After all the work is said and done...
And there is still so much more that I earnestly hope and pray to accomplish with my life.
Perhaps, then, when I am all grown up, I can have some time to be a sun bum too.
Everyone deserves a little fun. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
December 11, 2019
What I Want to Be When I Grow Up (LOL)
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November 30, 2019
Jews, The People of Thanksgiving
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "Jews, The People of Thanksgiving."
Jews are the People of Thanksgiving not only on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year. We are thankful for being the chosen people and for our redemption and return to the Promised Land of Israel; we are thankful for the life and opportunities that G-d has given to us; we are thankful in good times and G-d forbid, in the bad times; and we are thankful because, yes, ultimately everything from G-d is for the good.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
This week was Thanksgiving (חג ההודיה), but for Jews we are already called, "The People of Thanksgiving. "We are named יהודים (Yehudim) after יהודה (Yehudah), the son of Isaac and Leah because Leah said (Genesis 29:35): "הפעם אודה את יהיה." ("This time let me thank G-d"). Also as Jews, we are not just called the People of Thanksgiving, but we are actively supposed to say 100 blessings a day thanking G-d, so in the true sense of the word, everyday is Thanksgiving Day for the Jewish people.
Jews are the People of Thanksgiving not only on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year. We are thankful for being the chosen people and for our redemption and return to the Promised Land of Israel; we are thankful for the life and opportunities that G-d has given to us; we are thankful in good times and G-d forbid, in the bad times; and we are thankful because, yes, ultimately everything from G-d is for the good.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Jews, The People of Thanksgiving
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November 28, 2019
November 27, 2019
Graffiti Art
I really love Graffiti Art!
Went to Wynwood Walls in Miami.
The art is just fantastic.
Better than the typical museum.
So creative.
So big.
So colorful.
So full of life.
They took a whole rundown neighborhood and made it cool and great.
On December 5, they will be opening the Museum of Graffiti.
Can't wait to go back and immerse myself in it! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
Graffiti Art
October 13, 2019
Filled With Love
Hearts and flowers.
Makes me feel filled with love!
Love, beautiful love. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Filled With Love
August 4, 2019
Open Your Eyes
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "Open Your Eyes to Hashem."
While we may think we are going about fulfilling our plans and accomplishing our life dreams, the truth is that everything ultimately comes from G-d. He gives you the strength, the health, the family and friends as support, the talent, the opportunity, and the right thoughts in your head and the right words in your mouth to do what you do. Of course, we must do our part and the hard work to find and fulfill our mission in life and to overcome the challenges we face, but we are flesh and blood and in the bigger realm of things, messengers of G-d in fulfilling his bigger plan for all of us. If we open our eyes, we realize that wherever we end up and whatever happens to us is by His merciful decree.
G-d has a plan and a reason for everything–not only for them, but for all of us. We are all on a journey, and even if we don’t always readily see G-d, it’s part of our core faith that He is always there, He is guiding us, and that everything is for the best. Yet despite our best efforts to have faith, at times, we may feel that we don’t know what we’re doing here–why we’re at this place, at this time, or even how we got here–we may actually feel a little lost. Maybe we just can rattle off a list of “Well I did this and then that and then this other thing happened.” But exactly how we got to where we are, regardless of our best laid plans, is often a mystery to us as human beings. As I often tell students and colleagues in the planning discipline of enterprise architecture, “Man plans, and G-d laughs.”
While we may think we are going about fulfilling our plans and accomplishing our life dreams, the truth is that everything ultimately comes from G-d. He gives you the strength, the health, the family and friends as support, the talent, the opportunity, and the right thoughts in your head and the right words in your mouth to do what you do. Of course, we must do our part and the hard work to find and fulfill our mission in life and to overcome the challenges we face, but we are flesh and blood and in the bigger realm of things, messengers of G-d in fulfilling his bigger plan for all of us. If we open our eyes, we realize that wherever we end up and whatever happens to us is by His merciful decree.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Open Your Eyes
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July 22, 2019
I will Survive
G-d gives us strength.
To battle ignorance, apathy, and evil.
To educate, persuade, influence, and fight for what's right.
With a thick skin of battle armor.
And sword and arrows of insight, cunning, and righteousness.
To stand firm even when you feel weakened.
To find the words even when you are mocked.
To see clearly and hear distinctly even when confounded.
The soul and spirit of G-d guides you.
As you traverse a journey through life's winding tests and challenges.
Fight heroically to repair that which is broken.
Say resolutely, I will survive! ;-)
I will Survive
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July 15, 2019
July 9, 2019
Smell The Flowers
Beautiful flowers.
G-d made them for us.
Soft petals.
Magnificent colors.
Fresh sweet smells.
The sound of rustling in the wind.
Absorbing the rays of sunshine.
Drinking the rain water.
