Sticks and Stones

Some say words, the hurtful and demeaning kind, don't affect them because they know who they are, and nothing anyone says to them, or about them, can affect their day. In reality, that claim is merely a cover-up…a denial of sorts. Words are so important, they can channel a life, a destiny. Words find a nesting place in our brain even when we're able to ignore them at the moment. Then, when the opportunity presents itself, they'll cause us to withdraw deeply inside ourselves, and vow never to share our lives, our true feelings, with those who hurt us.

The old adage, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," originated from school playgrounds as far back as 1862, addressing the act of verbal bullying. It's intent was to proclaim that true courage consists in doing what is right, despite the jeers and sneers of our companions. True courage is something that comes from a supernatural strength, that relies on the ability to forgive those that cause us unnecessary pain. And we become a wounded soldier that knows no gender, nor age.

I suppose we all have participated in some sort of verbal bullying, at some time or another, in the course of our lives. We may not have realized that was what we were doing. But if we noticed the look on the face of the one we were speaking to (or at), I'm pretty sure it was evident that our words hit their intended mark. Maybe we even felt a touch of satisfaction in the moment.

INSERT: The color of paint on the walls of my salon, is called Sticks and Stones. It's a really pretty color…one that gives a calm sense of being. Ironic, isn't it? One definition is calming, the other stormy, turbulent…

In my early 20's, words were used to lower my self-esteem and confidence in who I was to become. From early 1966, through mid 1970, I was in a very abusive relationship. Mentally and physically. Because of those unfair, unmerited words coupled with beatings, I began to believe a lie and spiraled downward into what seemed to be a very large black hole. An abyss, for the next 3 years.

Then God threw a roadblock in my path. He explained what had happened to me, through His Holy Scriptures, as I unintentionally flipped through it's pages. It was like a breath of fresh air in the middle of what felt like life-long suffering. I'll never forget that day. Tears streamed down my face as I petitioned God to, "Please don't leave me now." It was judgement day for my few years spent on this planet. That was truly a defining moment in my life. At 26 years of age, I was about to find freedom from the lies that controlled me.

As the years turned into many, I realized I was a work in progress. The destruction of self-esteem took some time to lift from me. God brings a renewed mind to those willing to find their path. We cannot wallow in self-pity, nor the order of our past experiences. To do that, we place ourselves in our mental prison, once again. God came to show us how to live…how to walk upon the injustice of this world. The pain and suffering that are meant to destroy us, He cleared a path, so that none would have to remain in that mental place of withdrawal. The path is narrow, and few find it, because it seems to us that we somehow deserve to be treated cruelly. We take the blows and act as if everything is okay. We lay our head upon our pillows and pray to sleep, unafraid. We've never felt the love we so desire and the results of verbal (& sometimes physical) abuse has us in chains.

Words…they are powerful!

The really sad part of this story, is not what I experienced as a young and oh so innocent, woman. It's the realization that hurtful words continue to swirl in our everyday lives. They're not just for those far from knowing the Truth, that only God can show us, but even we that have placed our lives in His hands…we, who talk about the freedom God gives…we, who are quick to instruct others…can destroy a life (or establish a life), by the words we choose.

I pray that God would daily open my eyes to understand and not be quick to judge the reasons of undeserving words that come my way. I pray He would help me to keep my own words silent, so as not to retaliate when pain hits my heart from words spoken. I, too, need a watchman over my heart…my mouth, for it can speak harshly.

INSERT: Is it possible to take hurtful words and build a better tomorrow on them? Sticks and Stones may break our bones…but words? They have the power to wound our heart. The essence of who we are. They can either destroy us, or cause us to learn deflection and protection, from the stupidity of the carelessness with which they were spoken. Doesn't wood (sticks), and rock (stones) a very strong house create? Just a thought...

Psalm 19:14 says it best:
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."

Choosing the peaceful color (the builder part of my soul) of Sticks and Stones, here you'll find me…in Mary's World.

My Morning Coffee

There's a Barnes & Noble Bookstore just up the road from us, about a stones throw...as the crow flies. On the occasions I've walked into this wonderful, feel good place, there have always been many workers, ready to help with whatever a person could need...or just want. AND with smiles (real ones) on their faces. I simply love going to my Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Yesterday, my feet took me there, once again.

