THE LONG JOURNEY

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

2010-06-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY ~ 2010

2010-05-05T20:25:00.001-07:00

A WOMAN'S LIFE

Each season of a woman' life,

contains some joy and pain.

Her life is always changing,

nothing ever stays the same.

He life is like a blossom,

blooming as she grows

She starts out as a tiny rosebud,

and turns into a rose.

Each season holds a special place,

within her loving heart,

It starts with giving birth to one,

with whom she'll never part.

It seems to be a natural thing,

to nurture, love and care.

Her child will grow in love and grace,

knowing Mother's there.

Her wisdom and knowledge will grow over time,

the blossom will change through the years

her children are now her small little buds,

she'll be there to calm their fears.

Her child will grow, and so shall she,

life seems to move so fast,

but as the world moves along,

It's the memories that will last.

Through the years a woman's role,

will change just as the seasons.

Suddenly her needs are new,

and there's never rhyme or reason.

But deep within her being.

She knows she's passed the test.

She's lived, she's loved, she's experienced all.

And earned her minutes rest.

MAY

2010-05-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

Do you remember back in childhood

How we loved the first of May

When we left our flower-filled baskets

On doorsteps, then ran away?

Do you remember how the gayest basket

Was for the one we loved the best,

And in it went the blossoms

That were fairer than the rest;

Such a beautiful and gracious custom

Somehow long along the way.

But it's memories come surging

As I welcome in the May

[Walton]

I have so many fond memories of when I was a child. These are the memories that have kept me focused throughout my life. Our family may not have had the most of everything, but we had the best of everything that really counts...thank God for loving parents.

TAX DAY

2010-04-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

IT'S APRIL 15, 2010 ~ DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR TAXES ARE ~ FILED, I HOPE

PERSPECTIVE

2010-02-10T07:41:00.000-08:00

Mary and me, West Yellowstone, Montana

PERSPECTIVE

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people life. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return trip, the father asked his son "how was the trip?" The son replied, "it was great Dad." Did you see how poor people life, replied the father. Oh yeah, said the son. So tell me, what did you learn from this trip, the fathered replied. The son answered:

I saw that we have one dog and they have four
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.

The boy's father was speechless. Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor me are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

~ WINTER TIME FUN ~

2010-02-03T10:39:00.001-08:00

Let's all go outside today, and play in the snow like Kermit the Frog. Let's make snow angels and imagine we are 8-10 years old. For just one day, let's put all the heavy duty stuff going on in the world, on a back-burner and pretend we are kids again.

I guess if you don't have snow, you can just go out and play on the grass. If people think we are "nuts" just let them, just for today.

FEBRUARY

2010-01-31T09:24:00.000-08:00

When February tires of her somber dress

She tucks ice diamonds in her hair

With Charming carelessness...

Sometimes she enfolds herself

In cloak of ermine snow...

And always, at her waist she wears

A Valentine-red bow !

SAD NEWS !!

2010-01-30T11:51:00.000-08:00

Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community. The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.

Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours.

Aunt Jemina delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was considered a very smart cookie, but wasted much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, he still was a crusty old man and considered a positive roll model for millions.

Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, three children: John Dough, Jane Dough and Dosey Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart.

The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

If this makes you smile for even a brief second, please rise to the occasion and take time to pass it on and share that smile with someone else who may be having a crummy day and kneads a laugh !!

2010-01-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

People with mental problems are our neighbors. They are members of our congregation, members of our families; they are everywhere in this country. If we ignore their cries for help, we will be continuing to participate in the anguish from which these cries for help come. A problem of this magnitude will not go away. Because it will not go away, and because of our spiritual commitments, we are all compelled to take action.

~Rosalynn Carter~

These thoughts are taken from Mental Health Ministries. Please help erase the stigma of mental illness by saying a prayer, and welcoming a mentally ill person into your congregation, regardless of their faith. Welcoming a mentally ill person into your community, church, school or just anywhere, gives them a sense of belonging and this is one thing that will help them recover their identity, which has been lost by mental illness.

UPON THE WINGS OF EAGLES

2009-12-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

Upon the wings of eagles, build your every dream....

Don't back down if they appear and sound, to be a bit extreme....

Focus all your energy in a good and positive space....

And you'll be ready for anything that will meet you face to face....

Some will always tell you, you can't do this or that....

But the ones who tell you things like this,

Will stay exactly where they are at....

So build your dreams, they're yours to build,

And open up your skies...

And when they start to be fulfilled is when you'll realize....

You're the only one who'll hold you back;

Your attitude will make or break you...

So if upon this life you feel, you want to make your mark,

Go for it friends, cause you hold the light,

That will guide you through the dark.

The above poem was provided courtesy of the Purple Heart Service Foundation. My grandson Kort, received two Purple Hearts, along with the Bronze Star and Medal of Valor for his two tours of duty in Iraq. 'Lest we forget....

HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2010 !!!

10 RULES FOR BEING HUMAN

2009-12-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it's your to keep for the entire period.
You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called "life."
There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial, error, and experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiments that ultimately work.
Lessons are repeated until they are learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson.
Learning lessons does not end. There's no part of life that doesn't contain its lessons. If you're alive, that means there are still lessons to be learned.
There is not better place than here. When your there has become a here, you will simply obtain another there that will look better than here.
Other people are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to something you love or hate about yourself.
What you make of your life is up to you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.
Your answers lie within you. The answers to life's questions lie within you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.
You will forget all of this !!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2009-11-24T08:21:00.000-08:00

There is something in the very season of the year that gives a charm to the festivity.

Our thoughts are more concentrated; your friendly sympathies more aroused.

We feel more sensibly the charm of each other's society, and are brought more closely by dependence on each other for enjoyment.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING. AND PLEASE BE GRATEFUL FOR ALL THE BOUNTIES WE ENJOY AS A NATION.

PLEASE REMEMBER OUR MILITARY STATIONED SO FAR FROM THEIR HOMES AND FAMILIES. THEY ARE THE UNSUNG HEROES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

A POSITIVE THOUGHT

2009-11-21T13:19:00.001-08:00

I am posting the final positive thought today, because tomorrow we will be out of town. We are going to our daughter's house to celebrate an early Thanksgiving with her family. I hope who ever saw these cute posts enjoyed them as much as I did. To me, they all send a message of how to treat one another in a world that sometimes forgets we are all struggling in our daily lives, just with different issues. Let him who is without fault, cast the first stone.

