1. There will be lots of doors of opportunity. The trick is to find the right key to unlock one of them. If you don't put your finger on the key right away, keep looking. Success is 5% inspiration, 95% fumbling with your keyring.
2. When you've succeeded in unlocking a door, proceed with confidence and style, but don't forget to look back and reflect on the effort and focus that brought you to the place you are. It will intensify your enjoyment of accomplishment.
3. Standing on your own two feet takes strength, coordination, and a few falls. And sometimes you even need a little support.
4. Don't expect all of life to be neat. Some of the sweetest things create an absolute mess. Savor the sweetness. Celebrate the mess of it all.
5. When it comes to love, let your expectations be very high.
6. Scramble up to the challenges during rocky times. The enlarged view will amaze you.
7. The Wizard isn't approached by a yellow brick road. The Wizard is inside you.
8. When life gives you trash, turn it into a fashion statement.
9. The journey has many surprising turns. The learning curve is sometimes a hairpin, at other times a deeply relaxing stroll. Sharing it with others makes for rich travels.
10. Don't feel you have to reach for the stars. That will only give you a torn rotator cuff. Remember you are made from the very dust of the stars. You shine. Never shy away from your own radiance.
Bachelor of Science, The University of New Mexico, May 2008
Summa Cum Laude
University of New Mexico Alumni Association Citizenship Award
Graduate with Honors in Psychology
Presidential Scholar
Mortar Board Honor Society
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges
Dean's List
Two-time UNM IronChef Champion
Founder, Blue Plate Spectaculars Culinary Club
University of New Mexico Morning Runners
Finisher, P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Half-Marathon
Resident Advisor (two years)
Agora Crisis Center Volunteer (two and one-half years)
University Hospital Emergency Room Volunteer
University of New Mexico Trailblazers
Voices for Planned Parenthood Volunteer
University of New Mexico Community Experience Volunteer
Los Alamos National Laboratory Intern
Research Assistant, UNM Department of Psychology
Research Associate, Mind Research Network
149 comments:
bravo to one wonderfully wise mama and one marvelously shining daughter. bravo! BRAVO!
Flannery and I both thank you, Lime. You're not without motherly wisdom yourself.
11. Don't forget to hug and thank one very proud, wise, talented and loving momma who helped you to become what you are by loving you, supporting you and letting go. (And dad too *smile*).
*Hugs*
Mama,
I don't know where I'd be without you. Well, besides the whole "I wouldn't exist thing." You have always been so selfless with Oakley and I and so encouraging. These ladies are right, the reason I am who I am and have accomplished so much is that I had you and Dad to raise me and help me out along the way. I love you both, and I look forward to the day that I can afford to buy you a vacation for Christmas. It's gonna happen...
CONGRATULATIONS Flannery Leigh Merideth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful and inspiring post, San!
"Remember you are made from the very dust of the stars." That's an awesome truth. I feel so fortunate to live in a place that allows me to go out at night and witness the vast and beautiful sky filled with stars. I often think of my family at these times and take a moment to give thanks for my many blessings. Being at your commencement was wonderful Flan. Watching you walk across that stage to receive your diploma was another highlight in my life... I've had so many with you, Oakley, and your mother. Thank you sweetheart and congratulations again..., I just know you're gonna make a difference in this world. And thank you San for reminding me about the stars and the great cosmic reason we are here: LOVE!
Congratulations to your daughter and to you for being a part of getting her there. May she know joy and success.
Your tribute to your daughter is heartwarming. What a beautiful person. I love the trash skirt--and everything else. She has beautiful, peaceful eyes.
Cath, I love your Tip #11. We received said hugs yesterday and it was delightful!
HUGS to you, dear.
Flan-O! Raising you and Mister Mokes has been my and Dad's greatest, happiest adventure. Thank you for being you.
Vacation to where? :-D
Saintly Nick, we thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bennie, yes, we have so much to be grateful for--the stars above us, the love surrounding us. It's a joy to see our children coming into their own, isn't it?
Sandy, Flannery's eyes are just as you've described.
Thank you for your well-wishing.
Congratulations to the graduate! And her rightfully proud parents! :)
Good advice! I can use some of those bits of wisdom too. :)
On my end the farewell dinner for JS and family went really well. Lots of attendance and joy by friends....about 20 people. Three triple tables full.
Hugs!
Thanks, Lee! As to those bits of wisdom, writing them down was a good reminder to myself. ;-)
Wish I could've been at the event for JS. I've had this fantasy of visiting San Antonio and being with all of ya'll at a big table somewhere, but some of the contingent is splintering off. Oh well, here's to dreams and following them. Cheers to JS!
