The word “Underdog” is all the rage at the moment, thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles and their spectacular season. In case you haven’t been following football, the Eagles have beaten the odds and these underdogs are on their way to The Superbowl. According to the Urban Dictionary, the definition of underdog means, “someone who is hardly noticed, kind of the opposite of popular or the best, but not exactly the worst, one that is expected to lose a contest or struggle, one that is at a disadvantage.”
Now I am no fair weather fan – no sir indeed! I’ve been a diehard Eagles’ fan ever since I was a wee little girl plopped up on her daddy’s lap rooting for the home team. Being the eldest of 5 girls, my dad had to share his love of the game with someone. I learned about the game of football at an early age just by spending time with my dad and poppy. And of course, they were Eagles’ fans. It was a family tradition. But as a grown woman, I could have easily given up on this team. I mean they have certainly disappointed and frustrated their fans over the years, but I am not a quitter – no way, no how – I’ve always had a passion for the underdog, those whose prospects look bleak.
Even when selecting books to read, or movies to enjoy, I’ve always seemed to gravitate to stories about characters who overcame the odds. Maybe it’s the ultimate cheerleader in me or just my tenacious personality that will not allow failure of any kind to overshadow my goals and dreams. Failure my friends is not the enemy here, it is exactly the opposite; It is the catalyst that propels you to victory. Lessons learned are those that are hard-fought but which make victory that much sweeter. Stay focused on the prize, use your strengths to strengthen your weaknesses, and above all stay humble. So whether you’re an Eagles’ fan or not, you’ve got to admire those underdogs.
Oh yes, on Superbowl Sunday, I’ll be wearing my green – hooting and hollering. Without a doubt, I’m definitely, most assuredly rooting for my team regardless of what the odds are. More than anything, of course, I want to see that Lombardi Trophy in the hands of my Eagles’ players, but if the odds don’t work out in their favor – I still LOVE my team, and I am incredibly proud of their performance this year. You’ve got to love an underdog. Go EAGLES!
Ah yes, the colorful light at the end of the tunnel is approaching. For me, the Autumnal season has been nothing short of a whirlwind. The season of Fall is my all time favorite! I inhale every smell, listen for every crunch and crackle, and delightfully savor every scrumptious flavor that reflects the perfect season – at least it is in my world. But this year, more than ever it seemed like I couldn’t catch my breath. The start of a fabulous new school year, the anticipation of meeting and getting to know all my new middle schoolers, and all the incredible, wonderful craziness that brings. October, the month of my birth welcomed in celebration after celebration of life and the hopeful expectations of joys yet to come, but also, sadly, goodbyes to honor lives well lived to some of my family members. Maybe the energy I feel in this season of plenty drives me to tackle more and nudges me to move beyond my expectations; Two holiday contests entered, two picture books written and the beginnings of my first ever chapter book. Participation in countless webinars and writing critique groups gathered me up and kept me swirling like the colorful leaves on a gusty Autumnal day; A beautiful sight to see but it leaves you dizzy and a bit scattered in many different directions. November began with a heaviness that created more questions than answers and left me pondering about the future. Another family birthday celebration, several friends birthdays ending with the big ZERO! Whoa – partaay time!!! A joyful union of two perfect people, report cards, parent-teacher conferences, FOOTBALL, and then…some serious Pumpkin Pie with that fluffy whipped up stuff, of course! Ah yes, the season of Fall – I absolutely, positootly, no hands down, LOVE the crazy, colorful whirlwind of it all!
TCP WRITES 
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