As I took the first sip of my morning coffee, my memories took me back to yesterday's experience. A young man, that seemed pretty busy at his work station, acknowledged my presence with a direct look into my eyes (I love that). Asking what he could help me with, he put his present work on hold (I love that). He understood, without me saying a word, how valuable my time was that day. Not only did he look to see if the book I was searching for (Prophet by Frank Peretti), was in stock...he actually took me to the book (I love that)!

Yesterday was a cold and blustery sort of Pooh day (I love that) and I couldn't help but smell the Starbucks coffee, as we rounded the curve that led me to the book I was searching for. I picked up my book, glanced at the price on the back, and headed for the coffee counter. People were sitting around the circle podium, drinking their drinks and enjoying each others company. There were lone people there also. They were quietly reading, while sipping their drinks. The "guest helper" behind the counter, came quickly (he was very busy, as well), and asked for my order. I felt so welcomed there, in spite of the business this season brings (I love that). While I waited for my Pumpkin Spice Latte, I looked at each table's guests and my heart sort of bounced around inside of me. Some of the bounces produced a very happy experience...a feeling that all was well...and it put a smile on my face. Other glances produced great sadness. My heart went out to what these people might be going through, what their eyes told me, with what looked to me to be extreme sadness. Were there silent cries, that are easily missed? Or am I just paranoid?

Another hair salon, just a couple of doors up from my own Elements Salon, shared a conversation he had with a client's mom. She had called to cancel her son's appointment because he had committed suicide the day before. My friend told me he had noticed how depressed this young man had seemed the last couple of visits. My heart broke for the family...and for the young man. Was he silently crying...and nobody heard?

This is the time of year we, as a nation, have chosen to celebrate with thankful hearts. And right in the middle of my thankful heart, there lies a spot that goes out to the hurting. My family is so blessed...and I am grateful. This just may be one of the happiest times in my life. Yet, this morning, as I took that first sip of coffee, laced with Bailey's Pumpkin Spice Creamer, from my own coffee-brewing pot, in the warmth of our home, my mind went straight back to the Starbucks Coffee circle, in my Barnes and Noble Bookstore. And from there it reached out to the many hearts without smiles, those bent downward not wanting to look me in the eye, in the many department stores and retail outlets, that I've encountered this past year. And it makes me sad.

There are many who have an indifferent outlook on life. They don't notice those around them that are despondent. I know this, because I've asked of various co-workers. Much of the time, they will take on an attitude of "they deserve it." To that, I must respond, "I deserve it, but God has chosen to cover me with grace." I don't know why God loves me so much, I just know He does. And the beauty that many fail to see, is that God loves them too. He wants to spread His Grace all over them...if they would but let Him. Difficulties of life remain...but there is a way through them, with head lifted up and genuine smiles, because our hope is not in what others think of us, not what others say to us, not what others expect of us. It is in Jesus Christ alone.

Ahhhh...my morning coffee.

Thank You, Lord of all creation, for all You've provided for this, my family...

I'll remain, until I'm no more...here, in Mary's World.

Lady In Waiting

Have you ever felt as if something was just about to break loose in the space you occupy? Break loose in a good way? Like the sky just may open up, and show you things you're about to be a part of? Things much bigger than you've experienced thus far? Something that will cause your heart to be happier than it's ever been before?

Why I feel this way, I'm not really sure of. Except for the possibility that my world has taken the turn...the bend in the road, so to speak. I'm feeling almost alive again. It's been a long year, for more people than myself. Long...yet it went by, didn't it? And, looking at it from this side of the fence, it didn't take very long at all. My Dennis is here with me now, in North Carolina. My girls and their fellas are close by. We have a place to create a home in, once again. A place family can be together, again. It's been so very long since those days were possible. We are now (as a couple) building relationships within our church family from Hope Community Church in Raleigh, NC.

Last night, we had our first small group dinner since 2011. We used to have them at least once a month...to celebrate whatever we could dream up to label them as. They were usually for a birthday, or a holiday. Experiencing life outside of yourself is life-giving. You can breathe deep, and feel the strength coming into your bones. Into your spirit...your mind.

