“What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility – a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task,” Barack Obama, 44th president of the United States.

I find it inspiring when men rise above their own being and allow others to see the rawness of spirit.

On occasion we get to see this from those that lead or intend to lead, and for a brief moment we unite with the intention and beckon a dawn of hope.

Through-out the inauguration ceremonies we saw American rituals with respect to the transition of power in our government. These procession of events allows a nation to peacefully and visually acknowledge change; many of the rituals now have become tradition as one president steps down and the other rises to command.

President Barack Obama was sworn in using the same bible Lincoln used in 1861, invoking the memory of the great emancipator indicates the strategic thinking of our new president.

Daisy Says: Even a nation can come united in ritual.

This morning I invited George to come with me to pick up some fresh bread at Panera bakery so that we could make a special treat with coffee, plus I wanted to give a Honey Wheat loaf to one of my partners who was stopping by to discuss a file.

After we had arrived home with some delicious Orange Scones, he surprised me with a monologue. It was truly wonderful treat – I don’t know if I enjoyed the punch of the dialogue, the faces and gestures that accompanied it or.. just his attempt to imitate my voice and jump back into his voice as he flipped in and out of roles.

He said you don’t think I know what’s going through your head, *he so totally caught me off guard* … and as he sat sipping his coffee and enjoying his scone, he went into the animated monologue of the morning event:

DAISY: Oh George, let’s go to Panera’s and get some fresh bread.
GEORGE: Okay
DAISY: *great I dont’ have to drive! I’ll just sit in the car and enjoy the morning air, the people walking, the birds flying*
GEORGE: *assumes his drivers role and begins talking business*
DAISY: *smiles, roles down window and takes in the crisp morning air*
DAISY: yes George.
DAISY: *begins to agree with George. thinking: why does he have to talk, can’t he just enjoy the scenery?* *looks over at George and smiles*

~ they pull into the parking lot and exit vehicle.

GEORGE: *looks over at Daisy*
DAISY: *she looks at him and flashes her smile, then glances at window and catches her image. thinking: he’s looking at my booty, he thinks it’s cute…uh-huh, perfect choice of pants my booty looks cute… he’s smiling*
GEORGE: *standing at the counter by the bagels*
CLERK: Next
GEORGE: I’ll have an ET bagel. *looks at Daisy*
DAISY: *smiles at George and looks at assortment of delicious baked danishes, scones, and pastries in the display counter ~ looks over at him one more time with her big brown eyes ~ this time beams over even a cuter smile*
GEORGE: *looks at Daisy* What kind will you have?
DAISY: Bagels? Do you really want bagels? *thinking: so predictable. still looking at assortments* Do you think Geordan wants a bagel?
GEORGE: We don’t have cream cheese.
DAISY: *smiles* *thinking: I know, that’s why we’re not doing bagels this morning ~ great time to try something new. after 17 years hasn’t he figured out how I like variety?*
GEORGE: *thinking: it’s 18 yrs*
DAISY: Look at all these great assortments! Would you like to try some of the Pecan Raisin Braid?
GEORGE: *walks over to display counter*
GEORGE: Okay
DAISY: Oh George look at the breads! We’ll take that Honey Wheat loaf for Ana. oooh look at the Three Cheese bread!
DAISY: *let’s push it, let me see what he says when I point at the big one.*
DAISY: oh George, look at the big one! the one in the middle.
GEORGE: Three Cheese. Okay.
GEORGE: *I’ll play along, she knows I won’t say no to her.*

CLERK: Will that be all?

————
When it comes to communication among both sexes we need to understand that there are inherent differences in how men and women communicate… coming to that understanding we then won’t expect the impossible from each other.

I may be wrong here, *coming from a woman’s observation*, for males, communication is a way to keep himself from being pushed around and a way for him to maintain his independence. As for females, woman’s communication with her partner is her attempt to connect to him–she’s not just talking to talk, nor is she trying to change him.

The inherent differences are… for women “talking” is their way to establish connection and for men, ‘doing things’ is how they connect.

Here it is in a nutshell for men: to your mate, respond to her and share more of yourself, in a way she can understand, remember when she talks with you… she does not want ‘advice’…. just talk, this shows her that you are not pushing her away, it let’s her know that you do love her and want to be close to her. For women: DO more with your man and be a part of his world but DON’T encroach and ‘tell’ him what to do – it is in his nature to lead.

Daisy Says: Never underestimate your partner.

With all his flaws, I would not change my dad for any other. Even though my dad was stern, it was his way of providing stabilty and strength for our family.

My father lives his life not by the expectations of others, but by the way his spirit guides him. He’s never asked us to ‘become famous nor rich’ … but has only asked us to strive to be the best person for ourselves and to seek inner happiness. Family was always first for him and as I look back at the years with my dad, I now see all the sacrifices he made to ensure that we had the best he could give us…and we always had the best of him, his love, affection, and courage.

Early in my teenage years, I remember my dad being bed ridden for a long period of time and then having to walk around with a cane, in his early thirties he hurt his spine in an accident at his work. My father never stopped dreaming of providing for us.

I dedicate this song for you papi: by Julio Iglesias: Gozar la Vida (enjoy life)

What my dad has left in my heart is the twinkle for life, the joy of music and dance, the laughter of friends, the discipline of work, the search for internal courage and the love of family.

Happy Father’s Day, papi! ~ “Feliz Dia de los Padres”
and to all the wonderful dads out there, keep up the great work~

Daisy Says: ~~~ PAPI, I LOVE YOU.

1. They like a good gossip. They can put women to shame when they get going.

2. They actually are weight conscious.

3. They are great shoppers.

4. They will try to get away with as much as they can if you let them.

5. Once they get hooked on a T.V. show they like…they are worse then women and soap operas.

6. They are sensitive. For every strength they have, they can be so tender.

7. They love ice cream.

8. You can’t seperate a man and his piece of ham.

Daisy Says: Men, they’re wonderful!