Planted in the soil of the earth.
Magical flowers of life, love, and peace.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
G-d made them for us.
Soft petals.
Magnificent colors.
Fresh sweet smells.
The sound of rustling in the wind.
Absorbing the rays of sunshine.
Drinking the rain water.
Planted in the soil of the earth.
Magical flowers of life, love, and peace.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Smell The Flowers
June 25, 2019
Life = Growth
Thought this was an interesting photo at REI.
It says behind the cash registers:
The background has this serene river flow--along with some obvious whitewater.
But in front of it, the cash register area is hopping crazy and messy.
It's a contradiction--not unlike life itself which is full of it's own ups and downs that challenge us routinely.
Life is where we get the experience that shapes us and strengthens us, as long as it does not break us.
Life = Growth
Why else would we be here?
G-d is the best teacher. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
It says behind the cash registers:
People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. - Eleanor Roosevelt
The background has this serene river flow--along with some obvious whitewater.
But in front of it, the cash register area is hopping crazy and messy.
It's a contradiction--not unlike life itself which is full of it's own ups and downs that challenge us routinely.
Life is where we get the experience that shapes us and strengthens us, as long as it does not break us.
Life = Growth
Why else would we be here?
G-d is the best teacher. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Life = Growth
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April 29, 2019
Flowers and Bird
Just wanted to share this beautiful painting from Reuben in our synagogue.
I love the plethora of colorful flowers in the vase.
The sweet bird with it.
The verdant green background.
The unique etched wood frame.
Very happy...and all the world is okay. ;-)
(Source Photo of Reuben Art: Andy Blumenthal)
I love the plethora of colorful flowers in the vase.
The sweet bird with it.
The verdant green background.
The unique etched wood frame.
Very happy...and all the world is okay. ;-)
(Source Photo of Reuben Art: Andy Blumenthal)
Flowers and Bird
November 30, 2018
Life Is Like A Sailboat
Planning is a critical aspect of making progress toward your goals.
As they say;
However, planning is subject to life--and life happens!
One colleague of mine compared it to a sailboat, and our dialogue went something like this:
Hence, life is like a sailboat. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
As they say;
If you fail to plan, plan to fail.
However, planning is subject to life--and life happens!
One colleague of mine compared it to a sailboat, and our dialogue went something like this:
You set out on a course. But the wind and ocean current takes you here and there. Even as you try to steer the boat with the sails and rudder, sometimes you land on Gilligan's Island!
Hence, life is like a sailboat. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Life Is Like A Sailboat
September 9, 2018
Lessons In Teshuvah - Near-Death Experience
Great Video on the incredible Near Death Experience (NDE) of Rabbi Alon Anava.
What he experiences, sees, and is told can change lives forever.
What a perfect learning right before Rosh Hashanah.
Teshuvah, Tefillah, U'Tzedekah.
Shannah Tova! ;-)
Lessons In Teshuvah - Near-Death Experience
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August 25, 2018
An 80-Year-Old's Life Philosophy
So today an 80-year-old Algerian man sat our table for the Kiddush lunch after synagogue services.
And he talked quite a bit about his life philosophy and told me I was a good listener. :)
1) TRUE LOVE IS LIKE AN ORANGE:
A man and women that are meant to be together are like two sides of an orange. With his hands, he showed us putting the two sides together, twisting, and he goes, "You see it just clicks!"
2) WHEN LOVE IS NOT TRUE ITS LIKE TWO BIRDS IN A CAGE:
When a man and woman are not soulmates, maybe they just are meant to be together for a time to have children or make a home temporarily. But then, the birds need to leave the cage, and be free!
3) BURIED TOGETHER:
"When people are soulmates, they are buried together, next to each other. Otherwise, one is buried in Greece and the other in Hawaii, and it makes no difference because they are going their own ways in Heaven."
4) 80 HERE AND 20 HERE
He pointed to his belly and said, "I'm 80 here." And then pointed to his groin area, and said, "But I'm 20 here!"
5) WOMEN ONLY UNDER 40:
While he is 80, he claims to be robust in the bedroom, and "will never be with a woman over 40...not a day over!" He said, "It's like an old Cadillac!" Moreover, he said, if a woman is "not perfect" and has a scar like from having her appendix out, "forget it!"
6) WRITING, PLAYING GUITAR, AND DANCING:
He said, "I like to write, play guitar and dance." And with his arms, he makes some swoops like he is on the dance floor having a good time.
7) PEOPLE ARE LIKE CANDLES:
People are like candles. The body is like the wax that burns down, but the soul is the flame that always rises up. In the end, the soul ascends to heaven just like the flame.
8) INFINITELY STUPID:
He pointed to the yarmulke on top of his head and said: "You know what that means? This means that there is no limit to how stupid some people can be!"