I've missed "community" more than I realized. I think I may have even become a little lazy...relaxing inside myself, not wanting to do much of anything but just whatever I wanted to do...or didn't want to do, but because there wasn't anything to do, I didn't have a choice. Well, I don't suppose that's entirely true. We always have choices. It's just so stinking easy to get in a mental shut-down of who you were created to be...and do, for crying out loud! And we wallow. With a smile on our faces that is as phony as the day is long.

But now...now, God has lifted my head! I don't know what He's got in store for our family, but my gut says it's going to be worth being hung out to dry. Worth being that cork in the water, just bobbing along. Worth being set on a shelf, with no one being interested in reading what is on your heart. Worth the lonely days...nights.

It reminds me of the Honeysuckle plant. The fragrance comes only during certain seasons. But the fragrance is so worth waiting for. I enjoyed the plant that was in our backyard in Miami, Oklahoma, even during it's time of non-productivity, though it looked so pitiful. I knew a time was coming that it wouldn't appear dead any longer and the fragrance it would share with those close to it, would be the most awesome time. And now, I'm getting that hint of fragrance. And I can't help but be excited! I've lived long enough to know that most of the time, God's extreme surprises, is just that. A surprise! One can't guess the form these super-duper blessings will arrive in. We just wait...with great expectation.

You could say that I'm a lady in waiting...now that's funny!

Yet, here I'll wait...in Mary's World.

The Journey From Here to There

Pre-cursor:
The beginning of this post, was started some time ago, before we had purchased our home in Cary. I was still living with Todd and Lindsey at that time. I saved it to draft, not being able to finish it at the time of creating it. There's a second part...at the end.
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I'll never forget the first words spoken to me, as I began hanging my clothes in what was to become my living quarters, for the next 11 months and 12 days. "Don't get comfortable. This is only temporary." Said with that beautiful smile of hers, my daughter may have been teasing a bit, but I'm betting she was more serious than not.

She, and her "Boo", didn't have a clue just what they were in for. Both giving hearts assumed they were extending an invitation to help Mom and Dad as they transitioned from their life-long home, to a place to live out the rest of their years. A place where they would be close by, to enjoy family, and become a part of something much bigger than themselves. It just wasn't supposed to take as long as it did. God, and His sense of humor...

Now, the time has come that we are being allowed to have our own place once again...me and my husband. We were apart all this time, only seeing each other every couple of months. He stayed behind in Oklahoma, waiting for our home of 37 years to sell. Not wanting to leave the house empty, he thought it best to send me on ahead to get the business "up and running" before the holidays of 2012. I hesitantly agreed. We were sure the house would not be an issue for more than a couple of months. He would join me in North Carolina before Christmas...we thought. As our journey took a turn we didn't see coming, we held on to the goodness of God, to His faithfulness. We faced the expense of 1200 mile trips to see each other as the weeks turned into months, the months turned into...well, it didn't make it to years...for which we will be forever grateful. The cost of those trips didn't matter (well, maybe a little), it was always easy to say "hello"...hard to say "goodbye."

I finished early today, at the shop, and have decided to begin packing the things I have accumulated since being in North Carolina. It's not much, so it won't take long. Nothing like the packing done at our home in Oklahoma! THAT was REAL packing! But, as I think about creating space in this little room I've called home for nigh a year, I'm wondering if it will seem empty to the kids once I am gone. Oh, sure...they'll love the fact that they'll get to enjoy their new home, all by themselves...but, I've been here since they moved in. It's like I'm their kid...they'll miss me! Maybe...

There were times I wondered if we'd made the right choice in selling our home and moving to a place we were not known. Starting over so late in life, seemed just a little crazy. But love is powerful. It makes you believe you can do anything, if you just put your mind to it. The impossible becomes possible. You're not sure just where your feet will land, but when God opens doors for you, you'd just be plain silly not to walk through them. We knew it wouldn't be easy, but being the risk takers that we've (I've) always been, we knew it would be fine. Everything would work out without us having to know details.

Struggles...yes, we've had them. Fearful nights...yes, I had them. Doubts...yes, I had them. Loneliness...yes, it seemed to follow me everywhere. Insecurity...yes, it popped up more than I liked. Even with all the love my girls showered me with, they weren't able to fix my heart issues. I fluctuated from trusting God with the situation, to believing it was by my hand only, and what I gave to the plan, that would cause everything to work out. I can't really describe the feelings that seemed to run amuck inside me. What were we thinking, starting over at 65 years of age? Selling a well established business and starting a new one, has been more of a struggle than I'd hoped, but nothing I didn't expect. For the most part it's felt as if I am just a by-stander, watching as things transpire...
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Wow! I started this post over a month ago and never finished it. Ha! I guess life got in the way. It's now September 10th, and I've been drawn to my computer once again, while the President of these United States is giving a speech about the problems in Syria.

