IT IS OVER

I MADE IT----I blogged for one month straight---YES—I am so proud of myself—it has been two years since I have done that—and I am celebrating my victory!!!!

I am really glad I did it---just to see if I could start and finish something—that seems to be a task I always have to work hard at.
Anyway----This weekend we are going to put up the lights on the big window—but as promised –here is an instagram pic of our Xmas Tree…

Truly it looks so much better in person but I like how the lights are sparkled in this pic.
Well I don’t know if I mentioned this—but Allen and my daughter were in an accident  a couple of months ago. A college student ran a red light and hit them broadside at 50 miles an hour…Allen hit his head—but my daughter’s neck and back got “wrenched” (for lack of a better term)…well she has been going to physical therapy and it turns out that now they suspect she has more then one herniated discs…SO NOT GOOD…She gets on her feet for more then 5 minutes and cries in pain…so if the MRI confirms this—she will be getting a lawyer…because then other more serious treatments will be needed. It is funny how the mother of the driver that hit them sent her son to Puerto Rico to live (he was in college here). Unbelievable!!! So tonight she is a bit bummed out—I feel so bad for her.

Allen went hog hunting tonight (just absolutely disgusting) but he loves to hunt—so hopefully he will at least have some fun!!

Again I had a BLAST blogging for a month in the NABLOPOMO challenge…
Until Next Time …. PEACE!!!

CRANKY OLD MAN

This is another inspirational story that was sent to me and I wanted to share---it really touched my heart!!

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in an Australian country town, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.
Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, They found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.
One nurse took her copy to Melbourne. The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas editions of magazines around the country and appearing in mags for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.
And this old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.
Cranky Old Man
What do you see nurses? . . .. . .What do you see?
What are you thinking .. . When you're looking at me?
A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . .. With faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food .. . ... . . And makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . .'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . .the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . .. . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . ... Lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking?. .Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse .you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, .. . . . As I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . .with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters .. . . .. . Who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. With wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . .. . . A lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows .. .. .that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . .. . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . .. With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me . . To see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, .. ...Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future ... . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing .. . . Young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man . . . . . . .. And nature is cruel.
It's jest to make old age . . . . . . . Look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. .. . Grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . . . Where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . A young man still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . My battered heart swells
I remember the joys . . . . .. . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . Life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . .. Gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . That nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people .. . . . .. . . Open and see.
Not a cranky old man .
Look closer . . . . See .. .. . .. .... . ME!!
Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within. We will all, one day, be there, too!
(originally by Phyllis McCormack; adapted by Dave Griffith)

Until Tomorrow ….. PEACE!!!

JUST SHARING

Today we put up our Christmas Tree—We only have a four foot tree because all the kids are grown up—well—we redid all the lights on it, the lights are all white – two sets—one stays on constant and the other flashes… and we bought new bulbs for it in red and silver—Hopefully I can upload a pic of it by tomorrow… We all really like it and the way it came out. Tomorrow hopefully we will get lights around the big window in the room we spend the most time in (computer room) it is also the biggest window on the front of the house…so we are excited!!!

So all of my Christmas shopping is done---I did A LOT of mine online from Friday to Monday—found what I wanted for everyone—so I am pretty happy. We still have to make a Christmas box for our son in Afghan—some fun food and treats to keep him happy.

I hope your Christmas decorating and gift buying goes smoothly…Tis The Season To Give!!!

Until Tomorrow …. PEACE!!!

SHAY

I am on a roll ….here is another inspirational story I thought you all might like---I love stories that just tug at the heart..enjoy!!!

SHAY

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: "When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?"

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. "I believe that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes, in the way other people treat that child." Then he related the following story:

Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they will let me play?" Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play, not expecting much. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and put on a team shirt with a broad smile and his father had a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart.

The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three in the top of the ninth inning. Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was impossible 'cause Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less contact with the ball. However, as Shay stepped to the plate, the pitcher recognizing the other team putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, move in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so that Shay could at least be able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over, but the pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball over the head of the first baseman, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both team started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had Shay ever run that far but made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!"

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to second base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball, the smallest guy on the their team, who had a chance to be the hero for his team for the first time. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions and he too intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All we screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay"&nb sp; Shay reached third base, the opposing shortstop ran to help him and turned him the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third! Shay, run to third," As shay rounded third, the boys from both teams and those watching were on their feed screaming, "Shay, run home! Shay run to home" Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the here who hit the grand slam. He had won the game for his team!

That day, said the father softly with tears rolling down his face, the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world.

