Mantra

Breathing in I calm my mind
Breathing out I smile
Living in this present moment
I know this is a wonderful moment

The facet of betrayal adds a touch of anger and a dash of emotions paving its way into the hearts of millions as they remember their friends and the happy times they have spent together. Though in the process of involvements in daily chores folks tend to leave alone such poignant happenings as something that’s by gone, but at the end of the day when all work is done and leisure sets in people tend to remember their friends who might have hurt them or betrayed them at some point of time.

Merriam-Webster defines betrayal as "to fail or desert especially in time of need." 

One should rather die than be betrayed. There is no deceit in death. It delivers precisely what it has promised. Betrayal, though ... betrayal is the willful slaughter of hope. - Steven Deitz

We have to distrust each other. It is our only defence against betrayal. - Tennessee Williams

Betrayal is the only truth that sticks. - Arthur Miller

Anything may be betrayed, anyone may be forgiven, but not those who lack the courage of their own greatness. - Ayn Rand

Betrayal can only happen if you love. - John Le Carre

Trust can take years to build, but only a second to break. - Anonymous

To betray you must first belong. - Harold Philby

Every betrayal contains a perfect moment, a coin stamped heads or tails with salvation on the other side. - Barbara Kingsolver

There are only really a few stories to tell in the end, and betrayal and the failure of love is one of those good stories to tell. - Sean Lennon

Love is what ever you can still betray. Betrayal can only happen if you love. -John LeCarre

The day you betrayed my trust was the day that I lost all my trust for you. I believed that you would take care of my heart and that's why I left it with you. Well, I am taking it back because at this very moment I can't trust you with my heart in fear that you will hurt me once more. -Unknown

If I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend I hope I should have the guts to betray my country. -Edward M Foster

It breaks my heart; it makes me sad to think of all the times we had. You made me laugh and you made me cry. And all that I can do is sigh and wonder why. -Unknown

reading

Reading stimulates the creative area of the mind to produce alternate realities. There is no substitute for reading. As the commercial says, "Reading is Fundamental".

I can remember the first time I got lost in a book. I was in second grade, sitting in the library with the rest of my class, and the teacher was calling my name as the class was over. I never heard her. I was so enthralled with reading that the rest of the class was out the door and teacher had to come over to me and tap me on the shoulder. That is the power of reading. From that moment on, I knew I had found something special. I thought that reading was the ticket to go places, experience things, and immerse myself so completely all with the power of a good book. I have never found a valid replacement for reading.

Reading provides a plethora of notable benefits to those who actively engage in it. Reading is an adventure, a learning experience, and a gateway to places and people we may not otherwise encounter. Those who possess a love of the written word view it as a true gift, and one not to be taken for granted.

Fiction and non-fiction works alike offer a distinct and unique set of qualities to the reader. Creative writing in the forms of novels, poems, and short stories, among others, have the ability to transport readers to diverse periods of time, and locations quite different from their own. These pieces let us travel through history, and present an escape from the pressure and strain of everyday life. One can instantly become anything or anyone through the magic of reading, if only for the duration of the book. A regal king or queen, a secret agent, or a modern-day or ancient hero, the list is virtually endless. A child's imagination is sparked when they are absorbed in the activity of reading as well, permitting him to tap into his own creative powers. The same holds true for the adult who reads on a regular basis. The imaginative faculties which may have lain dormant for some time are renewed and revitalized through reading. Inspiration and ideas are granted permission to flow freely. Reading also evokes a multitude of feelings within us. We are able to laugh, to cry, to relate, and to remember as we read creative literature.

The reading of non-fiction works offers an alternative advantage. Knowledge is the ruler of these types of writings. Information on all people, places, and things is gained in abundant supply, and the quest for insight into a vast expanse of subject matter can be quickly satisfied. Biographies of famous individuals, travel guides, reference books, and textbooks, to name but a few, all assist the reader in the act of learning. It is said that knowledge is power, and the reading of non-fiction offers little choice but for the reader to acquire it.

Reading goes beyond being merely important. It is an essential element in broadening our knowledge and understanding of the world around us. It allows us to rise to higher levels of creativity and intelligence. Reading also enables people of all ages to participate in a pastime which surpasses expectations. One in which we leave with far more in our possession than we had when we arrived.

Words comprised of letters, sentences comprised of words and books comprised of sentences - they all bring pictures, stories, events and emotions to life in our minds and help us to comprehend things that would otherwise remain unknown to us.

 

  

  

  

  

  

 

fear

“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.” ~Unknown~

Fear of loss has always been a big issue in my life. I have, only recently, begun to shed that fear. I came to the realization that nothing is permanent. People leave, things get loss, feelings ebb. Once the thing that I held so dearly to is lost though, I see the futility of all the anxiety, the heartburn over keeping it. I start looking for and finding ways of living without it. And the human mind and spirit, amazingly resilient as they are, discover reasons and conviction for why I am better off without that which is now lost. I have come to the understanding that I will never truly enjoy the finer intricacies of the things and/or people that I hold dear if I spend my time concentrating on keeping them rather than concentrating on the value of their presence in my life. 