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He could live anywhere in this universe, and He chose your heart.

What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem; not to mention that Friday at Calvary.

FACE IT, HE'S CRAZY ABOUT YOU !!!

2009-11-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

7. LIFT UP !!!

your prayers........'Do not worry about anything;

instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.'

Philippians 4:6

2009-11-20T05:15:00.000-08:00

6. REACH UP !!!

For something higher. 'Trust in the Lord with

all your heart, and lean not unto your own

understanding.

In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He

will direct your path.'

Proverbs 3:5-6

God answers Knee-Mail !!

2009-11-19T05:34:00.000-08:00

5. LOOK UP !!

to the Lord. 'I can do everything

through Christ who strengthens me'.

Philippians 4:13

GOD ANSWERS KNEE-MAIL !!!

2009-11-18T05:18:00.000-08:00

4. STAND UP .....

for what you believe in. Stand for something or you
will fall for anything.

'Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper
time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good.'

Galatians 6:9-10

GOD ANSWERS KNEE -MAIL !!!

2009-11-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

3. SHUT UP !!

Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.

'He who guards his lips guards his soul.'

Proverbs 13:3

God answers Knee-Mail

2009-11-16T13:54:00.000-08:00

2. DRESS UP !!!

The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. 'The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'

I Samuel 16:7

GOD ANSWERS KNEE-MAIL !!!!

THE SEVEN UPS !!!

2009-11-15T14:58:00.000-08:00

For the next week, I will be posting the Seven Ups !! They are meant to be uplifting and send a positive message.

1. WAKE UP !

Decide to have a good day. 'This is the day he Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 118:24

GOD ANSWERS KNEE-MAIL

STRENGTH

2009-11-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

2009-11-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

Inaction breeds doubt and fear.

Action breeds confidence and courage.

If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it.

Go out and get busy.

NOVEMBER

2009-10-31T16:30:00.000-07:00

November is a lonely waif

With wistful wide-eyed ways,

Subdued by the flamboyance of

The bright October days.

And feeling very small before

December's sparkling glance.

Never mind, November, twirl

Your tattered skirts and dance,

Dance a bittersweet ballet

With the leaves that fly away!

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

2009-10-23T07:43:00.001-07:00

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approximately 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then 4 minutes later, the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk. 6 minutes later a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes later a 3-year-old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but his mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money, but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32. After 1 hour, he finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

And now for the rest of the story....

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars (no doubt a Stradivarius). Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the Metro Station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and people's priorities. The question raised: "In a common place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

This story made me stop and think. How many times in our daily lives do we see someone and judge them. This is the way it is with mental illness. People really don't take the time to look at the person, but judge them by their appearances. People with mental illnesses (and their families) face challenges every day. Many times they are shunned by society. From experience, I can tell you first hand, that people with mental illnesses are kind, talented, and giving. They are simply folks that have been dealt a different card in life. The stigma surrounding mental illness can be overwhelming. Even some mental health providers don't understand the dynamics of the person suffering and their family members. How many fine musicians are out there...how many artists....how many potential doctors, had mental illness not struck? Many times family members of a person suffering from mental illness, have to be content to simply hear the small sounds, the small gifts, the small contributions that somone with mental illness has to offer. It is a very lonely walk.........

THE CLOTHES LINE

2009-10-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

A clothesline was a news forecast to neighbors passing by,

There were no secrets you could keep, when clothes were hung to dry.

It also was a friendly link for neighbors always knew

If company had stopped on by to spend a night or two.

For they you'd see the "fancy sheets" and towels upon the line;

You'd see the "company table cloths" with intricate designs.

The line announced a baby's birth from folks who lived inside-

As brand new infants clothes were hung, so carefully with pride!

The ages of the children could so readily be known

By watching how the sizes changed, you'd know how much they'd grown!

It also told when illness struck, as extra sheets were hung;

Then nightclothes, and a bathrobe too, haphazardly were strung.

It also said, "Gone on vacation now" when lines hung limp and bare,

It told, "we're back" when full lines sagged with not an inch to spare!

New folks in town were scorned upon if wash was dingy and gray,

As neighbors carefully raised their brows, and looked the other way.

But clotheslines now are of the past, for dryers make work much less.

Now what goes on inside a home, is anybody's guess!

I really miss that way of life, it was a friendly sign.

When neighbors knew each other best, by what hung on the line.

HAVE I DONE ANY GOOD?

2009-10-03T09:42:00.001-07:00

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad, and made someone glad?

If not, I have failed indeed.

Has anyone's burden been lighter today,

Because I was willing to share?

Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?

When they reached for my hand, was I there?

There are chances for work all around just now,

Opportunities right in our way.

Do not let them pass by, saying "sometime I'll try",

But go and do something today.

"Tis noble of man to work and to give;

Love's labor has merit alone.

Only he who does something, helps others to live.

To God each good work will be known.

Then wake up and do something more

Than dream of a mansion above.

Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,

A blessing of duty and love.

Yesterday Ned and I went to the funeral services for a friend, and we sang this song. It made me think of the people with mental health issues, who are struggling every day to just survive. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) http://www.nami.org/ is there to help. I feel it is my duty to help the best I can. I always say "for the grace of God, go I."

OCTOBER

2009-09-30T07:38:00.001-07:00

Where are you going, my children?

Down autumn's leaf-strewn lanes.

To find Jack Frost who tiptoed by

And touched our window panes.

I see storm windows that must be hung,

You see frost tracings in early sun.

I see the leaves to be raked in a mound.

You see tumbling mats on the ground.

Where are you going my children?

Just down the road a way

To see the tree where the hoot owl sits

And a field where rabbits play.

I see small boots to be marked and mated,

You see a world newly decorated.

Oh, let me come with you down that lane,

And see October as a child again.