Shay didn't make it to another summer and died that winter having never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy and coming home and seeing his mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day.

A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.

Until Tomorrow …… PEACE!!!!

THE FOLDED NAPKIN

 

Another Inspirational Story Just To Make You Feel Good!!!

I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His placement counselor assured me that he would be a

Good, reliable busboy. But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn't sure I wanted one. I wasn't sure how my customers would react to Stevie. He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and thick-tongued speech of Downs Syndrome.
I wasn't worried about most of my trucker customers because truckers don't generally care who buses tables as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade. The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish their silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded "truck stop germ" the pairs of white-shirted business men on expense accounts who think every truck stop waitress wants to be flirted with. I knew those people would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely watched him for the first few weeks.
I shouldn't have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot. After that, I really didn't care what the rest of the customers thought of him. He was like a 21-year-old in blue jeans and Nikes, eager to laugh and eager to please, but fierce in his attention to his duties. Every salt and pepper shaker was exactly in its place, not a bread crumb or coffee spill was visible when Stevie got done with the table.
Our only problem was persuading him to wait to clean a table until after the customers were finished. He would hover in the background, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, scanning the dining room until a table was empty. Then he would scurry to the empty table and carefully bus dishes and glasses onto cart and meticulously wipe the table up with a practiced flourish of his rag. If he thought a customer was watching, his brow would pucker with added concentration. He took pride in doing his job exactly right, and you had to love how hard he tried to please each and every person he met.
Over time, we learned that he lived with his mother, a widow who was disabled after repeated surgeries for cancer. They lived on their Social Security benefits in public housing two miles from the truck stop. Their social worker, who stopped to check on him every so often, admitted they had fallen between the cracks. Money was tight, and what I paid him was probably the difference between them being able to live together and Stevie being sent to a group home. That's why the restaurant was a gloomy place that morning last August, the first morning in three years that Stevie missed work.
He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester getting a new valve or something put in his heart. His social worker said that people with Downs Syndrome often have heart problems at an early age so this wasn't unexpected, and there was a good chance he would come through the surgery in good shape and be back at work in a few months.
A ripple of excitement ran through the staff later that morning when word came that he was out of surgery, in recovery, and doing fine. Frannie, the head waitress, let out a war hoop and did a little dance in the aisle when she heard the good news. Bell Ringer, one of our regular trucker customers, stared at the sight of this 50-year-old grandmother of four doing a victory shimmy beside his table. Frannie blushed, smoothed her apron and shot Belle Ringer a withering look.
He grinned. "OK, Frannie, what was that all about?" he asked.
"We just got word that Stevie is out of surgery and going to be okay."
"I was wondering where he was. I had a new joke to tell him. What was the surgery about?"
Frannie quickly told Bell Ringer and the other two drivers sitting at his booth about Stevie's surgery, then sighed: "Yeah, I'm glad he is going to be OK," she said. "But I don't know how he and his Mom are going to handle all the bills. From what I hear, they're barely getting by as it is." Belle Ringer nodded thoughtfully, and Frannie hurried off to wait on the rest of her tables.
Since I hadn't had time to round up a busboy to replace Stevie and really didn't want to replace him, the girls were busing their own tables that day until we decided what to do. After the morning rush, Frannie walked into my office. She had a couple of paper napkins in her hand and a funny look on her face.
"What's up?" I asked.
"I didn't get that table where Bell Ringer and his friends were sitting cleared off after they left, and Pony Pete and Tony Tipper were sitting there when I got back to clean it off," she said. "This was folded and tucked under a coffee cup."
She handed the napkin to me, and three $20 bills fell onto my desk when I opened it. On the outside, in big, bold letters, was printed "Something For Stevie.
Pony Pete asked me what that was all about," she said, "so I told him about Stevie and his Mom and everything, and Pete looked at Tony and Tony looked at Pete, and they ended up giving me this." She handed me another paper napkin that had "Something For Stevie" scrawled on its outside. Two $50 bills were tucked within its folds.
Frannie looked at me with wet, shiny eyes, shook her head and said simply: "truckers."
That was three months ago. Today is Thanksgiving, the first day Stevie is supposed to be back to work. His placement worker said he's been counting the days until the doctor said he could work, and it didn't matter at all that it was a holiday. He called 10 times in the past week, making sure we knew he was coming, fearful that we had forgotten him or that his job was in jeopardy.
I arranged to have his mother bring him to work. I then met them in the parking lot and invited them both to celebrate his day back. Stevie was thinner and paler, but couldn't stop grinning as he pushed through the doors and headed for the back room where his apron and busing cart were waiting.
"Hold up there, Stevie, not so fast," I said. I took him and his mother by their arms. "Work can wait for a minute. To celebrate you coming back, breakfast for you and your mother is on me!"
I led them toward a large corner booth at the rear of the room. I could feel and hear the rest of the staff following behind as we marched through the dining room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw booth after booth of grinning truckers empty and join the procession. We stopped in front of the big table. Its surface was covered with coffee cups, saucers and dinner plates, all sitting slightly crooked on dozens of folded paper napkins.
"First thing you have to do, Stevie, is clean up this mess," I said. I tried to sound stern. Stevie looked at me, and then at his mother, then pulled out one of the napkins. It had "Something for Stevie" printed on the outside. As he picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table.
Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from beneath the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I turned to his mother.
"There's more than $10,000 in cash and checks on table, all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about your problems. "Happy Thanksgiving,"
Well, it got real noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and shouting, and there were a few tears, as well. But you know what's funny? While everybody else was busy shaking hands and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big, big smile on his face, was busy clearing all the cups and dishes from the table. Best worker I ever hired.

