MOUNTAIN VIEWS Cathi Gerhard Williams
Peace, Love and Understanding I’m not sure which I like better – hearing Elvis Costello sing Nick Lowe’s song (What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding, or watching Bill Murray sing it Karaoke-style in the movie Lost In Translation. I think it’s a tie between two of my favorite entertainers. Either way, it’s one of my favorite songs and always makes me think.
Personally, I have a hard time sharing space, which I suppose is the nature of the international war beast in the end as well. It’s just a matter of scale. From a distance, consider the size and importance of a situation before you take it out on someone else. We all need space, both private and shared. Respect works both ways. That’s what I try to keep in mind.
Will the world ever know peace? I doubt it. There will always be some place full of people “looking for light in the darkness of insanity.” But I think a lot more these days about how I can make the world around me, both near and far, a lot less stressful. I should take the time to consider the small disputes and grudges that really aren’t necessary. Whether it is patience in the grocery line or garbage that didn’t get taken out, is it really worth the argument? How far would a little understanding go?
We’ve put a lot of love and memories in this issue. And I mean that several ways, just not because Valentine’s Day is coming soon. Sure, lots of our articles and advertisements deal with Valentine or love themes. It is seasonal and fun. But more importantly, I’ve noticed the various kinds of love associated with this edition and the people that bring it to life.
Most of us are guilty of these daily conflicts. I had a teacher who used to tell us to “remember to smile and nod.” That’s not so hard if you try.
The stories are about people’s passions and work and reveal that everyone’s unique contribution has value. Our writers are here because they love what they do and want to share it with the world. The celebration ads are small, everlasting ways to say how much you care and
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST The Laurel Mountain Post is a quarterly publication of biffBOOcommunication designed to focus on the people, places and events at the heart of Westmoreland County in western Pennsylvania. We print stories about real people and their daily lives; feature local merchants, craftsmen and professionals; present short pieces of art & literature; and never lose sight of what makes this area a great place to call home. P.O. Box 227 | Latrobe, PA 15650 | 724-331-3936 | editor@LaurelMountainPost.com
value the people in your life. Our advertisers list with us because they believe in the positive power of our publication. And we’ve included some surveys at the end to gather your input on the Laurel Mountain Post. We’d love to hear from you! All this work on our “Valentine Issue” has made me recall happy vignettes from the past, the things that make life important to us. Memories make us smile, give us the strength to keep going, and reward us for our efforts. They help us understand our mistakes and learn to do better when the chance comes around again. Try to remember the love you’ve known rather than the love you’ve lost. I’ll never forget finding flowers from my boyfriend in my high school locker. I will always think about that happiness more than how much it hurt to break up.
editor@LaurelMountainPost.com
Cathi Gerhard Williams Briana Dwire Tomack advertising@LaurelMountainPost.com
There is a lot of pain and suffering out there – but even more ways to help make it better. We hope to always feature articles on the people and places around Westmoreland County that are working toward a world full of peace, love and understanding. Take the time to think about how you can help. Put your gifts and skills to work in our community. Contrary to some colorful notions of the past, peace isn’t a passive concept; it requires participation, cooperation, and most of all, love . . .
Cathi Gerhard Williams, Editor & Publisher Briana Dwire Tomack, Marketing Director & Business Manager CONTRIBUTORS - WINTER 2005 (Volume II, Issue 1) Becca Brenner, Jim Brewer, Walt Brewer, Daniel Chicka, Derek Clawson, Ron Durika, Carol Dwire, Donna Garrity, Carol Gerhard, Shelly Gerhard, Paula Forte, Jodee Harris-Anke, Jim Kasperik, Heather Rogers Kline, Susan McBroom, Jim Prengaman, Joe Prengaman, Emily Prohaska, Ruth Richardson, Maria Schultz, Michelle Schultz, Elizabeth Srsic, Nicole Vitale Smith, Scott Sinemus, Denise Marie White, Drew Williams Special thanks to our advertisers for supporting this community publication!
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