Father's Day - Gifts and Reflections

It has been awhile since writing for my beloved Sunshine Chronicles. Like so many times in life, it seems the littlest things that bring us the most joy get pushed to the bottom of our priority list as the sea of change, opportunities, and life experiences come swooping in and claiming more importance.

Well, perhaps it is the forced introspection from the universe as claimed by Mercury in Retrograde, or more sadly, the soulful loss of a great American commentator and father force, Tim Russert. While I come from a highly politically passionate family, I am a closet politico sticking close to the personalities of MSNBC as my informants. So this surprising loss is heart wrenching and reflective. It is in times like these where I turn to writing which serves as my internal compass to keep me on course. Don't worry, no dramatic theme shifts from the original purpose of the Chronicles, but perhaps a childlike clumsiness as I discover a new voice that reflects the many changes in my life. But what better way to kick off again, than with a note on Father's Day.

To reinforce what I am so passionate about and what I believe are the pillars not just of The Sunshine Chronicles, but of the core areas I try to be aware in my life, I have a few gift ideas for the men in our lives. 

Health: The Wii Fit seems too good to be true. And while the visual of your father playing my be to much to bear, it seems worth the risk and benefit of his health!

Wellness: I am crazy for these Brainsync meditations you can download. They come in a variety of topics from deep sleep to weight loss. The tap into your subconscious brainwaves, so perfect for passive meditation (ie. sleeping). The also come in guided meditations as well.

Social Consciousness: No secret my love for Kiva.org, and what better way to spread the love and entrepreneurial spirit than a Kiva gift certificate. Better yet, select an entrepreneur from our BlueAvocado page, and join the journey!

Sustainability: What is Father's Day without a day of golf? Check out these eco-golf balls to bring some green to his game.

One more note on Tim Russert. I am always keen to look at the literal and emotional links connected to physical ailments and manifestations (sometimes to an obsessive and annoying degree to the loved ones in my life:-) And when reading the details of Tim Russert's tragic death, it is noted that he died of a heart attack, more specifically an enlarged heart due to coronary disease. In no way do I want to minimize the seriousness of this disease, but in thinking of my own reflections about this amazing man and watching far too much MSNBC in the last 24 hours, a big heart almost too simply and perfectly encompasses the impact this man had on millions of lives. He always seemed to be overflowing in love, especially in his commentary on politics. He was truly a model of integrity, love, passion, grit and humbleness that we each can strive for in reflecting on our own "karma footprint" we make in this precious lifetime. 

And to my own father, who in some many ways reminds me of the integrity, passion, and soul that Tim Russert epitomized, I know I speak for my entire family when we realize how blessed we are to have the love, friendship, inspiration, guidance, and grace all beautifully wrapped up in the perfect little package we call Dad. Big love PaPa!