The Aging Population is More than a Demographic
Strength of body and will
now a shadow of that man
fights and pleads with his eyes
we don’t speak the same language
there is understanding and love
his voice now quieted to a murmur
indistinguishable
we bear gifts and smiles
cheeks hot with tears
he is not mine to set free
he longs for his life
he is ready to go
home
four kisses and we’re gone
he waits and pleads with his eyes
Filed under Just Life, Social Issues | Comments (2)
The Cleavage Campaign
- We have more to offer.
What do you think of the German Political Campaign poster making headlines around the world this summer? Scandalous, using sex to sell? Objectifiying women’s bodies to get votes? A sleazy superficial PR stunt in a time of serious political and economic issues to address?
As a modern feminist, personally engaged in the daily pursuit of helping women achieve professional success and equality, I have to ask myself, “Why do I love this campaign poster?”.
My first reaction was shock at the sight of Chancellor Merkel’s Cleavage. Somehow I missed the global coverage (or lack there of) by tabloids like the NY Times, when she revelaed debuted the dress at the Opening of Oslo’s Opera House last year.
It was the reactions of the German voters interviewed on the streets by CNN this week that won we over to Vera Lengsfeld’s camp(aign). Many of those interviewed were not impressed, some amused, but most were uptight and therefore support Vera Lengsfeld’s claim that Germans need to both wake up and lighten up, in general.
Vera Lengsfeld ‘s decision to build a campaign around this photo is to some, offensive, but to me, brilliant. Irony wins. First of all, she is from the Christian Democartic Party. How funny is that? From a Marketing perspective, she knows her target market (not conservatives). Her electoral district is known as alternative and overwhelmingly in support of the more liberal Green Party.
Filed under Politics, Women | Comment (0)
The Stifling Standstill of August
We each have our own excuses; reasonable and well rehearsed arguments about why we couldn’t possibly do more, accomplish more, follow our dreams or do things any differently than we have always done.
We treasure these excuses; cling to them, and over time they custom fit our lives. The stories we tell ourselves shield us from our own expectations and life’s disappointments.
What is your favorite excuse? Most of our collective excuses add up to being too busy, too tired or too late for greatness.
Something scary happens in Europe each summer. The world screeches to a halt. Entire populations vanish from cities for weeks at a time. Routines and schedules are thrown out the window. There are very few expectations or demands on anyone’s time. Even after spending weeks on an adventure or frolicking at the beach with friends or family, you return to your daily life to find it playing out in slow motion. While the relaxed pace is something to savor, the stillness of summer may be whispering something you do not want to hear.
In this moment, you are not too busy for greatness. So,what are you waiting for?
Well the truth is that without deadlines looming or momentum building, it isn’t easy to launch yourself onto a new path directly from an August standstill.
With time on your hands, do you dare to discover what is really holding you back? You could always join the crowd sunning themselves at the café around the corner and enjoy a nice chilled rosé while you ponder this thought. I’ll meet you there.
Filed under Inspiring, Just Life | Comment (1)