**Until Tomorrow ….. Peace**

LEAVING GREAT LEGACIES

I thought I would share a lil inspirational story to just make you feel good…with the holidays approaching – it is easy to get the blues—so hopefully this puts a smile on your face!!

LEAVING GREAT LEGACIES
Edwin Hubbel Chapin once said, "Every action of our lives touches on
Some chord that will vibrate in eternity." That is the definition of a
Legacy. Wouldn't you love to do something that might strike a
Beautiful chord that will "vibrate in eternity"?
I've discovered something about legacies…generous people leave great
Legacies. I read about a couple in Canada who stopped to help a
Motorist who had run out of gasoline. It was a regular occurrence in
Their part of rural Canada. After they got him on his way, they bought
A new fuel can, scratched their initials on it, filled it with petrol
And stored it in the trunk of their car.
A few months later they again stopped to assist a stranded motorist.
But this time they GAVE him their gas can and told him to fill it up,
Keep it with him and pass it along to the next motorist he sees who
Has run out of fuel.
Though they never expected to see their can again, in a couple of
Years they spotted it being passed along to a grateful motorist on the
Road. They recognized it several more times over the years, and each
Time they asked its owner where it had come from. They ascertained
That the can had traveled across the continent at least two times!
They never intended to leave a legacy. When they bought the fuel can
They never dreamed that their action might strike chords that could
Vibrate in eternity. But that container may still be traveling around
The country!
And it might not seem like a big thing, but many motorists have been
Saved by the generosity of complete strangers who stop to help. Then
Each in turn has taken the container, re-filled it, and diligently
Looked, perhaps for days or weeks, for an opportunity to pass it
Along. Good will generated by a humble can of fuel has no doubt
Been multiplied many times in countless ways, striking beautiful
Chords that vibrate forever.
It's true - generous people leave great legacies. Even that small
Piece of yourself you generously give away may thrive in surprising
Ways throughout eternity.

**Until Tomorrow ….. PEACE**

HOLIDAY TIMES

I know that the holidays can make people more stressed out – Some times I think I am there also…. I have found that in those times—I just forget to be HAPPY—with just my life…It is all too easy to forget the meaning behind all the holidays – well I came upon this lil inspirational graphic and thought I would pass it along..

Okay---today there are some HUGE college football rivalries--
The one closest to my heart is Florida State Seminoles VS University of Florida Gators…So All I have to say is
GO GATORSSSSSSS!!!!

”Florida By Birth – Gator By The Grace Of God”
Until Tomorrow…PEACE!!

BLACK FRIDAY

Well I am so NOT one to leave my house at midnight to get in a line and wait for the doors to bust open to run for my life to grab an item or two as xmas gifts—THAT IS JUST NUTS!!!

To be honest---I am very much a Black Monday internet buyer—I like taking my time looking at things—comparing prices—and not be shoved around…Also Me and Crowds---well just NO!

I am having a very relaxing day----there is a James Bond Movie Marathon—which I am addicted to—I must have seen every Bond Movie at least 75 times—yes sad but true!
Tomorrow is one of the biggest college football rival games for me—Gators Vs Seminoles---omg—I so cannot wait!! Go Gators!!!!