The trees in this picture are in our front yard. The trees are right outside our kitchen window. When we eat meals, we are able to partake of their beauty. Every fall, the leaves turn the most beautiful colors for us to enjoy. Fall is my favorite time of year....there is peace in the air....and a sense of anticipation of the fun holidays ahead. Oh! to be a child again..but the older I get, the more I realize that the secret to real happiness is to keep the child in your heart no matter how old you are.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

2009-09-28T14:42:00.001-07:00

Whoever is open, loyal, true; of humane and affable demeanour; honourable himself, and in his judgement of others; faithful to his word as to law, and faithful alike to God and man...such a man is a true gentleman.

I have a plaque hanging in our family room which says:

INTEGRITY is doing what is right even when the only one who will know is God.

TRUST ~ TRUTH

2009-09-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through the dictionary and came upon these two words Trust and Truth. They are right together in the dictionary....so they must complement each other. I wonder sometimes if society today understands that trust and truth are so important. I also wonder why is it some people can get by with not telling the truth. Don't they understand they are hurting people. If someone does not want to do something, then have enough integrity to say so, but don't kill the messenger !!!

The dictionary says TRUST is the firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing.

The dictionary says TRUTH is consistently telling the truth, being honest.

I have been reading the book by Sheri Dew 'Telling It Like It Is. ' A writing in her book made me think:

"Every relationship-husband and wife-parent and child-best friends-colleagues-is dependent on trust. It is not possible to have a relationship with someone you cannot trust. The only thing you can have with someone you can't trust is a strategy."

Why do we have to develop a strategy?
Why do we have to always feel like we need to watch our backs?
Why do we have to feel distrust in our daily dealings?
Why do we always have to be on guard?

My parents always taught us kids that our word was our bond, and that when you say will do something, carry through. These are the childhood lessons that have guided my footsteps in this life. Have I made mistakes ~ OH YES ~ but I realize we are merely humans and carried on. Every day I thank my Dad and Mom for the lessons they taught us.

Blessed are those who have been given Holy Parents.

NAMI WALKS FOR THE MINDS OF AMERICA

2009-09-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the NAMI WALK. I want to thank those who supported me: My sweet hubby Ned, Lura, Janet, Allyson, Everett, Marcy, (Ward S, Dale D, Bob H, Bob T. These are my hubby's coffee buddies), Anonymous, and my daughter Debby. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated so much. As I walk, I will be thinking of you.....God Bless...and thanks again.....

On September 26, 2009, I will be walking for the minds of America. The National Alliance on Mental Illness and NAMI state sponsors the yearly walk. I will be walking for our daughter, as many of you know, who suffers from Schizophrenia. This is a cause I am committed to, and participated in for the last 3 years. It is a major fund raiser for NAMI State, so they can continue to provide our FREE EDUCATION programs, such as Family to Family class, BASICS, Bridges, Support Groups, and many more programs. The walk is a fun event, even in the rain.

We found out we didn't melt !!

Mental Illness is a medical illness. No one is immune. About 60 million Americans experience mental health problems in any given year. One in 17 lives with the most serious illnesses, such as Schizophrenia, Major Depression and Bipolar.

Treatment works, but it can take 10 years, between the onset of symptoms and getting help. Half of cases begin at age 14, but less than half of children or adults get help when they need it. People with serious mental illness (SMI) live 25 years less than other people. (NAMI-NIMH)

I would like to share some facts and numbers published by the National Alliance on Mental Illness:

One in four adults-approximately 57.7 million Americans-experience a mental health disorder in a given year. One in seventeen lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder, and about one in ten children have a serious mental or emotional disorder.

About 2.4 million American, or 1.1 percent of the adult population, lives with schizophrenia.

An estimated 5.2 million adults have co-occurring metal health and addiction disorders. Of adults using homeless services, thirty-one percent reported have a combination of these conditions.

If these statistics don't raise awareness of mental health issues, nothing ever will. People would never discriminate against someone who has cancer, diabetes or similar diseases. Mental illness is a disease of the brain, the most important part of the whole body.

Please support me as I walk on the 26th of September. Simply click on the link below to make an on-line donation. Any and all amounts are welcome. Thank you for lightening my steps as I WALK FOR THE MINDS OF AMERICA, and for helping me along the way. God Bless...

http://www.nami.org/walkTemplate.cfm?section=NAMIWALKS&template=/customsource/namiwalks/walkerpage.cfm&walkerID=100213

HAPPY LABOR DAY 2009

2009-09-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

Have a wonderful Labor Day 2009. Let's all pray that soon everyone has a job, that the economy turns around, that people start to feel good about our country.

OH HAPPY DAY !!

2009-09-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

Your smile brightens my day !!

SEPTEMBER

2009-08-30T07:45:00.001-07:00

The goldenrod is yellow,

The corn is turning brown.

The trees in apple orchards

With fruit are bending down;

The gentian's bluest fringes

Are curling in the sun;

In dusty pods the milkweed

Its hidden silk has spun;

The sedges flaunt their harvest

In every meadow nook,

And asters by the brookside

Make asters in the brook.

From dewy lanes at morning

The grapes' sweet odors rise;

At noon the roads all flutter

With yellow butterflies~

By all these lovely tokens

September's days are here,

With summer's best of weather

And autumn's best of cheer.

LIFE'S MOUNTAINS

2009-08-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Success is not measured by the position one has reached in life.

Rather by the obstacles overcome while trying to succeed.

WHEN YOUR HUT'S ON FIRE

2009-08-21T15:52:00.001-07:00

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out "God! How could you do this to me?" Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

****The moral of this story****

It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember, that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

TREES

2009-08-17T08:14:00.001-07:00

I think that I shall never see

A poem as lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree the looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair.

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

When I was growing up, Dad and Mom had so many little bits of wisdom, poetry, and other thoughts around the house. This little poem was framed and hung on the wall. As I look back now, I realize these are the things that have shaped my life. Mom loved poetry, especially Emily Dickinson, and shared that love with us kids. I was fortunate to "inherit" these special gifts.

QUOTE FOR TODAY

2009-08-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

No one can go back and make a brand new start, my friend, but anyone can start from here and make a brand new end !!

This brings to my mind another poem that I think of often:

You cannot changes yesterday,

that is quite clear.

Nor begin on tomorrow

until it is here.

So all that is left, for you and for me,

is to make today the best that can be.

