There are usually just a few moments in a person's life that change everything. High school graduation. Getting married. The birth of your first child. Landing that first job that gives you disposable income and a future.

These moments are marked and obvious. Sometimes there is ceremony, sometimes cards and gifts, sometimes partying, sometimes all of the above. All of them are precious, memorable and significant to your life, and and everybody knows it.

Then there are the little unheralded moments in your life that change it all the same, but without pomp and circumstance. Your first kiss. The first conversation you had with your best friend. The moment you stepped out of the DoL with your license in hand. The sudden realization that she is "the one." The embrace you share when she walks into the room with an EPT. These moments are not so ceremonial, but nonetheless, after them--you are never the same.

Looking back at this forum after one year, I can't help but wonder how many of our members have had one of these moments, right here, in this virtual meeting place. It's easy to dismiss the notion, especially if we're fairly new to the forum. But when I look back at some of the things that have taken place, it is without a doubt that permanent, lasting relationships have been forged, and people have been personally touched, their souls edified, and have grown socially, even spiritually.

I have seen tremendous acts of charity. I have seen sorrowful souls enter, but leave elated, thanks to a gang of luminous dolts. I have seen pairs of friends linger and bond in conversation for hours, as though nothing existed but each other's company. I have seen conflagrations of temper resolve into spit-handshakes of sweet harmony. I have seen the shy wallflower gradually converted to a social butterfly. I have seen the comfort and strength of attentive friendship sustain persons who have lost loved ones in death. I have seen circles of celebration over the good things shared from each other's lives. I've seen everything that should happen with dear friends, happen here.

For many of us, this has become much more than a pleasant diversion from the rigors of life. It has wonderfully enriched it.

Thank you, friends. Happy birthday, SeahawkBlue.


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Labels: Members

When you were a child, what would it mean to you to meet one of your heroes? What if you were sick, or were fighting a daily battle of hope, health and existence?

Even as adults, we get a shot in the arm, our day is brightened, when we even observe them from a distance. Which is why I find reports like these touching.

Walter Jones took time yesterday to visit the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu, to encourage patients and spread good cheer. If you visit Seahawks.com, you can see some shots of Big Walt, sharing his muscular, southern grin with some kids that could use a boost.

But I didn't bring this up just for fluff. In all reality, much of this sort of thing happens from day to day with sports stars and organizations, but is often little more than PR. For example, a ten minute photo opportunity of famous athletes unloading emergency supplies for New Orleans disaster relief does just a little for the recipient, but a lot for the image of the donor.

This is not--AT ALL--to say that Jones is insincere in this effort to help sick kids. Far from it, I applaud him. What I am trying to say is that you don't have to be famous to really help some one. You can brighten someones day, encourage them, provide practical assistance, no matter what your walk of life. It doesn't have to involve cameras or celebrities. Anyone can load supplies, provide meals, share an engaging smile and conversation. The press is completely unnecessary to accomplish this.

If you already play some active part in a volunteer organization or activity, my hat is off to you. If you have thought about it, stop thinking and do it, get involved, share in the joy of helping others that have real needs. It can bring joy and purpose to your life like you'd never expect.

Have you participated in volunteer activities? What kind? How did you feel? Would you recommend it to others? Not to toot your own horn, but to encourage others to do the same...


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Labels: Members, Walter Jones

It's part blog. It's part editorial. It's part soapbox, part pulpit. It's a place to be heard, published, and syndicated. It's a way to explore your creativity and show off your wit. It's a sounding board, a launch pad, and an opportunity.

Labels: Bloof, How-To, Members, SeahawkBlue

Maybe you've noticed, but the Front Page it is strangely deviod of content. Would you like to contribute?


First you have to meet some very basic qualifications:

1. You've got to have some love for the Seahawks. Your passion is what will make your work readable, and if your are a devout member of #12, you will most likely also know your stuff.
2. You must have a proven ablilty to write entertaining, stimulating, and informative content.
3. You need to use the spelling and punctuation they taught you in school.
4. Avoid sounding like you're in love with yourself.
5. Have a point. Don't take to long to develop it.
6. You must be able to keep things rated PG and be willing to submit to an occasional edit.
7. You need to send me an email requesting access: bloof@seahawkblue.com

Other than that, just HAVE FUN, and

GO SEAHAWKS!!!

Labels: Bloof, How-To, Members