G'day Flannery,
Maybe we'll meet one day - which would be a great privilege for me. Until then, may I simply say this message from your mother is as inspirational (and realistic) as any message can ever be.
Good luck along the journey ....
San and Bennie,
Your love and appreciation for each other shines through your daughter. Your tribute was very touching (wipes eyes). Daughters are often mirror images of their mothers and Flannery certainly is of you! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful and touching moment!
Jo
Wonderful advice and congratulations to your daughter! You know you're doing something right (and so it she) when she graduates, much less with all those honors.
Thanks for sharing!! And, I love her comment. I think you will get that trip one day. :o)
Congradulations to the whole family. I can tell there is a high level of encouragement and love sharred within your household.
The list of honors is quite impressive as is the young woman who earned them.
Congratulations to your lovely daughter and to the parents:), and thanks for sharing those wonderful pictures and words, there is so much love in there. Have a wonderful day
Andrea
good collection of photos
This is very cool. I like the 5% inspiration 95% fumbling with the keyring - but what about the 75% hunting for the keys?
that is a very dear picture of, presumably, Flan in the doorway. Fab dress sense! well done to her.
David, here's hoping we will all have an opportunity to meet. That would indeed be a privilege, not to mention just plain fun.
Jo! Talk about mirror images. I always enjoy gazing at your profile picture. You and your own daughter--two images mirroring the love and the loveliness.
Rhea, yes, I loved Flannery's comment too. And I love the way your profile image continues to morph. This one is bad and I mean that it in the very best of ways.
Jeff, thank you from all of us. That's special, coming from the head of an awesome family such as yours.
Andrea, you have a wonderful day too. Making art in Paris--you must have many wonderful days.
Shrinidhi, thank you very much. Please visit again.
She is beautiful and SMART! You did a fine job, Mama!
Peace - D
Leigh, thank you for introducing that necessary factor into the equation.
:-D
Yes, Milla, she does have style, doesn't she? All of the pictures are of Flan.
Thank you for stopping by! Come again please.
Doris, from one Mama to another Momma: THANK YOU!
Congratulations Flannery, San, Bennie and Oakley!
Yes, the whole family! I know what it takes to make this kind of success happen! A lot of work...and a LOT of LOVE and SUPPORT, too.
May the wind help you all to soar to the places you wish to be in life!
Kim, thank you for your wind blessing. That is simply beautiful and we all appreciate it so much!
My goodness! She has quite the CV for someone who's just graduated! You must be very proud.
Congratulations to Flannery! :-)
I have to mention that I love the space-age, silver graduation gowns. I've never seen such a thing before! It's very appropriate for a ritual of moving into the future.
Good morning, San!
I'm all out of coffee. Mind if I pop over and have a cup with you?
Have a good week!
Jo
Hi San, and thanks for visiting my blog. I love this post, the family photo's interspersed with life's insights make quite a strong yet sweet impression.
Austin
San, I know how proud you are of your daughters accomplishments. It shows in every word. My goodness, we could all learn from your advice. You are a very wise lady.
Congratulations Flannery. Your life, thus far, is a reflection of the love and leadership of your parents. I know you will excel in whatever your next adventure may be.
Red, the faculty members and the Master's and PhD candidates wore the traditional somber black. They looked distinguished, but I agree with you--those silvery metallic caps and gowns are out of this world.
They don't call New Mexico the Land of Enchantment for nothing.
Jo, you are most welcome to a steaming hot cup.
Good week to you too--cheers!
Austin, thank you for visiting and for making such a kind comment. Great profile image.
Patty, Flannery and I both thank you.
And as I mentioned to another commenter, I needed to write down those words to remind myself of them too!
Congratulations to Flannery! That woman is going to go places!
And how lucky is Flannery to have a mom who is so PRESENT???
I am so happy to read and see and feel the love in your family...
Mazel Tov!
What a proud moment .. and what wonderful advice ... loved the photo illustrations. She is a special young woman and it seems a chip off the Mama block!
:-Daryl
Happy Trails To You.
Carol, I'm glad you consider me "present." Sometimes I feel a little absent. Absentminded anyway.
Thank you for all of your tremendously fine vibes.
Muy gracias, Daryl.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, babe.
Thanks, pardner Chewy, for the trail-blessing.
OH!
And isn't this exactly what it's all about.
Parents.
The wishing, the hoping, the prayers,,,, and expecting miracles.