God DID find us a place to create a home in. Once again His favor and faithfulness came through for us. It was never lacking, my eyes just weren't seeing it. We had looked at so many beautiful houses and actually put an offer on one. Even though we were the first offer, it wasn't to be ours. Out of real concern that we were not going to find a place to lay our heads, I called our realtor and asked if we might take a look at the house I tried very hard to ignore. I liked nothing about it. I didn't like the neighborhood. I didn't like the brick. I didn't like the fact it had no covering for our vehicles. I didn't like the ugly, ugly tree in the front yard that the city had aggressively cut back to it's trunk. So it was now half a tree. I didn't like the bushes planted at random in the yard. Front and back. But, we were desperate.

I had just put my husband on a plane back to Oklahoma, after bringing him to NC for Father's Day. On the drive back to my daughter's house, was when I decided to take a look at the house. My heart was sick...I felt we were going to have to settle for less than what we wanted. I was prepared for the worst. As I walked across the threshold, head lower than a skunks belly, I was met with a huge surprise. It's as if God said, "I've been waiting on you to get here."

The first thing I noticed was the hardwood floors (I've always wanted hardwoods). Hardwoods throughout the entire house! Then the entry (I've always wanted an entry). What?! Crown Molding??? Beautiful crown molding (I've always wanted crown molding). It was everywhere! In every room, ceiling & floor level...it was around the air return. It framed the door ways. Even the closet doors...every doorway in the house was framed with crown molding! It matched the fireplace edging. The bathroom in the master bedroom, had beautiful 18" tiles that surrounded the shower stall.

Then there was the sun room (I've always wanted a sun room)! It is probably now, my favorite place in the whole house (we bought this "AWE"ful place). :)

There is so much, as the days go by, that I'm noticing about the house "that God built." That's what the inspector said about the house. "It's got good bones," he said, "Built with trees that were strong." I was outside the other day, and noticed the plants that were flowering around the edges. All the years that I've "doodled", drawing everything from cartoon characters, to big Oak trees, these flowers have always found their place on the paper. I've never known what they were...I've just loved the delicate beauty of them. Long and slender...usually purple in color. The color of majesty. And here they were...just waiting on me to arrive.

 

 

There is a shed out back. At first, because of my grumpy attitude, I figured it was just a run down building. But much to my surprise, it is a great little building, complete with loft! I'm pretty sure my faithful Provider has shaken His head over me more than once. I've always trusted the One who rescued me, yet somehow, when in the throws of life I find that possibly I've not trusted Him as much as I have thought. One might say I've had my fair share of pity parties. And yet, He had prepared our place ahead of time. The One who is Omnipresent, the One who knows the end from the beginning...it was He that hung the stars in their place and causes the earth to be suspended in space. He loves me enough to have exactly what I need...exactly what Dennis needs...waiting for us to arrive.

 

This entry has run a little long, but I must share one more thing. Moving day! We had rented a 27 foot trailer, used 23 feet of it, stored it in Raleigh for about 3 weeks, and needed help unloading. My Dennis asked our daughters and our son-in-law to help on a Wednesday night. We thought it would probably take a couple of nights to empty the belly of that monster.

 

The previous week we had gone to a small group meeting from Hope Community Church. It was our first visit. God had another surprise for us...waiting for us to arrive. Kevin, the group's leader, asked if all would meet at our house to help unload the trailer the following Wednesday. They even brought dinner for everyone! Another surprise came our way that night. Todd and Lindsey's small group from church, ALSO came by to help. Our new home was filled with helping hands and big hearts! More than 20 showed up to help!

 

And so...the journey from here to there is on-going. Waiting for me to arrive. This is only a snapshot of the most recent happenings in the mind and in the world, of one M J Lewis.

 

And now...until my fingers have the need to share again, here you will find me...in Mary's World.