MY SISTER SANDRA

2009-08-14T06:18:00.000-07:00

My sister Sandra, was born October 25, 1936, in a small town in Minnesota. She and I were born 3 years and 4 days apart. My sister and I were friends, and I can remember going ice-skating together in the cold Minnesota winters and coming home. Mom would have hot chocolate and cookies for us, playing softball, climbing trees, and just having fun playing together. Yes, and we did get into our fair share of mischief. I guess you could say we were "best buddies".

My sister worked at a LPN for a number of years, then decided she wanted to become a registered nurse. She enrolled at Westminster College in Salt Lake City and graduated with her Bachelor Of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 1991. This is my sister at her pinning ceremony. Sandra graduated with high honors.

Sandra and me at after the graduation ceremony from Westminster College. And now the story begins. About a year after my sister received her BSN, she had a stoke. She was in the hospital and rehabilitation for about 6 months. She wondered if she would ever be able to work again, but then that old "Irish and German" extract kicked in, and she began her journey towards recovery, which was amazing to watch. My sister decided the way to challenge her mind to recover, was to enroll in college again, which she did.

My sister Sandra when she graduated with her Master of Science in Gerontology from the University Of Utah in 1999. Again, my sister graduated with honors. She challenged herself every minute, while still recovering from her stroke. If this isn't amazing, nothing is. I have never seen anyone overcome obstacles like she did, but she did it....and WITH HIGH HONORS. My sister Sandra is still working as a registered nurse. Ned, Sandra and me.

Once again, thank you Mom and Dad for raising us kids with the values you did, the tenacity to carry on when the going got tough, and the ability to rise above obstacles. You did an amazing job !!! Blessed are those who have been given good and holy parents.

CONTENTMENT

2009-08-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

Nine requisites for contented living:

Health enough to make work a pleasure

Wealth enough to support your needs

Strength to battle with difficulties and overcome them

Grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them

Patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished

Charity enough to see some good in your neighbor

Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others

Faith enough to make real the things of God

Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.

AUGUST

2009-08-07T05:30:00.000-07:00

Above the slowly moving stream,

Half-sleepily on leaning boughs

Through midday hours

As in a dream

The tired leaves drowse.

Stirring, half-wakeful, now and then

To send a yellow leaf to ride

In onward and unconscious course

Upon the listless water tide.

MY BROTHER TOM

2009-08-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

My brother Tom was born August 6, 1945 and passed away in 2002 from a massive heart attack. He was such a sweet man (as you can tell from the picture.) He had a heart of gold. When Irish eyes are smiling !!

Tom and me in Sioux Falls, SD. I loved my brother. He was good hearted and kind. But he did have a bit of an Irish temper, but then Mom was a true Irish lass, and Dad was of German extract. It is nice to say my brother was my "friend" as well as my brother.

The little horse with Tom is one I have. The horse is probably around 60 years old, and our great-children love it to pieces. All the pictures I have of Tom, he was always smiling. He did have his share of heartaches, but I can never remember him hurting anyone. Guess he just kept it all inside. As I age, I appreciate my family more and more. They were good people, kept to themselves, never broad cast their problems and as all families do, they had their share. Mom and Dad loved life. Our parents taught us to give to others, to take people at their word. The older I get, I find out how smart they were.

Mom and Dad

2009-07-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

Dad and Mom were married August 1st, 1934, in a small town in Minnesota. August 1st was the birthday of Mom's mother, Emma. Mom dearly loved her Mother and Father so chose her mother's birthday as her wedding day. Mom was a beautiful bride and Dad was her handsome prince. Wouldn't you agree they were a lovely couple. Sure do miss them.....

A NEW OUTLOOK

2009-07-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

Deck of Cards

It was quiet that day, the guns and the mortars, and land mines for some reason hadn't been heard

The young soldier knew it was Sunday, the holiest day of the week.

As he was sitting there, he got out an old deck of cards and laid them out across his bunk.

Just then an army Sergeant came in and said, 'Why aren't you with the rest of the platoon?'

The soldier replies, 'I thought I would stay behind and spend some time with the Lord.'

The sergeant said, 'Looks to me like you're going to play cards.'

The soldier said, 'No sir. You see, since we are allowed to have Bibles or other spiritual books in this country,

I've decided to talk to the Lord by studying this deck of cards'

The sergeant asked in disbelief, 'How will you do that?'

'You see the Ace, sergeant? It reminds me that there is only one God.

The Two represents the two parts of the Bible, Old and New Testaments

The Three represents the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost.

The Four stands for the Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The Five is for the five virgins, where were ten but only five of them were glorified.

The Six is for the six days it took God to create the Heavens and Earth.

The Seven is for the day God rested after making His Creation.

The Eight is for the family of Noah and his wife, their three sons and their wives--the eight people God spared from the flood that destroyed the Earth.

The Nine is for the lepers that Jesus cleansed of leprosy. He cleansed ten, but nine never thanked Him.

The Ten represent the Ten Commandments that God handed down to Moses on tablets made of stone.

The Jack is a reminder of Satan, one of God's first angels, but he got kicked out of Heaven for his sly and wicked ways and is now the joker of eternal hell.

The Queen stands for the Virgin Mary.

The King stands for Jesus, for he is King of all Kings.

When I count the dots on all the cards, I come up with 365 total, one for every day of the year.

There are a total of 52 cards in a deck; each is a week-52 weeks in a year.

The four suits represent the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.

Each suit has thirteen cards--there are exactly thirteen weeks in a quarter.

So, when I want to talk to God and thank Him, I just pull out this deck of old cards and they remind me of all that I have to be thankful for.'

The sergeant just stood there. After a minute, with tears in his eyes, and a pain in his heart, he said "Soldier, can I borrow that deck of cards?'

Please pray for our military.

' US HUMANS '

2009-07-21T11:07:00.001-07:00

"Self-worth is not a thing; it is a perception. Just as a gymnast begins a routine with ten points and receives deductions for each mistake, so you begin life with a natural, complete sense of worth. But as you grow, you serve as your own judge, deducting points when you misunderstand the nature of living, and learning...when you forget you are a human-in-training and that making mistakes and having slips of integrity and mediocre moments are a part of life, not unforgettable sins"

Dan Millman from: Everyday Enlightenment

George Bernard Shaw once remarked that "the ignorant are cocksure and the intelligent full of doubt."