Pushing those tiny babies from the nest,watching them stretch their wings, holding safety nets behind our backs,,,applauding when they don't need them.
A job well done, San and Bennie,,,I feel your wind beneath her wings,
and what a beautiful piece of art she is!
You won't belive this, but my daughter is Meredith Leigh.
I'm smiling.
Beautifully put, Babs, as only a wonderful mother could. Meredith Leigh is quite the fortunate young woman.
Thank you!
Lovely photos! Lovely family! Lovely Mum!
What amazing women you and Flannery are. Do you think that she knows how incredible she is?
San, you are so astute. I wish I'd had you for a mother. You give the best advice and are so insightful. I love to read what you say. I always learn something profound from you.
Congratulations to you and your daughter.
Maggie May, thank you for a lovely comment!
Daphne, Flannery is pretty self-confident and I am really happy about that.
You are one awesome lady yourself!
Katie Jane, I am thrilled by what you have to say, but I believe you are giving me too much credit.
Thank you for your congratulations and for your sublime compliment.
That is a great list of tips.
Congratulations to the graduate! That is quite a list of accomplishments she has.
Thanks, Whim. Now if I'll only remember to take my own advice...
This is a fantastic post! I love the advice. Your family is beautiful. Congratulations to your daughter.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. It's nice to meet you!
wow! you must be so proud of her! ok...I will stop cryong now. I just read her comment to you and oh how sweet! You have raised a wonderful daughter! Congrats on this special moment!
my daughter is almost done with kindergarden...and I think that is hard to deal with! LOL
Those be some wonderfully shiny graduation gowns: I'm thinking ascension as well as gradjeeation. What a wonderful celebration for you all, and what a great San-esque way to honor it.
And such wonderful timing, too. I just found out today that the senior urchins at the Instituto have asked me to give the baccalaureate address. I figured a little cut and paste, but that long list of Flannaccomplishments would probably give things away. I instead chose to adapt Walden's third grade "Buoyancy" science fair project for my purposes. Good thing I've been practicing left-brainitude with those Sunday Scribblers.
Not.
Best to all of you.
What an exciting time for your daughter... and a very moving one for you. You are both an inspiration to what a mother/daughter relationship can be.
Mazol Tov. You all must be so very proud. Congratulations to the graduate.
A lovely job you did of bringing us through her life to this moment in photos. Well done, Bravo to you too Mom.
Hi! Like you, we love and cherish our children. So much so, that I feel like holding them up for the whole world to see. They are our trophies and they are our life force.
If I was to give them any advise now, it would be the advise you've given here.
Take Care,
Peter
Congratulations Flannery Leigh - and a job well done San! One of these days I will have my own child and I could only hope that I have learned enough to pass on the wisdom to my child as you have San. :)
Have a spectacular day!
San - congratulations to you both.
Lovely post, and love the insightful humour!
Oh Sandpiper, thank you for reading the post. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Please visit me again.
Anna, I remember the day when Flan graduated from kindergarten. Her diploma was made of wood and was in the shape of a teddy bear, and yes, I cried. Know just what you're going through. Hug.
Paschal, it would've been so perfect had each graduate had their name announced, walked across the stage, received their diploma, then politely ascended towards the ceiling. Maybe they'll learn how to orchestrate that by the time Oaks graduates. Thanks for the idea!
Buoyancy as a baccaluareate theme--I like it! Wish I could be there. Do they have any odd traditions like at SFH? Such as hiding beach balls in the gowns, then bringing them out to toss around while the guest of honor speaks? Fortunately, when Oaks graduated, the speaker was the mayor, who is a graduate of SFH, and he was prepared for the beach ball toss.
Princess, that was said like a true blog princess. Thank you!
Lynn, I enjoy your visits. So much. Thanks.
Peter, you know all about the deep feelings we have for our children: "they are our life force." True.
Bruno, you will be a great father one of these days. Lucky child!
Julie, a little humor can lighten these momentous occasions. Thanks much.
Thanks San!
A wonderful, wonderful set of instructions - a wonderful daughter, a wonderful & very proud mama. Congratulations to both of you.
Debi
Debi, thank you! And that's both Flan and I talking.
San, what a beautiful post..I just took a short break from office too see your lovely post.
Angel, I appreciate your spending your break with me. Thanks!
Bravo is right! Flannery, congratulations to you and your proud and loving family...You have accomplished something to be very, very proud of!!
Lynette, you say that with such enthusiasm, just like a mom who's in the habit of cheering on her own family. Thanks!!!