 

 

 

 



Ponderings

We recently purchased a home in Cary, NC. It's an older home, built with strong timbers. There have been a few minor issues that needed addressed, so we began the process of a partial up-date. It seems there have been way too many service providers coming and going. But it's what's needed, in order to make this truly our home. We're almost done...

I'm so grateful for the cooler temps this August has provided. We were in our new/old home for only two weeks, when the AC decided it had pushed all it was going to. I admit, I have asked quite a bit from it's already long life. The up side to this tragic event, is that the previous owner had taken out a warranty insurance policy for us. It was part of the purchase deal. I suspect the roof will be next in line...

Laying in our bed last evening, with the inside temperature of 80 plus (even with ceiling fans swirling throughout the house), I was grateful for the comfort a home provides. Every day gets better for us, as we walk out the leg of this journey we are on. Uprooted from our comfortable place of 39 years, God has given us the adventure of a lifetime. New opportunities, bring new challenges...right? We must be up for it, else God would not have directed it to be. I'm so in awe of the mercies of our God, as we evaluate the place our feet is going to land, on any given day. The world has stopped spinning now, and it only wobbles, from time to time, as we look out our windows and see what He's provided.

Early this morning, as I checked in with Facebook, I once again looked upon a face of beauty. My husbands sweet Aunt was escorted by angels, to the Father of all life, on August 21, 2013 (his 61st birthday). It's a day we'll never forget, even though neither of us was able to be there. We've read (through Facebook), and we've heard (through cell phones), the events of that day. The tributes were nothing short of amazing. Aunt Dorothy was surely loved. It's true that smiles attract more people to your presence than frowns do...and she had plenty to give away. I don't recall ever being in a room where she was, and not see that beautiful smile. I'm sure she's had her fair share of rocks to kick out of the road, of mountains to climb, of injustice to walk upon. I have seen her upset by wrong doing, puckering those sweet lips in an attempt to look mad, yet her final declaration was a smile.

As I pondered all this, I wondered what sort of legacy I would leave behind. What would people remember me by. I'm concerned they don't see enough smiles. Concerned that I'm a bit too bossy, too mothering (as my husband calls it). I do believe we can become caught up in the issues of life and become so serious, that we forget to smile. To stop and see what is right in front of our eyes; the absolute beauty of this earth and the people in it. We tend to try and control our surrounds a bit too much, as we purpose to make things perfect in our little world, being of a serious mindset. Before we know it the day has become night...and we didn't take the time to smile.

Thank you, Aunt Dorothy, for staying the course. You've fought the good fight, you've finished the course. Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into your rest. We'll see you soon!

Until that day comes, here you will find me...in Mary's World.

My Bird of Prey

Walking across the threshold was my first awe inspired moment. My eyes darted back and forth while I wondered if I should take another step. Would I be thrown into oblivion as I entered this huge creature? "That's a large door," I said, as the captain and stewardesses greeted me with smiles. Actually, I was trying to see exactly where the door was. I never did find it...all I saw was a large opening that I was suppose to enter in at.

Everything seemed fine. No one was disappearing, or being cloaked in invisibility. This baby was HUGE! Did I miss something? Was this Air Force 1? And why have I been invited to experience such a ride on my mere $464?

I make my way to the assigned seat that had so much leg room, I really thought there had been a mistake of some sort. As I put my carry-on in the more than adequate over-head bin, I notice a TV screen...ON MY SEAT! Well, it wasn't actually ON my seat. It was on the back of the seat in front of me. Just like every seat on this monster. Well, what was I supposed to do with that? I certainly wasn't going to pay for watching anything. It was, however, a nice touch.

As the plane was preparing for take-off, the captain's voice came over the loud speaker welcoming us all and instructing us to watch the monitor in front of us for instructions in case of an untimely, and un-asked for, adventure into the sea or any mountainous range, we might find ourselves connecting with. Well, how nice. They fixed it where we couldn't say we didn't know what to do, in case of emergency, because of all the noise from other passengers that felt the need to talk loudly through-out the instructions. Niiiiccccceeee....

I peered out the window, from across three seats breadth (I had the isle seat), looking at the wing. On most flights, you can actually see the complete length of the wings. Not on this one. Holy Moly...exactly how long is that thing? How wide? I do believe that one wing was as big as most planes I ride between NC and OK.