Today The daughter and I are going to enjoy the leftovers---omg the food was out of this world delicious…and we will bum around and just laugh the day away…I leave you all with a saying—just because I can—lol--

Until Tomorrow-----PEACE!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

FIRST---I want to wish each and everyone of you a VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING---I hope your day is filled with many Blessings and much Love!!!

These Are The Things I Am THANKFUL For…. (In No Particular Order)

1- For My Family—there are NO words to truly describe how BLESSED I am to have the Family I do….Allen who is my strength—Eric and AJ who made motherhood something I fell in Love with..Crystalyn—the reason I was Born—unconditional Love!!

2-For My Friends—who, no matter WHAT—have stuck by me..care about me…love me…and just accept me for the strange person I am.

3-For My GrandChildren-Who have shown me a whole new level of Love!!

4-For God—Allowing me This Much Time To Live the Beautiful Life I have!!

5-For the soldiers Who Chose To protect My Freedoms so I can Enjoy such a holiday!

6-For Those Who Have Come into My Life and Left—You Taught Me How To Become Stronger-To Forgive and Forget-To Grow and Change.

I am TRULY BLESSED—No Doubt About It….Have A Beautiful Day!!

BEN STEIN ON CHRISTMAS

Apparently the White House referred to Christmas Trees as “Holiday Trees” for the first time this year which prompted CBS presenter, Ben Stein, to present this -

Piece which I would like to share with you. I think it applies just as much to many countries as it does to America . . .
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejewelled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, “Merry Christmas” to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crib, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her: “How could God let something like this happen?” (regarding Hurricane Katrina). Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said: “I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?”
In light of recent events... Terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbour as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit.
If not, then just discard it.... No one will know you did. But if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein

MEREDITH AND ABBEY

Here is an inspirational story that I thought I would share---very heart warming—hope you enjoy it!!!

 

Our 14-year-old dog Abbey died last month. The day after she passed away my 4-year-old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey.

She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so, and she dictated these words:
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.
I hope you will play with her. She likes to swim and play with balls. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith
We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.
Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help and I recognized her right away.
Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.
Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I'm easy to find. I am wherever there is love.
Love, God

WHAT A LAZY WEEKEND

 

Lots of football….nice weather (at least for part of the weekend)…but I could not help with feeling like it was just soooo lazy. I did manage to get some things done—even cleaned out fridges so we can fit all the Thanksgiving food we will have…I blame it on the weather.

Saturday was so beautiful---but yesterday was sooo gloomy—the only thing I wanted to do was just watch football under some covers with my coffee. Oh and I did that.

I did manage to take a picture of one of our dogs—she decided to smile for the camera so how could I resist….

Now that is a smile that just makes me happy!!!!
Football had some surprises but I loved it all.
The Daughter and I got to talk a lot about everything and anything so that also made me happy….all in all a lazy but beautiful weekend!!

Until Tomorrow … PEACE!!

MEMORIES OF A BEAUTIFUL DAY

WOW---yesterday was just the most perfect day weather wise here in the sunshine state…..blue skies…perfect constant breeze…no humidity…and temps only around 72. I could not have asked for a more perfect day.

If you have followed me at all---you know I am agoraphobic…so going outside---out of my comfort zone is mind blowing. HOWEVER- I did it….yep…sat outside for maybe a total of an hour and just soaked it all in…chatted with the hunnie…and just breathed in the freshest cool air…PERFECT.

So of course I could not resist and I took a couple of pics with my cellphone…and I wanted to share them here…

Just the perfect sky---so blue—almost purple…just WOW!!

This is what a Winter Tree looks like in Florida….lol!!

So I hope your weekend brought you that WOW feeling….Have A Beautiful Day---Peaceful and Loving!!!

WEEKEND FUN

 

It is Saturday which means college football—YESSSS – GO GATORS!!!
So between great football and the beautiful weather today – I think I am going to go outside and sit with the hunnie and just soak in the beauty of today…I am leaving you all with a big of inspiration….

UNTIL DEATH DO US PART

“When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I’ve got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.
Suddenly I didn’t know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly. She didn’t seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?
I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn’t talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn’t love her anymore. I just pitied her!
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn’t have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane. When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn’t want anything from me, but needed a month’s notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month’s time and she didn’t want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day. She requested that every day for the month’s duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Jane about my wife’s divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.
My wife and I hadn’t had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don’t tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn’t looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me. On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn’t tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.
Suddenly it hit me… she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it’s time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.
But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn’t noticed that our life lacked intimacy. I drove to office…. jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind…I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.
She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won’t divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn’t value the details of our lives, not because we didn’t love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart. Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away. At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I’ll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed -dead. My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push through with the divorce.— At least, in the eyes of our son—- I’m a loving husband….
The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves.
So find time to be your spouse’s friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!
Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. ♥