Wow, I'm not even graduating and I am so inspired by this post. San, you have a rare gift in seeing the beauty in all things great and small.
Flannery is amazing and she looks like a blond version of San! Congrats to both of you. XO
Very Very good....
Pictures and narration all beautiful. Wonderful story there of your Flannery.
I liked the analogy of the "wizard (of oz-to me)and the brick road"!
Meg, I would say you have a similar gift.
And thank you for seeing the resemblance between my girl and me!
XO
Rubye, the Wizard/yellow brick road metaphor would be after your own heart, wouldn't it?
congrats flan! fab advice san! really marvelous for people of most any age. i can't wait to be in love again. it'll be so amazing! i need to remember to look back and reflect on the effort and focus that brought me where i am. i forget to do that sometimes but i know a big change is coming in the next few months. when that comes i will get super amazing and introspective! can't wait!
Hi San, I'm just returning the visit! Congratulations on out co-win for post of the day, yours is truly inspirational. I'll be back.
Jameil, I too feel that big changes are ahead for you. I can hear the determination and the focus in your words. Just keep us posted! (You are already amazing BTW.)
And Flannery and I both thank you for your wonderful compliments.
Tina, thank you! I look forward to your future visits.
Wow!
Thanks for visiting, Sujata.
San,
You must be a very proud Mom...what a well rounded daughter you have...I especially love the iron chef and blue plate stuff. What a following you have on your blog. And Flannery...what a beautiful message to your Mom.
Lori
Great accomplishments...even the small ones!
Holy Cannoli! Your daughter is one massively accomplished lady. Congratulations to her and congratulations to you for not only writing such a lovely post, but also for raising such a lovely girl!
Lori, I'm glad you noticed Flannery's message. AND her IronChef/Blue Plate Spectaculars achievements. She knows her way around a kitchen as well as a cognitive lab.
Thank you for your positive words. It's nice you've put a face with those words since the last time you checked in.
Erin, Flannery thanks you. What an intriguing profile picture and moniker you have!
Carolyn, you are always so positive. It looks like you're raising quite a lovely one yourself.
My goodness san, what a resume. I love the walk through the early years, very tongue in cheek. Looks like Flannery, just like her mother, is set to make a very positive mark in this world. I would be so proud (smile).
Congrats!
Beautiful and funny post, San. Congratulations to Flannery!
What a great post, Congrat's to Flannery! Here's to this being only the tip of the iceberg in her list of accomplishments. And you too proud Mama!
Carol, the walk through the early years was a lot of fun for me--holding my tongue in my cheek helped me not cry. Thank you!
Hey Quilly! Good to see you.
Thanks, DreamDoc. I enjoy your visits.
Heather, I like the way you look at things. We thank you. So much.
There has been a lot of praise here and rightly deserving.
San, this is a beautiful and touching post.
Congratulations to you, and to Flannery Leigh Merideth. Delighted to get to know Flannery better. She seems as wonderful as her Mom. :)
Okay, you made me cry with joy! What a wonderful post...what a wonderful Mom you are, what a great Daughter you have reared!
hugs
Sandi
What a wonderful tribute and gift for your daughter. Congratulations to all of you!
San ~ WOW! How great! Seems like congratulations should go to all of you? ~ jb///
Celine, you are most kind. I know you are proud of your own lovely daughter.
Hugs to you, Sandi. I gotta stop making you cry, woman. Oh yeah, you did say you were crying for joy. In that case, let 'er rip.
Jennifer, the Merideth family thanks you!
Thanks, JB. That new profile picture is really cute. You look good behind a camera.
Well hot damn on a popsicle stick!
Rock on to one amazing daughter and an obviously proud and well spoken Mama!
This brought tears to my eyes, laughter to my heart and hope for my own children.
Thank you for sharing and glad you got a kick out of the V-word post :-)
Rachel: "hot damn on a popsicle stick" says it all, babe. I hope you will visit again!
Endless, countless volumes are written ... innumerable speeches made ... all seeking some method of expressing perfection in personal development and responsible nurturing. They can all take a long-overdue rest. You, My amazing San, have, in this wondrous, simplicity-cloaked and artfully-showcased, presentation of life-summing profundity, said it all. this is the ultimate "As it should be" statement. You have offered, in such deliciously palatable visions and easily-digestible thoughts, absolute perfection in living.
I am overwhelmed ... stunned ... and ever-so honored to know You and to have enjoyed this consummate work of living, breathing, functioning Love.
How I do Love, respect, and admire You, Dear Lady!