8) YOU MAKE YOUR OWN LUCK:
I asked what he did for a living, and he said "Real estate, Jewelry, and even fashion salons." I said, "Wow, you're very fortunate!" He said, "No, in life, you make your own luck!"
10) RESPECT ME IF YOU WANT:
"You respect me, and I respect you. But frankly, I don't care if you respect me or not. You can do what you want, and so will I!" I said, "Ok, see you next week and we'll talk again." He said, "Maybe I will or maybe I won't talk to you ever again."
Like his philosophy or not, I never saw an 80-year-old with so much energy, life, and personality. Honestly, there are a lot of people half his age, who act more dead than alive. It was incredible to see this ageless person and hear what that's like. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal
And he talked quite a bit about his life philosophy and told me I was a good listener. :)
1) TRUE LOVE IS LIKE AN ORANGE:
A man and women that are meant to be together are like two sides of an orange. With his hands, he showed us putting the two sides together, twisting, and he goes, "You see it just clicks!"
2) WHEN LOVE IS NOT TRUE ITS LIKE TWO BIRDS IN A CAGE:
When a man and woman are not soulmates, maybe they just are meant to be together for a time to have children or make a home temporarily. But then, the birds need to leave the cage, and be free!
3) BURIED TOGETHER:
"When people are soulmates, they are buried together, next to each other. Otherwise, one is buried in Greece and the other in Hawaii, and it makes no difference because they are going their own ways in Heaven."
4) 80 HERE AND 20 HERE
He pointed to his belly and said, "I'm 80 here." And then pointed to his groin area, and said, "But I'm 20 here!"
5) WOMEN ONLY UNDER 40:
While he is 80, he claims to be robust in the bedroom, and "will never be with a woman over 40...not a day over!" He said, "It's like an old Cadillac!" Moreover, he said, if a woman is "not perfect" and has a scar like from having her appendix out, "forget it!"
6) WRITING, PLAYING GUITAR, AND DANCING:
He said, "I like to write, play guitar and dance." And with his arms, he makes some swoops like he is on the dance floor having a good time.
7) PEOPLE ARE LIKE CANDLES:
People are like candles. The body is like the wax that burns down, but the soul is the flame that always rises up. In the end, the soul ascends to heaven just like the flame.
8) INFINITELY STUPID:
He pointed to the yarmulke on top of his head and said: "You know what that means? This means that there is no limit to how stupid some people can be!"
8) YOU MAKE YOUR OWN LUCK:
I asked what he did for a living, and he said "Real estate, Jewelry, and even fashion salons." I said, "Wow, you're very fortunate!" He said, "No, in life, you make your own luck!"
10) RESPECT ME IF YOU WANT:
"You respect me, and I respect you. But frankly, I don't care if you respect me or not. You can do what you want, and so will I!" I said, "Ok, see you next week and we'll talk again." He said, "Maybe I will or maybe I won't talk to you ever again."
Like his philosophy or not, I never saw an 80-year-old with so much energy, life, and personality. Honestly, there are a lot of people half his age, who act more dead than alive. It was incredible to see this ageless person and hear what that's like. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal
An 80-Year-Old's Life Philosophy
July 18, 2018
Rain From Heaven
Took this photo yesterday in the courtyard during a thunderstorm.
It is the first time that I was actually able to see the rain almost in a slow motion.
They weren't drops, but literally streaks of water zipping down from the sky.
The feeling was so pure and refreshing to clean the air and the ground.
To replenish our reservoirs, ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans.
To nourish the fruit of the Earth and make it grow.
We use up and make dirty, but G-d replenishes and makes clean! ;-)
(Source photo: Andy Blumenthal)
It is the first time that I was actually able to see the rain almost in a slow motion.
They weren't drops, but literally streaks of water zipping down from the sky.
The feeling was so pure and refreshing to clean the air and the ground.
To replenish our reservoirs, ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans.
To nourish the fruit of the Earth and make it grow.
We use up and make dirty, but G-d replenishes and makes clean! ;-)
(Source photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Rain From Heaven
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June 29, 2018
Don't Worry--Be Happy!
Happy Friday everyone!
Yesterday, someone gave me a couple of these bright yellow smileys--one on the back of each of my hands.
I was going around waving these happy faces all day.
Of course, sitting in meetings was a little weird with these on, but then again, maybe that is part of setting a colorful and happy tone.
It's funny how a little smile sticker can make the whole world seem right again.
Maybe we can learn to live life, love life, and make the most of every single day.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Yesterday, someone gave me a couple of these bright yellow smileys--one on the back of each of my hands.
I was going around waving these happy faces all day.
Of course, sitting in meetings was a little weird with these on, but then again, maybe that is part of setting a colorful and happy tone.
It's funny how a little smile sticker can make the whole world seem right again.