Sitting over the small landscapes they call wings, I began to hear this horrific noise, as if someone were cutting the tail of the plane off with a gigantic electric can opener. It took me a while, but eventually I realized it was only the wheels of the plane being tucked away until needed for landing. Truly, had me concerned for a moment.

May I just say that bigger is not always better. As impressive as my ride was, it proved to be a bumpy  one, back to N.C. But I suppose it might have been worse in a smaller plane. It just seemed to have a lot of groans and moans...creaks and shudders. Glad I had plenty of leg room.

Hopefully, I won't have to experience many more frequent flights. But if I do...I'm going to see if my large Bird of Prey will pick me up again. With all it's groaning, it still was nicer than having to sit on someone's lap. Much better than having sneezes sneezed all over me. Nicer than stale air. And hugely better than having to squeeze my bag under my seat along with my purse, creating zero space for my weary feet.

Once I get my husband here for real, maybe we'll just all settle in here...in Mary's World.

The Winds of Change

As a native Oklahoman, I sit in North Carolina thinking about the tornado season that is preparing its yearly entrance into my home town and the surrounding 4 states. It's never a pleasant season to face...we've seen the destruction these massive winds cause. As much as I love "storms", these are way too fearful to be even slightly pleasant.

Seasons come and go in every area of our lives. Much like the destruction of tornadoes, so it is with the battle that presents itself in our minds, from time to time. Nothing stays the same, even though there is nothing new under the sun. There are days we are inspired. And there are days we seem to face the mightiest winds of opposition...of doubt. We struggle with despondency and anguish. We brood (sulk). We feel sorry for ourselves as we battle waves of discouragement. There are times we feel as if we're drowning, and there is no hand to reach for us, to pull us to safety. Or we feel as if the wind is blowing with gale-like force against our every movement, with no possible decline in strength. Thankfully, these times are not the normal living pattern...for me, anyway. But I do face them, as we all do.

This partial move of ours finds me without my study books (and a few other things, like my husband!)...which I really miss. I came to N.C. with the bare essentials, thinking all the rest of what I think I can't live without, would follow shortly. It's been 9 months and no evident change in sight. But tonight, as I read from a book loaned to me, I am reminded that I need not be fearful of anything. It seems as if I need to hear this way too frequently. It's a truth I know, but evidently forget.

There are no problems beyond the reach of an all-powerful, always available, omnipotent God who signed and sealed Romans 8:28. The beauty of this Scripture is that it is all-inclusive. It can do anything God can do. It is a divine promise that can touch any hurt and make a way of escape. It lands squarely on the path in front of us...every day, every moment. God transforms our sadness, our doubt, our trials...into victories. It's been said that He alone knows how to bring Easters out of Good Fridays. We can...and will, rise up out of what seems to be the ashes of life, if we but remember, and read again, Romans 8:28.

Even those hard situations we all face, are worked together for good to those who love the Lord and who are called according to His purpose. Every last detail of my life has a higher purpose than I may be able to see. "Blessed is the man who believes, yet does not see" ~John 20:29 "Faith is the evidence of things not seen." ~Hebrews 11:1

I love it that God promised us ALL things work together for good. Not just today, but every day. Not just the fog that seems to surround me, but even the waiting. It's all for good. I am not my own. I was purchased with a price that only He was able to pay. As we search the Scriptures, we find the table He prepared for us in the midst of those things that would pull us from Him, from His promises. When the storms force us to take them on, we have a shield in the promises of our God.

Some days after finishing up my work day, I will find a spot under a tree, to park my car. I'll put the windows down and allow the cool breeze to sweep through as I recline the seat...push it back from the steering wheel, and just relax. I watch people rushing in and out of the stores, some wandering as if they don't know where they are. It's a time of reflection for me as I visit with God. Sometimes I've even fallen asleep, He's just that comforting. It's as if He gives me peace for the moment, telling me it's going to work out for good.

No one likes the real storms of life. No one. I've never heard anyone say they couldn't wait for the next difficult patch to hit them. That would just be weird. I'm not sure I would believe them. Regardless, it's those strong winds of adversity that causes us to become faithful. To become focused. Something is created deep within us. So, I'm thinking it must be that time again. The time to be taught another truth. As long as I have an anchor, I'm good. And that's something I'll never have to be without.

 Winning the battle of the mind...here you'll find me, in Mary's World.