This is lovely, interspersed with photographs that match the words.
And what a beautiful name! Flannery Leigh... congratulations to both you and your daughter.
"Remember you are made from the very dust of the stars. You shine."- so do you, San, with these wise words. Thanks for sharing.
WOW!
Dilly be imprest!
Dilly Mummy be imprest too!
WOW!
San be vewy prowd?
Shud be!
Dilly like sparkly silvery robe.
¬"
John-Michael, you flatter me so. And I'll be honest: I LOVE IT!
And I love you too.
The Elementary, you've got me all aglow now. Thanks!
:D
Dilly--Flannery and I thank you and your Mummy. I knew you would love that robe.
x
Congratulations to your daughter and to you...that was a beutiful post. Now you take a mom's front row seat and watch the wonderful journey ahead. I see my sons as fine young men but I also see sweet baby toes...it all went so fast. Thank you so much for your supportive remarks about my work, especially the "Grid".I'm alone in the studio so much and forget how energizing it is to receive comments. Mary Ann
Mary Ann, I love the idea of being on the front row to observe the journey. Yes, they grow up fast!
We will have to stay in touch.
Beautiful post, beautiful daughter and beautiful mom. You must feel so proud of your daughter. You did good. Many blessings to her as she goes forth into the world. Namaste, Suki PS great photos and narration too.
This tribute is nicely done. I love the pictoral progresson.
Suki, your blessings are very much appreciated.
Namaste.
Craver, thanks. The pictorial progression was a lot of fun, made me think about what was happening back then.
Congratulations! Well done and a big pat on the back.
What a clever, witty post.
You should be proud mom, you have quite the accomplished, beautiful daughter there.
ANd thanks for visiting my blog---and now I know about yours; I'll be back. This is a very interesting site and my goodness, you get a lot of comments!
Lavinia, it's great to see your lovely self here!
Thank you for your gracious comments; I look forward to your return visits.
San,
You have to be so very proud. You did good, mom!!
I have 2 children. A daughter whose husband is going to law school and a son who is in grad school. Thanks for coming over and visiting my blog. Lets keep in touch :)
The Bach
Popping in to say "hi" and congrats on your POTD earlier this week. (I am waaay behind!)
Thanks, Bach, for your compliment and for sharing about your own wonderful offspring.
Yes, we'll stay in touch.
Cath, if you're waaay behind, then I'm waaaaaaaaayer behind.
Thanks for the visit. HUG.
133 comments! Whew...I hope mine doesn't get lost in the list!
Congrats to your beautiful daughter and also to you, mom. I enjoyed your lovely tribute. We also had a graduation last week!
I enjoyed your blog...over from my uncle's place, Bachelor at Wellington.
Willow, thank you for visiting. I read every comment and love doing so!
Flannery and I appreciate your lovely compliments. Do stay in touch.
All I can say is WOW! And congratulations! :)
Indigo, thanks. Hope you're having a good weekend.
'sniff' that is so beautiful! Wonderful words and beautiful pictures to go with them. Congrats to the proud mama and her beautiful, smart daughter.
Am I amazed to see how many comments this post has attracted?
NOT AT ALL .....
Fabulous commencement speech and congratulations/well wishes to Flannery and her talented gene pool:>)
Thanks for your comments on my last piece of writing. Appreciate your sentiments, and of course, you are correct. Regrets are all part of the package.
Love your site. Will be back to visit. Hope your day is 95% inspiration/5% fumbling. AnnieH
Jeanne, you are a sweetheart. Hug.
David, it's time I got a new post up, but we're working long hours over the holiday weekend.
Annie, the gene pool thanks you from our depths.
And I especially appreciate your reformulation of today's equation. That would be a nice change of pace.
Dang! I just looked at the numbers of comments you get. This is amazing. :)
San, I've tagged you for the Shrinky meme which Terry tagged me for. And I think you've also been tagged by Paschal for another "bits about me" meme. I think we're gonna keep you busy with that new machine of yours. :)
Hugs!
Congratulations to you all!
Hope you had a great weekend, San!
Jo
Good morning, San! I'm drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying the quietness of the morning before the before the earth quaking equipment starts in the new subdivision next door. Are you having a good week?
Jo
That was fabulous and took me back to the years of Graduation. Wow.. Superb thing and writeup!!!
Take Care,
Omi
Oh San, many congrats to Flannery what an amazing list of achievements, she really is a shining star, and to give so much of herself to others as well. And congrats to you as well for what has obviously been a great job of bringing her up!
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