Maybe we can learn to live life, love life, and make the most of every single day.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Don't Worry--Be Happy!
November 2, 2017
If I Could Be Anyone(s)
So someone asked me a very deep personal question.
I was on the spot a little and didn't have time to introspect the way I like to do, and I gave an answer that I really wasn't happy with...and it's been bothering me since.
So sitting down now and really thinking about who I want to be--this is my real answer:
As a composite person, I want to have the:
- Lovingkindness of Mother Teresa
- Serenity of the Dalai Lama
- Spirituality of Moses
- Determination of Rocky
- Leadership of Rick Grimes
- Strength of Samson
- Agility of Bruce Lee
- Intellect of Sigmund Freud
- Understanding of Albert Einstein
- Ingenuity of Steve Jobs
- Inquisitiveness of Capt. James T. Kirk
- Bravery of those martyred in the Holocaust
- Heroism of Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu
- Beauty of my wife and daughters
- The integrity of my dear father, Fred Blumenthal
What would I want to do--just simple things like:
- Cure Cancer, Parkinsons, ALS, etc.
- Eliminate poverty
- Herald in world peace
- Help/comfort those that are hurt and suffering
- Make people smile/happy
- Be a good person with integrity in all situations
I could probably go on and on, but generally this is what life means to me.
Maybe today, I ain't the smartest or fastest or strongest, but I have dreams, hopes, and aspirations.
If that isn't good enough, well at least I have a heart and a soul. ;-)
(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
"If you had $20 million dollars and could do whatever you want (be whoever you want), what would that be?"
I was on the spot a little and didn't have time to introspect the way I like to do, and I gave an answer that I really wasn't happy with...and it's been bothering me since.
So sitting down now and really thinking about who I want to be--this is my real answer:
As a composite person, I want to have the:
- Lovingkindness of Mother Teresa
- Serenity of the Dalai Lama
- Spirituality of Moses
- Determination of Rocky
- Leadership of Rick Grimes
- Strength of Samson
- Agility of Bruce Lee
- Intellect of Sigmund Freud
- Understanding of Albert Einstein
- Ingenuity of Steve Jobs
- Inquisitiveness of Capt. James T. Kirk
- Bravery of those martyred in the Holocaust
- Heroism of Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu
- Beauty of my wife and daughters
- The integrity of my dear father, Fred Blumenthal
What would I want to do--just simple things like:
- Cure Cancer, Parkinsons, ALS, etc.
- Eliminate poverty
- Herald in world peace
- Help/comfort those that are hurt and suffering
- Make people smile/happy
- Be a good person with integrity in all situations
I could probably go on and on, but generally this is what life means to me.
Maybe today, I ain't the smartest or fastest or strongest, but I have dreams, hopes, and aspirations.
If that isn't good enough, well at least I have a heart and a soul. ;-)
(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
If I Could Be Anyone(s)
July 26, 2017
Faces of The Metro and The Times
Is it the Metro?
Is it Washington, D.C.?
Is it their work?
Is it family issues?
Is it the economy?
Is it health problems?
For a superpower country with supposed incredible wealth, might, and freedom to enjoy it all--what the heck is going on.
Should we blame the politics and fighting?
Should we blame the fake news optics?
Should we blame our gnawing adversaries (Axis of Evil Russia, Iran, North Korea...)?
Should we blame materialism and consumerism (and a corresponding lack of spirituality and values in our lives)?
We have the greatest advances in history--revolutionizing energy, transportation, healthcare, communications, and more--so much to advance our well-being, to savor, and seemingly endless more to come.
Why aren't people smiling?
Why aren't people jumping for joy more?
Why aren't people even awake with eyes open to enjoy the life's journey?
There should be great hope in the future--with fruitful life there is hope and with hope there is excitement and joy--but without hope all is meaningless and lost.
What is going on out there--psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, clergy?
We are trying to do everything right.
So where are we going wrong-wrong-wrong? ;-)
(Source Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
Faces of The Metro and The Times
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June 2, 2017
March 31, 2017
Shabbat Candle Holders with Gorgeous Flowers
These are our new Shabbat candlestick holders.
So colorful, and full of nature and life, and it makes me happy.
I just wanted to give a callout to Mira (Pinki) Krispil from Ashdod, Israel who makes this beautiful artwork.
Her expertise is in using polymer clay and glass and making it very special.
You can find her Mira's wonderful work on Etsy.
Enjoy and Shabbat Shalom!
So colorful, and full of nature and life, and it makes me happy.
I just wanted to give a callout to Mira (Pinki) Krispil from Ashdod, Israel who makes this beautiful artwork.
Her expertise is in using polymer clay and glass and making it very special.
You can find her Mira's wonderful work on Etsy.
Enjoy and Shabbat Shalom!
Shabbat Candle Holders with Gorgeous Flowers
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