This quote really got me thinking...which am I...I am full of self-doubt, but this 'Long Journey' through the mental illness with my daughter, has made me question many things about life. No, mental illness is not fair....yes, it i difficult to deal with.... would we have chosen this for our daughter, her family and our family....quite possibly not...but then I reflect back, see far more difficult situations and am then thankful for our troubles. The old say "walk a mile in my shoes, before you criticize me" has much meaning. My feelings are; we are given troubles in this life to grow as human beings. I would pray that my troubles have made me grow as a human being, that I have learned hard lessons, and in doing so, have become more compassionate towards my fellow man.

There have been a couple of times in my life, when things got eye-brow level, I have simply stepped back from the situation. The step back was due to the actions of certain people. People that should have known better. Some people have judged me because I did so, but they didn't know all the facts about why. I made the choice a couple of years ago, to step back and re-group. I did so for myself and my family. I do know that you can come back with a renewed sense of self-worth, inner peace, and strength. It is a feeling I cannot put into words...but the inner peace is there

TROUBLES

2009-07-10T03:29:00.001-07:00

"THE LONG JOURNEY"

A trouble is like a pebble. Hold it too close to your eyes and it fills the whole world and puts everything out of focus.

Hold it at the proper distance and it can be examined and properly classified.

Throw it at your feet and it can be seen in its true setting, just one more tiny bump on the pathway of life.

This is how I feel about life. Too many times when one has troubles, your troubles can take over your life, instead of you taking control over your own life. All the years I was growing up, Mom and Dad had a little plaque on the wall that read:

"SUCCESS COMES IN 'CAN', FAILURES IN 'CAN'T ' !!"

Dad and Mom were very wise. They taught my sister Sandra, brother Tom , and myself about life. They taught us to be honest, trustworthy, have carry through, and that our word was binding. These are positive character traits.

My daughter has Schizophrenia and this has been a difficult card to be dealt, both for her and our family. But it is alright.... I firmly believe that we are given obstacles in this life, to help us grow. These obstacles were determined long before we journeyed into this world. These difficulties, and how we handled them, how we treated people along the way, is how we will be judged on our journey out of this world.

Yes, life is like the title of my blog "The Long Journey". The STIGMA associated with mental illness is over whelming. Even agencies and people that should know better, throw in the towel when the going gets rough. They leave families and people suffering high and dry...is there possibly an element of self-service.

Answerable to a higher power some day.....oh yes !!!

This is the reason I am so dedicated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. I guess you could say "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade".... One thing I have noticed is people with disabilities are treated differently. Some people are given loads of help, while others have to fen for themselves. I guess it depends on which way the wind is blowing....

HAPPY JULY 4TH, 2009

2009-07-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July is truly a holiday to celebrate our Independence for so many reasons. It is the date we give thanks for our freedoms. The meaning of Independence is: the state of being independent. The 4th of July is a legal holiday celebrating the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Our freedoms have been quite evident throughout the years !! Our country has more freedoms than any other nation and we should appreciate each an every one of them. I am happy I live in this country, where we are able to make our own choices, vote independently, worship as we choose, and all the other freedoms we enjoy.

GOD BLESS AMERICA !!!

~ JULY ~

2009-06-30T16:06:00.001-07:00

The summer harvest day begun

With cloudless dawn and flaming sun;

Ripe grain the sickle flashes through;

The sweep of scythes in morning dew;

The nooning underneath the trees

Made cool by sea or mountain breeze;

The thundershower, the clearing sky,

And sunset splendor of July !

This poem reminds me of the summer days my sister Sandra and I would spend on the farm with our grandmother. We would go up to the farm in northern Minnesota when Dad was stationed at different air bases. I can remember the times when the grain was cut, loaded on trailers pulled by horses, and riding to the farms in the surrounding area. This was such a fun time. At noontime, the cooks would have huge dinners and the food was yummy.

Grandma always made sure my sister and I did our chores, pulled weeds, and fed the chickens. These are memories I go back to now. The days were always full of fun things to do, lots of work, and then at the end of a day, Grandma always made her wonderful meals. She was from Germany and was a wonderful cook and pastry maker. To this day, I can still "taste" some of her goodies !! Yum...I have often heard that childhood memories stay with us throughout our lives. I am thankful I have such good ones.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY !!

2009-06-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful father's past, present and future. May your day be special. You are the father's that have stayed with your children, not walked away when it suited you. And even if you did leave, you made sure your children knew they were loved. Many father's simply leave a family, mostly through divorce, and never look back. This is exactly what my first husband did. He left his two daughters without giving them a thought. This leaves a child with the feeling "what did I do wrong." The child didn't do anything wrong. It is just a selfish man that thinks only of themselves, their wants and their needs.

A father is so important in the life of a child. He gives them direction, guidance, knowledge and stability when the children are young , growing and developing.

My second husband Ned is the perfect example of a good father. He is hard working, loving, caring, supportive and always there when needed. He still worries about his daughters to this day.

A special thanks to my dad for the values and lessons he taught my sister Sandra, brother Tom, and me.

IT TAKES BOTH PARENTS TO RAISE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY CHILD

TO MY DAD ~ WITH LOVE~ON HIS BIRTHDAY

2009-06-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my Dad, sister Sandra and me. I am the one in the middle. You know what it's called...the middle child syndrome !! Dad and Mom would always take us on picnics (the simpler things in life) and we had a ball. Dad was always there for us kids. He was the disciplinarian and Mom was the buffer. My sister and I, and later on our brother Tom, had the best of all worlds with the parents God gave us.

Dad doing the thing in life he loved the most. His beloved flying. Dad taught pilots from all over the world how to fly. Flying was Dad's first love...and he was very good at it. One of his students ended up teaching at the Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, CO...then went on to reach the rank of General. Another was a Captain for Delta Airlines. Dad knew flying, and passed on his knowledge to his students.

Dad was born June 13, 1911, in Kanaranzi, MN. His parents were of German extract (in case you haven't figured that one out.) Dad was an only child, and began flying his very own airplane at age 16. Dad was born with flying in his veins. Dad left us on July 8, 1974.