This change in me has brought on a knew feeling, a feeling of courageousness.  Fear is a necessary evil, for without fear there is no courage. Courage is not only necessary when in a battle , it is needed in all aspects of life. It takes courage for each and everyone of us to simply get out of bed each morning. We have the choice of simply pulling the covers over our head and hiding from the day. Instead, though, we swing our legs over the edge of the bed, stand up and face it. The courage that we muster each morning is what gets us through the day. Some days we face bigger battles than others, and some days we go to bed thankful that it was relatively calm.

Each time I now feel myself fearing something, whether it be losing something or someone, trying something new, or moving in a direction I never thought I would go; I simply think of the worst that can happen, accept that as something that may or may not occur and move on. Fear can not rule our lives, but it can be used to help us live them. 

cannot

cannot [ˈkænɒt kæˈnɒt]

vb

an auxiliary verb expressing incapacity, inability, withholding permission, etc.; can not

 

"Cannot" is a terribly powerful feeling, oppressive and smothering. Running up against the wall of fear and resistance, fenced in by what we will not, can not, or should not do, the world becomes a smaller place.

I cannot lose weight

I cannot get a job

I cannot decide

I cannot help

We have a tendency to preclude the things that we want to do with the word cannot. If it even slightly seems unattainable we simply dismiss it with a small vocabulary term. But what if we decided that we could?

What if, instead of dismissing the things that we want, we took hold of them and ran. The one thing that we cannot do is rely on hope, luck, or faith alone. We have a lot more control over our destiny than what most people believe. We make choices and take actions that effect the end result. Hope alone is not enough. The word HOPE is similar to the word TRY. When a person says they are going to TRY and do something it sets them up for failure. You don't try and do something. You either do it or you don't. The same goes for hope. You either HOPE something will happen, or you make it happen.

In my own life, I can keep hoping that I will get a job, I can have faith that one morning I will wake up skinny, and I can believe that my luck will change and I will win the lottery. Through all of this hope, faith, and luck, though, I am sitting on my behind being idle, gaining weight, not looking for a job and waisting money. Instead, I spend each day looking for a job, spend hours reading through want ads, writing cover letters and making phone calls. I still hold on to hope, hope that one of these leads will turn into gainful employment. I have started eating better and exercising more, working towards waking up skinny. I have begun putting money away and paying closer attention to what I spend it on, and still budget buying a lottery ticket now and again.

I guess what I am saying is that a life without action leads to nothing. If you are not doing the things that need to be done to get what you want you are doing nothing. Doing nothing leads to nothing, if you keep it up that is what you will get.

thinking

Eugene, Oregon

Anyone who's been to Eugene can tell you that's there's no where like it on earth. Nestled in the southern portion of Oregon's famous Willamette Valley, Eugene is a haven for those who love the convenience of a large metropolitan city, yet enjoy the laid-back, cozy atmosphere of a smaller town.

Known as "The World's Greatest City of the Arts and Outdoors," Eugene is well-known for its abundance of green trees, blooming flowers, rushing river paths and more. Home to the University of Oregon, Eugene is the quintessential college town, filled with proud Duck alumni, adopted fans and plenty of history (after all, the movie "Animal House" was filmed in Eugene).

Ready to see what we mean? Experience a bit of Eugene right now by taking a look at our online photo tour.

Eugene Events
With a population of 148,595, Eugene is the largest city in Lane County and a hub for many annual festivals, concerts, sporting events and more.  In 2008, "Track Town, USA" once again hosted the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field at historic Hayward Field and will host the Trials in 2012.

Eugene Activities
One thing you must know about Eugene: with so much to see and do, you'll never be bored! Check out one of our many museums and galleries, or enjoy the city's numerous performing arts venues and groups. The taste of locally made Pinot noir and Pinot gris await you at more than a dozen wineries and vineyards. Or, relax in the serenity of  Eugene's 133 diverse city parks, including some of the region's largest playgrounds.

Eugene Recreation
Eugene is a paradise for those who love to get up and move in its beautiful, natural surroundings. Recreational activities like cycling and running are more than just casual pastimes in Oregon's "Emerald City"; they're a way of life! Plus, Eugene's proximity to the lush McKenzie River Valley, the majestic Cascade Mountains and the breathtaking Oregon Coast make it the perfect recreation destination to share with family and friends.

Eugene Shopping
Whether you're looking for a gift for a special someone, or a little something for yourself, you're bound to find it here. From locally owned specialty stores, art galleries and artisan markets, to antique shops, bookstores and so much more, Eugene has all the shopping options you need and want (and a few you never would've imagined).

Eugene Hotels & Dining
Once you're in Eugene, you'll see that one day just isn't enough time. No problem! We have a wide range of lodging options to fit your needs and budget, including Eugene hotels and motels, bed & breakfast inns, extended stay establishments, vacation rentals, RV parks and hostels.