Morals

Last night, I read the editorial section in the local newspaper. Often you will find letters from people debating various topics from land rights to fishing rights to abortion rights. I am open to reading the differing opinions. This time, one article in particular bothered me. It was written by a local pastor about being moral. I could not help myself and went straight to my favorite website....Merriam-Webster....online dictionary.

5 entries found for moral.
moral[1,adjective]moral[2,noun]moral hazardmoral philosophyZorrilla y Moral

Main Entry: 1mor·al
Pronunciation: 'mor-&l, 'mär-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin moralis, from mor-, mos custom
1 a : of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior : ETHICAL
b : expressing or teaching a conception of right behavior
c : conforming to a standard of right behavior
d : sanctioned by or operative on one's conscience or ethical judgment
e : capable of right and wrong action
2 : probable though not proved : VIRTUAL
3 : having the effects of such on the mind, confidence, or will

According to m-w.com, moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong. My question is who's codes or notions????

Conformity is a word I do not like or agree with. It lacks independence and individuality and reminds me too much of assimilation. I do not want to conform. I just want to be me. In reality, I know I have. I love Martha Stewart and her organizational ideas. I work and go to school to take care of my family and improve our lives. I vote. I don't litter. I seek my own version of the American Dream. I seek middle-class and a happy life far beyond what we have existed in. This is my choice. This is what I seek to achieve....a home of our own. Somewhere along the way, I learned this is what I needed to do and this is where I needed to go. The great thing about my dream is that I chose it....it is mine. Although others may share it, my dream has been personalized to my own choices and my own likes. It has flairs of my personality and my non-conforming ways. It is just me.

Being that I like to make my own choices, it brings us back to the question of who's codes or notions when determining morality????

Is it the legal determination of what we can do and can not do that defines if an act is moral? What about religion? How often does religion affect the affairs of the State. Are they not suppose to be kept separate? And exactly what religion is ok to be place upon all of us equally in regards to morality?

As a Native American, I struggle with the use of religion in determining morality. After many decades of attempting to eliminate the history and religious practices of Native Americans, Congress passed a resolution on August 11, 1978 to protect and preserve their religious cultural rights and practices. So, in the Land of the Free, my grandmother did not have the freedom to practice her own religious beliefs until she was 48 years old.

Back to morality, if it is determined by law, who makes the laws??? In a society that is run by majority rules, I really don't feel comfortable with that idea either, especially because I will never make a majority box in my life. My own destiny was predetermined with independent and different in the description. I am ok with being me. I am just not ok when you determine me and I am seeing the many yous easily outnumber the mes.

Maybe morality needs to remain neutral. It should not take sides and should not judge or box people. Can we really have morals that remain free from bias from one side? Can we withhold our own personal agendas and find this neutrality? I don't know. In the end, I am still just trying to be me.


Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

Sunrise

Today, I woke up very early. I looked out the window to see that darkness still lingered. Sunrise was still a short time away. I anticipated its arrival with much joy. I love to see the light sparkle on the clouds and on the lake when it enters the horizon. It is so beautiful.

A couple of summers ago, I would awake before the sunrise and walk down by the lake everyday. It was peaceful and calming. I would listen to the birds sing about their morning as I watched the first ripple move across the lake. The beauty of nature really left positive feelings with me. That summer I made many memories down by the lake in the early morning.

Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

The Rugratz

The Reality Reminder

It's been one of those days....actually, one of those weeks. Every turn taken and every step made has experienced some form of resistance or obstacle. I call this period....a time for enduring and growth. It's time when the emotional/spiritual side of me really glows within supporting the struggle the physical/mental side is going through. Finally, the tears came and I felt pulled within myself. Breathing in and out becomes the important focus. Inhale.....exhale......inhale......exhale. I can hear my body in this silence. My thoughts are clear. I enjoy the peace. The struggle is no more. It is nothing but another experience of living. I continue to breathe as my spirit strengthens.

"MOM!"

My eyes blink open.

"MOM!"

I look around. I am in my room. I feel the physical pain again. My door opens and in plops two beautiful faces looking at me. They seek my attention and remind me of their needs. Reality is back and the chaotic moments that come with it. I offer suggestions and send them on their way. Both leave happy and smiling never seeing the slight grimace of pain on my face. The good feeling lingers through and I am happy my reality is filled with their love and the joy it causes.

"MOM!"

I look up. There they are again standing in my doorway.

"Want some?"

It was soup. Chicken noodle soup. They knew I was sick and they made me soup to get better. How sweet....and warm.....and tasty.....reality really is.


Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

Meeko da Moo Cat

Meeko da Moo Cat

I think I have always loved cats. We got our first one when I was only a year old. Dixie was a black cat with gold eyes. She was always a lady and well-behaved except when you stepped on her tail. Patiently, she waited three hours after the fact and then would painfully remind you on your ankle that you caused her pained. She believed in revenge and she always got it.

She was also the dragger of dirty laundry. Poor Poppa found that out the hard way when she visited his house during Thanksgiving. Everybody was sitting at the table and enjoying the meal until complete silence fell across the room. There was Dixie doing laundry again. As she paraded around the room, Poppa's dirty skidded underwear dangled from her mouth. I learned that day how upset Poppa's mom could get as the rest of the family laughed at Poppa's exposed secret.

Dixie did many amazing things through her life, but I believed her most important role was playing mother to my siamese kitten.

I was seven when we got Trixie. She was my living babydoll. I dressed her up and took her for stroller rides around the neighborhood. She ate in my doll-size highchair and slept in my bed everynight. I would share mustard-cover sardines with her and sleep next to her by the heat register. She was there in my young life everyday through every heartbreak and every accomplishment. Trixie had her own pictures done when I did my senior pictures in high school. In a sense, we grew up together. Letting her go when she was 22 years old, was the most difficult thing I've ever done. It was a decision made purely out of love with the faith that one day we will see each other again. She was definitely one in a million.

The next couple of cats were definitely my mother's. I played with them, but they were always still her babies. Pixie was a gray tiger-stripe cat and Spooky was a black cat with a couple white marks on her paws and body. Both had limited IQ (no offense, Mom) and were definitely special ed. They lived in their own worlds and on occasion would let you in. Pixie died a few years ago at 21. Spooky is still kicking it at 20.

My mother adopted an outside cat next. She was pregnant for the sixth time and mom had her fixed. It was the first time in a long time that kittens were in the house. The last set was when we took in Spooky and her family. Princess is young and full of fun. She is affectionate and has adapted easily to indoor living. She definitely fills a void in the family and remains a happy camper.

Meeko is my baby. He is a five year old siamese mix and just a chubby guy. His nickname is the Meatloaf. He loves for people to rub his belly and will sit on your feet until you do. His cognitive capacity is limited, but he was meant to show people the joy in the simple life. Pure happiness is what he has added to my life. I cherish my time with him and never forget to "rub his chub"!

Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

Home Again

I have finally decided to move back to my blog. It's been awhile. So many changes have happened. My life took new turns as new windows opened. Lucky for me, I am in a good place now. It feels so wonderful coming home again. Reconnecting to old stories and many memories has left me smiling. Maybe, I should share a few. I will. As I make myself comfortable in my wonderful house, don't be surprised if I wander off to new tales of my life. My lifepath twists and turns like everyone else's. I just happen to like sharing part of it. By the way........

WELCOME BACK to da house MzAriez built!


Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.