There is a little poem I posted earlier in my blog about having good parents. The title of the post was 'My Mom and Dad', and the poem was: 'Blessed Are You Who Have Been Given Holy Parents'. The old I get, the smarter I find my parents were. Now isn't that life !!!!!

DOING GOOD

2009-06-05T16:44:00.001-07:00

JoJo had his big cast taken off and replaced with a walking cast. This is his foot where the surgery was. Notice the pins and all that good stuff.JoJo sporting a brand new, blue walking cast. He will have this cast on through July. What a brave little boy to go through all this..

JoJo is doing really good. He was quite sick right after the surgery, but seems to be bouncing back quite nicely. He is in a full cast right now, and Matt and Dayna are having to pick him up and carry him around. In about four weeks his cast will be changed to a walking cast.

I have to admit to having a really bad senior moment !!! Ned and I gathered up lots of goodies for both Joel and Emme, and I sent the package. Well, guess what.....and guess who !!! ..put their prior address on the package. ME !! I put the address for Colorado Springs CO where Matt and Dayna were stationed prior to their transfer to Las Crusas NM. Needless to say, the package sat in Colorado Springs for about a week before it got routed properly. It's a good thing there weren't any perishables in the package, just toys and other goodies. So much for having a serious senior moment !!!

Sorry JoJo and Emme...but enjoy the package when it arrives this coming Friday, June 19th. Love you lots. G & G

A PERSONAL MESSAGE

2009-05-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters. Psalm 18:16

Each life is a journey ~~ a uniquely personal passage through time. As you travel through difficult places, you need not give in to hopelessness. God is able to bring you safely to your destination when you place your trust in Him.

God is the Author of each journey. He knows the way through every dark and frightening valley. He knows the safest path along each high and treacherous mountain trail. God knows where the cool, refreshing waters flow and where you can find the provisions to meet each of your needs. He shares the weight of the burden you carry and causes you to lie down and rest in lush green meadows. He gives you hope and courage as you walk with Him, step by step, day by day.

~ JUNE ~

2009-05-28T07:43:00.001-07:00

And what is so rare as a day in June?

Then, if ever, come perfect days;

Then Heaven tries earth if it be in tune.

And over it softly her warm ear lays;

Whether we look or whether we listen.

We hear life murmur or see it glisten;

Every clod feels a stir of might.

An instinct within it that reaches and towers,

And, groping blindly above it for light.

Climbs to a soul in grass and flowers.

SUMMER

2009-05-26T12:59:00.001-07:00

Quickly, Summer, safely gather

Every cherished bit of beauty

From each shortened day;

Examine each with tenderness

Before it's put away.

Hold the magic of your mornings

Guard your heaven's brilliant blue

Lock the haze of evening

Close against the warmth of you.

Pack each precious well-loved moment

Sprinkle it with sun sachet;

Safely, Summer, store them till

You gently shake them out next May.

REMEMBER THIS !!!

2009-05-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given us the freedom of religion.

It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of press.

It is the veteran, not the poet, who has give us the freedom of speech.

It is the veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to assemble.

It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

It is the veteran who salutes the Flag, who served under the Flag, whose coffin is draped with a Flag.

This is dedicated to all veterans who have served our country, past, present and future. May God smile down on all of you.......

'A veteran ~ whether active duty, honorably discharged, retired, national guard, or reserve ~ is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life".'

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

2009-05-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

WITH FLOWERS

South winds jostle them,
Bumblebees come,
Hover, hesitate,
Drink, and are gone.

Butterflies pause
On their passage Cashmere;
I, softly plucking them,
Present them here!

Does anyone remember, years ago, when the veterans in the American Legion, would sell the poppies to raise funds for their organization? I can remember as a young adult on Memorial Day weekend, when the veterans would come door-to-door and sell the poppies. I often wonder... why did they stop doing that?

SENSE OF HUMOR

2009-05-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, God does have a sense of humor !!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2009-05-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

Worry looks around......

Sorry looks back......

Faith looks up.......

This angel is sent to you with love.....Have Faith

OUR WONDERFUL BRAINS

2009-05-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

To me, this emphasizes just how intricate the brain functions are, and also that there are many things that can go wrong with the way it functions. Schizophrenia is a good example of that. Years ago, the "disease" of the brain was blamed on "the mother" and Schizophrenia was shuffled to the background. Thankfully, research has found that the disease of the brain is actually a 'disease of the brain.' Sadly though, many older people suffering from Schizophrenia, and I mean suffering (and also their families) have not been treated in the proper manner. The person with the disease have had drugs shoved down their throats, warehoused, and also ignored by society. The movie "The Soloist" closely depicts the agony of a person suffering from Schizophrenia. Many of the homeless people suffering with the illness have been ignored by society. It is the lucky family member that has had family to stick by them, even if it is one of the most difficult tasks to undertake. Hopefully, with the heightened awareness in today's society, the stigma against the family and the one suffering with the illness will go away.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI and the National Institute of Mental Health NIMH are two organizations that have been undertaking much research on Schizophrenia, and hopefully, there will be paths for recovery opened, not only for the person suffering, but for their families. Suffering in silence is not fun !!! Another good source for information is NARSAD, the world's leading charity dedicated to mental health research.

CINCO de MAYO

2009-05-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

The 5th of May is not Mexican Independence Day, but it should be! And Cinco de Mayo is not an American holiday, and it should be. Mexico declared its independence from the mother Spain on midnight, the 15th of September, 1810.

The holiday has been celebrated in the United States at many organizations. One method of honoring our decedents, was to have a Mercado, which is Spanish for Open Air Market. This is one of the methods Internal Revenue Service (where I retired from) had of honoring our decedents from Mexico. The open markets would feature handmade Pinatas', original foods, paper flowers, and other items, mostly handmade by employees. It was a fun time for everyone involved. The celebration established the concept of working together, and understanding the history of the employees we worked side by side with every day. The money earned was put into the Employee Assistance Fund, for employees that may need help. The Mercado did many things; it taught us about our Mexican ancestry, taught us teamwork, respect for one another, and the responsibility we had to help our fellow employees that may be in need.

