The O-town Scene

Keep Up Now! by Terry Ludwig Smiles offer genuine relief “With each step we take we draw closer or further from ourselves. The key to unlock- ing life’s treasure is in giving it away. The measure by which any person is rewarded in turn is by his intent. This is an agreement, conscious or unconscious, to effect change.” — Rob Ludwig I make an effort to go for a run every morn- ing. It’s a routine that helps me start creating my day from a good place. I think about all of the things I’m grateful for, and all of the wonderful opportunities this life holds. In addition, I am “that person” who smiles and A smile is healing. It supplies love from those who temporarily have more, to those who temporarily have less. A smile is a miracle. says hello to everyone I see, especially those I don’t know. Sometimes I get a smile in return, and other times, people avoid eye contact. I don’t smile and say “hello” to annoy anyone or to get something in return; I do it simply because I can — and it feels good. I remember days when I was not in a place to give a genuine smile. I spent weeks, and months, in deep depression. I had lost faith in this life; there was no point; I had no love to give. During my dark nights of despair, I felt I was all alone in the world. A simple smile from a stranger would be the light to see me through the day. A smile is healing. It supplies love from those who temporarily have more, to those who temporarily have less. A smile is a miracle. It’s a way of giving love to your neighbor as yourself. Love is the maximal service you can give to another. You know your own and your brother’s worth at once. When you give a smile, the exchange re- verses the physical laws and brings more love to both the giver and the receiver. Ultimately, your own happiness is a direct result of the happiness you share. What you share, you strengthen. Today, when you’re walking down the street, shine a bit of love into the world with a genuine smile, and perhaps a “hello”. You may not get a smile or hello in re- turn, but the love you share will be received nevertheless and you will have brightened the world a bit more. You’ve also given yourself the gift of love, simply by extending it. Keep Up Now! with the stream of higher consciousness and stay con- nected to the Source. — Terry Ludwig Terry Ludwig’s brother, Rob, passed away in 2004 after battling AIDS. Before he passed, he shared his message. “Keep Up Now.” is the result of that communication. She can be reached at keepupnow@ gmail.com, and fol- lowed on Twitter and Facebook. WUOW Featured Artist Josh Ritter Partial PlayliSt Right Moves To the Dogs or Who Ever The River The Curse Girl in the War Each week, SUNY Oneonta-based NPR af- filiate WUOW features a worthy musician in its Friday Night Featured Artist radio program from 8 to 9 p.m. at 104.7 FM in Oneonta and online at wuow.org. Josh Ritter is this week’s WUOW featured artist. American singer-song- writer, guitarist and au- 26 O-Town Scene June 30, 2011 Contributed thor describe Josh Ritter. His first album debuted when he was 21 years old. He has six albums to date and will be performing here locally next week. Tune in Friday for an hour of folk rock music.

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