I didn't watch the opening ceremonies. I got burned out after many years of hearing things like: "The giant heads on sticks symbolize the struggle of the earthworms against the oppression of dirt." "When the swarm of children dressed in white meet the headless robed anteaters the conflict between the species is resolved and the spirit of the Olympics is born." But, let me have my every-four-year fix of gymnastics and diving. I'll be happy.

These are all great ideas! Thank you all. Yayagal, I love the symbolism of releasing balloons and I did look into environmentally friendly/biodegradable balloons (they do make them) but to lessen the visual impact until they do (about 3 months) we could use earthy colors, but a brown balloon just seems wrong! And in order to fly up and away, they have to be helium, which is not available or green...Hhireno, I like the idea of bubbles, just because they are so fun! And I never would have thought of the leaves, Annie, but I kind of like that image. Plus, it would leave no footprint. And the clothing one is intriguing, I'll give it some thought, too. Thank you, Pattycakes, for the music idea, too. I think we would want women's voices, or instrumental, but I'll explore that as an option. I do love the music you linked. Ellendi, those are all great ideas and could easily be integrated, either at the close, or some other time during the retreat. Roobear, I'd never heard of EFT. Even if we don't try it as a group, I'm going to pass on info about the technique to our members. I think they will really appreciate and maybe benefit from that info.

"Isn't it convenient to be able to pick and choose which wrongs you want to pretend are right!!! " That's exactly what you are doing... How about divorce? and I am not pretending it's right. In my mind there is nothing outrageous or wrong about what I am doing... especially since I'm doing it with the support of my family. And I don't agree that "society in general" shares this opinion, not in this day and age. Who decides what is the "right thing"? Religion? so what if I'm not a "bible thumper" (stings, huh?)... then what's right? Should I follow the example the church is sending me? Sexually abusing little boys... where is your morality there? If you can't look to your CHURCH for guidance, then I guess what you consider good morals may be up for debate. How about the preacher's daughter who was having sex with the two employees of the AZ fire department? (check the news) I'm sure her father tried to do the best he could in her upbringing, being a preacher and all, but you see with kids it can go either way. You just have to hope for the best and do the best you can as parents. (I went to private catholic school for 10 years... and attended church every Sunday... I have nothing against the church personally). I'm not trying to convince you it's "the right way"... I was just saying you don't have to be so mean about how you speak to others. Religion should have tought you at least that? People on these posts are just asking for help, not to be judged on their morals. I've read other posts and I've seen your comments to others. It seems whenever you have the opportunity to attack someone on "lack of morals" you don't hesitate... and you know very well that it's hurtful, especially the way you say it... with disgust. My children will all grow up just fine, thank you, with a brain to make their own decisions and live their lives how they think is best, and I hope within reason. All we do is try and hope they all turn out ok. We are responsible adults and we are raising responsible children. One thing is for sure, they will learn "tolerance", which is something my parents taught me, and you have yet to learn. Don't want to fight with you... just asking you to be a little kinder. If you have helpful advice for me, I welcome it... if you just want to get online and look for a reason to call me "shack up", then "society" will see just what kind of moral person you are. OZ

Karen, I wanted to say that I hope the Olympics went as well for the citizens of UK as they seemed to have to us viewers! I'm not sure that I can remember an Olympics where there was so much goodwill, not only amongst the athletes themselves, but from the people of the host country. I can't help but think, though, that residents of London and vicinity will be sooooooo glad when things get back to normal.