Mexicans never forget who their friends are, and neither do Americans. That's why Cinco de Mayo is such an important holiday and party ! A holiday and party that celebrates freedom and liberty.

VIVA ! el CINCO DE MAYO !!

~ MAY ~

2009-04-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

Do you remember back in childhood

How we loved the first of May

When we left our flower-filled baskets

On doorsteps, then ran away?

Do you remember how the gayest basket

Was for the one we loved the best.

And in it went the blossoms

That were fairer than the rest;

Such a beautiful and gracious custom

Somehow lost along the way.

But its memories come surging

As we welcome in the May.

by: Milly Walton

HEART

2009-04-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Never take someone for granted.

Hold every person close to your heart.

Because you might wake up one day

And realize that you've lost a diamond,

While you were too busy collecting stones.

~ STRESSED MOMS ~

2009-04-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

Severe emotional stress during the first delicate month of a woman's pregnancy may permanently impair the neuro-development of her unborn child, leading to an increased risk of schizophrenia later in life, new research suggests. An article in Time magazine: Stressed Moms, Schizophrenic Kids points to factors, during the development of a child, that leads one to think back to what happened during pregnancy.

The link between maternal stress and fetal development is not new: A study in 2000 suggested, for example, that a mother's stress during pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital brain malformations in her baby. And it has been well established that severe maternal stress is associated with low birth weight and premature birth.

This is an interesting article to read, and made me think back during my pregnancy with my daughter who has Schizophrenia and the events that occurred during the first and second trimester of my pregnancy. Little did I know.......What is interesting though is, all the years my daughter went to therapy, none of the many mental health providers ever asked me for any input, and my daughter went for over 1000 documented visits. Depression often follows when a expectant mother has been abused, mentally, emotionally and physically. Being pregnant only heightens the experience, because the mother has the natural instinct to protect her unborn child as well as herself. Many times the mother feels hopeless and defenseless in her surroundings, and she will put up with just about anything and internalize the hurt, which is not the thing to do. Many years ago, the help was not available, as it is today, and mother's just suffered in silence.

A recent survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI indicates Schizophrenia is a chronic, but manageable disease of the brain. More than two (2) millions Americans and their families face the condition every day. Imagine fighting a health care system that is so fragmented that you can't get what you need to recover from a serious mental illness. Treatment does work, if you can get it. The survey results reveal major gaps between what the public believes to be true about Schizophrenia, what science tells us, and the real experiences and realities of individuals affected by the illness.

THE GOAL OF THE HALLWAY

2009-04-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

If you are my family, I will show you love.

If you are my friend, I will be there for you.

If you are my colleague, I will support you.

I will focus on what matters.

While I'm grateful for what is said about me in public...

It's what is said in the hallway that counts.

by: David J. Polloy

~ HAPPY FRIENDS DAY ~

2009-04-23T06:25:00.000-07:00

Today is friends day. The definition of friend by Webster is: a person whom one knows, loves and trusts. One who is sympathetic, understands us, supports us (even when we are being jerks !!), accepts us for who we are, and doesn't judge, a favored companion. A friend is one with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause. A true friend to me is one who knows our faults, but loves us anyway. A true friend is someone who will let you know you are alright.

Among my very best friends are my husband, and five (5) daughters. They are the ones that know me best, and know what makes me tick. I feel very fortunate to have my family that I can call 'friends'.

My other friends are my cyber-buddies and my e-mail buddies. They are the ones that visit me routinely and leave comments that boost my spirits. But.....

"WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS"

~ HAPPY EARTH DAY 2009 ~

2009-04-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22, 2009. Take time to look at the beautiful things around us. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset. Take time to smell the flowers. Enjoy the budding trees that welcome spring. Then remember who gave us all these gifts, and thank Him.....

~ INCREDIBLE ~

2009-04-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

Incroyable talent : Susan boyle
Uploaded by DonLimpo

Dayna posted this on her blog, but I just have to have it mine. What a totally awesome voice. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and yes, beauty does radiate from within. This is a true example of never jumping to conclusions, because you never know what hidden gift God has given a person. It is interesting to watch the faces of the judges right before Susan started to sing. What an amazing difference. This to me was also an lesson in humility. She is so humble, down to earth and so BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I know I will be watching this over and over.

SCATTERED LEAVES

2009-04-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time an old man spread rumors that his neighbor was a thief. As a result, the young man was arrested. Days later the young man was proven innocent. After his release he sued the old man for wrongly accusing him. In court the old man told the judge: "They were just comments, didn't harm anyone."

The judge, before passing sentence on the case, told the old man: "Write all the things you said about him on a piece of paper. Cut them up and on the way home, throw the pieces of paper out. Tomorrow, come back to hear the sentence."

Next day, the judge told the man: "Before receiving the sentence, you will have to go out and gather all the pieces of paper you threw away yesterday."

The old man said: "I can't do that! The wind spread them and I won't know where to find them." The judge then replied: "The same way, simple comments may destroy the honor of a man to such an extent, that one is not able to fix it. If you can't speak well of someone, rather don't say anything.

"Let's all be masters of our mouths, so that we won't be slaves of our words."

If only we could eat our words, but once they leave our mouths they often seem to breath, breed and take on a life of their own. Truly words are living things...they create the realities of our lives and can forever impact the lives of others.

THANK GOD FOR LITTLE THINGS

2009-04-12T12:03:00.001-07:00

Thank you God, for little things

That often come our way.

The things we take for granted

But mention when we pray.

The unexpected courtesy,

The thoughtful, kindly deed.

A hand reached out to help us

In the time of sudden need.

Oh make us more aware, dear God,

Of little daily graces,

that come to us with "sweet surprises"

From never dreamed of places.

by: Helen Steiner Rice

HAPPY EASTER !!

2009-04-11T17:39:00.001-07:00

A lady opened her refrigerator and saw a rabbit sitting on one of the shelves.

"What are you doing in the there?' she asked.

The rabbit replied: "This is a Westinghouse, isn't it?',

to which the lady replied "Yes."

"Well" the rabbit said, I'M WESTING."