THE FIREMAN AND THE DOBERMAN

He had just saved this pregnant dog from a fire in
Her house, rescuing her by carrying her out of the
House into her front yard, while he continued to Fight the fire. The firefighter was afraid of her at first, Because he had never been around a Doberman Before.
When he finally got done putting the fire
Out, he sat down to catch his breath and rest. A
Photographer from the Charlotte, North Carolina
Newspaper, “The Observer,” noticed this red
Doberman in the distance looking at the fireman.
He saw her walking straight toward the fireman and Wondered what she was going to do.
As he raised his camera, she came up to the tired man Who had saved her life and the lives of her babies,
And kissed him, just as the photographer snapped this Photograph... ♥

LETTER FROM A MOTHER TO A DAUGHTER

"My dear Crystalyn, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.
If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same Story night after night until you would fall asleep.
When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?
When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... Remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day... The day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.
If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.
And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked.
When those days come, don’t feel sad... Just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love.
I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you... My darling daughter."

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 

If you want to watch my Heart Break—check out this picture

This is My Son—Saying Good bye to His Son “D”—He Is Just leaving for Afghan For The Next Year….There Is Nothing Left To Be Said—Except God Please Take Care Of My Son—So These Hugs Can Welcome Him Home.

Until Tomorrow……PEACE!!

FARMER’S DONKEY

 

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL :

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.

3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less from people but more from God.

 

UNTIL TOMORROW…PEACE!!!!!

FOREVER LOVE

Today I wanted to share this story that someone sent to me—Really Touched My Heart—Since My Dad had Alzheimer’s and My Mom wanted to be by his side Every Day.

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80′s arrived at the hospital to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. The nurse took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer’s Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, ‘And you still go every morning, even though she doesn’t know who you are?’ He smiled as he patted my hand and said, ‘She doesn’t know me, but I still know who she is.’ — with Sharon Genovay.

CRAZY DAY

Just seemed today that every one was in a BAD BAD MOOD.
All day here there were arguments, disagreements, hassles, lots of stubbornness thrown in and finally I LOST IT—I Screamed and Cried and then Everyone settled down---WOW just WOW.

Football did not go well today---My Giants Lost and I just knew that The Falcons would win and they didn’t—Thank God I don’t bet money…would have lost my shirt today…..sheesh!!!

Lastly but so much more IMPORTANT---I would like to wish ALL YOU VETERANS a very HAPPY VETERANS DAY….THANK YOU for all the sacrifices you made to allow me to be free and to live in a country of freedom—It is my Priviledge to Honor All Of You….

To My Dad (who I Miss Immensely) My Hero-who fought in WWII—recipient of the Purple Heart—SEMPER FI—hoorah—Once A Marine**Always A Marine!!!!!

IT’S BEEN A GREAT FOOTBALL DAY

First---the Florida Gators won their game----chomp chomp baby—that was exciting-----Then just to put the cherry on top---Texas A&M beat the undefeated Alabama----it was just soooo sweet.  So for me—Today has been a Great Football Day!!!!

I am kind of worn out---I think I did too much today—I was feeling so much better---but I think I over did it---So I am going to just chill out tonight and watch more football.

I wanted to leave you all with some more inspiration—I know I could always use it…..

I hope that your weekend is everything you want it to be and more—I know it is for me---Until Tomorrow---PEACE!!!!

LITE PINK ROSE—SOFTENED

I tried a new technique in my digital painting adventures—adding a softened look---I still don't know what to think about it…but I am sharing it here---

I like it –but I think I can sharpen it up a bit!!!!
Just wanted to share something I was being creative with.
Hope everyone had a beautiful Friday---I know I did—spent the day laughing and singing and just being amazed by some beautiful people---the perfect day!!!

Until Tomorrow….. PEACE!!!!

ANOTHER PIECE OF INSPIRATION

Well I woke up with the flu---which is par for the course ---it seems every November I get sick----this is just getting old. So I am going to leave you with another bit of inspiration—just to feel good—!!!!

Today is also THANKFUL THURSDAY---I am so thankful and blessed that I have a family who truly take care of me—and are my strength when I am weak----I am BLESSED!!! What are you THANKFUL for??

Until Tomorrow---PEACE!!!

SHARING A LIL INSPIRATION

 

Just Be You----because YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!!
Until Tomorrow----PEACE!!!!