And I learned that of all of the things I accomplished today, that list doesn’t have to be completely crossed off to feel like I have put in a full day.

Nadine and Leo would like to know…What did YOU learn today?

Inquiringly yours,

Nadine Bodine

Your Very BEST friend in the whole entire world

Lent, it’s not just for Catholics anymore! OK, it was never just for Catholics, in spite of many myths.
For 46 days between Ash Wednesday (that would be the day after tomorrow) and Easter Sunday, many people fast and pray. Of course for Catholics and surprisingly for a number of Protestants the ritual of placing ashes from the previous year’s Palm Sunday on the forehead of the believer is a symbol of mourning and repentance. OK, history lesson over. Fast forward to find a few good reasons why observing lent is a good idea for anyone.

1. You can get back on the wagon. You know the one you fell off, shortly after New Year’s Eve? Where you swore in blood with your BFF you would never again mix your liquors after mixing beer, with wine, with Midori melon shots and a nice finish of Champagne and sing Karaoke. Here’s your second chance to be good.

2. Because grief can be good if you are honest about your grief and you have given it the time you need to ‘get over it.’ We’ve all felt that special sadness at having to throw away our favorite sweat pants because the waist band is shot and you can’t wear your belly shirt with a pair of pants held up by some twine and rainbow suspenders now can you? Or can you? Hum.

3. Cause we all need forgiveness and we all need to forgive someone. Especially, YOU, (insert your HFTP name here.) Grace goes a long way in the trailer park. My mantra just last year was “Let it Go…or be dragged.” Sometimes I’m a sage.

4. Because repenting means you’re sorry. And not like that stupid 60’s movie where the guy says “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Blech! If you’re truly in love, you’re always sorry about some fool thing you’ve done. But at least you are remorseful about it.

5. Because fasting makes you skinny! Nothing like a good cleanse through the Lent season. No alcohol. No sugar. No cheeseburgers (WHAT? Is she crazy?) No swear words. No Chocolate. (OK, we’ve gone a step too far now! Back up the Lent truck!)

6. And finally because sacrifice is good for your heart and soul. It doesn’t have to be ‘giving’ something up, because a sacrifice of your time or talent could give someone a special joy they’ve never experienced. Doing something nice for somebody, like watching their 12 kids for the day while they go out with their old man for a scooter ride is a really nice gesture. Or offering to clean out their little shed near their trailer
This year, like years past, I’m giving up sugar, chocolate and a new addition never attempted before…cuss words. Because I don’t cuss like a sailor (you wish)..I cuss like a nurse!
Would love to hear what you’re giving up for Lent. Please post or comment below, but keep it clean!

Penitently yours,

Nadine Bodine

Your very best friend in the whole entire world!