" HOPPY" " EASTER "

P.S. I couldn't resist passing this one from my e-mail buddy: Judi M

HOLY WEEK

2009-04-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

Monday is the start of Holy Week.

The cleansing of the temple in the Holy City of Jerusalem is thought to have taken place on this Monday.

Tuesday of Holy Week is the day when the churchmen tried to trap Jesus into making a blasphemous statement.

Wednesday is the day when Judas, a disciple, betrayed Jesus so Jesus could be captured.

Thursday of Holy Week is associated with the Last Supper. It is the day before the crucifixion.

Good Friday is the day when Jesus was crucified. It is the day that Christians believe that Jesus sacrificed himself for the sins of men.

The day following Good Friday is called Holy Saturday. The day comes at the end of forty days of fasting.

Easter Sunday is a day of rejoicing and happiness. It is the third day after the crucifixion. It is the day that Christ rose from the tomb, and showed himself to his disciples to carry out his work.

DIFFERENT DRUG PROBLEM

2009-04-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

The following letter has appeared on the Internet, and was viewed by many readers. Think it very appropriate to share.

The other day, someone at the store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question. "Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?"

I replied I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.

I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of a teacher, or the preacher, or anyone else, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's and grandma's garden and flower beds and cockle burs out of dad's fields. I was drug to the cotton fields in Texas to pick cotton, so I could earn a little spending money. I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help some poor soul who had no one else to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood, and, if my mother had ever known I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.

God bless the parents who drugged us !!!

P.S. This is what I was taught as a child, and I really thought I had it rough. Every day I thank my parents for the lessons they taught me. Their love and encouragement is what has gotten me some very tough times. I find the older I get, just how smart my parents were. Love you Dad and Mom, and Thank You for drugging me.

IRISES

2009-04-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

STIGMA BUSTING CHALLENGE

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS

SPRING IS HERE !!!

Give a package of Iris bulbs to a neighbor or friend with a note:

The Iris is the symbol of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in recognition of the many contributions of those with mental illness, as represented by Vincent Van Gogh's painting of Irises during his hospitalization for mental illness.

WHAT ALOHA MEANS

2009-03-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

BLACK BEACH IN MAUI

It's more than just an easy word for a casual goodbye,

It's gayer than a greeting and sadder than a sigh.

It's all the tender messages that words cannot convey.

It's tears unshed and longing for a loved one gone away.

It's welcome to Hawaii and it's lingering farewell.

It's all the dear and silent things that lovers lips can tell.

It's frailer than the spider webs and strong as leather thongs.

It's fresh as dew on ginger blooms and older than the moon.

It's in the little lullaby's that native mothers croon.

It's said an hundred different ways, in sadness and in joy.

"Aloha" means I love you so I say ~~

Aloha Oe....

MAHALO

This is especially for Matt and Dayna. They are planning a well deserved trip to Hawaii. Ned and I received this poem from the pilot of the airline when we went on our island tour.

P.S. : Our pilot's name was Fred and he was Hawaiian

ONE FLAW IN WOMEN

2009-03-31T07:03:00.000-07:00

Women have strengths that amaze men, they bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream, they sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up for injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have. The go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideas. The give moral support to their family and friends.

They bring hope, joy and love. They have compassion and ideas. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

2009-03-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

"SOMETHING GREAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TODAY

BECAUSE I AM GOING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN"

MISERY

2009-03-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

A small child outside a tent city during the Great Depression !!

Use "I" as often as possible.
Always be sensitive to slight.
Be jealous and envious.
Think only about yourself.
Talk only about yourself.
Trust no one.
Never forget criticism.
Always expect to be appreciated.
Be suspicious.
Listen greedily to what others say about you.
Always look for the faults in others.
Shrink your duties whenever you can.
Do as little as possible for others.
Never forget a service you man have rendered.
Sulk if people are not grateful for your favors.
Insist on consideration and respect.
Demand agreement with your own views on everything.
Always look for a good time.
Love yourself first.
Be selfish at all times.

IF GOD SHOULD GO ON STRIKE

2009-03-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

How good it is that God above has never gone on strike, because He was not treated fair in things he didn't like.

If only once He's given up and said, "That's it, I'm through! "I've had enough of those on earth, so this is what I'll do.

"I'll give my orders to the sun~cut off the heat supply! "And to the moon~give no more light and run the oceans dry.

"Then just to make things really tough and put the pressure on, "Turn off the vital oxygen till every breath is gone!" You know he would be justified.

If fairness was the game, for no one has been more abused or met with more disdain than God, and yet he carries on, supplying you and me,

With all the favors of his grace, and everything for free. Men say they want a better deal, and so on strike they go, but what a deal we've given God to whom all things we owe.

We don't care whom we hurt to gain the things we like; but what a mess we'd all be in, if God should go on strike.

APRIL

2009-03-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

When was the sky ever as blue as today?

When was the earth quite so mellow?

When was the song of the robin so gay?

Or the daffodil so yellow?

How did we ever emerge from the snow?

March really was rather frightful.

When did April achieve such a glow?

When was the sping more delightful?

CONTENTMENT

2009-03-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday, our local chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) participated in a Single Mothers Seminar. The keynote speaker, Kirstan, gave us some valuable information I would like to share with everyone. The keynote speaker was a single mother for a number of years, and is now married with a blended family of ten children.

REMEMBER

Remember who you are.

DREAM

The first step to creating your dream is experiencing it in your thoughts and heart.

DISCOVER

Each and every individual was born with unique qualities. It is up to us to discover those qualities.

Be aware of your surroundings. Use all your senses and listen to your heart.

BELIEVE

Believe in who you are.

CREATE

Create the life you have always wanted. Live your dream each and every day.

******************

A thought Kirstan left us with was this:

SOMETHING GREAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TODAY,

BECAUSE I AM GOING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN !!!

SUCCESS

2009-03-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

To laugh often and love much...

To win the respect of intelligent persons and the affections of children...

To earn the approval of honest critics...

And endure the betrayal of false friends...

To appreciate beauty...

To find the best in others...

To give of one's self without the slightest thought of return...

To have accomplished a task, whether by a healthy child,

a rescued soul, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition...

To have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation...

to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived...

THIS IS TO HAVE SUCCEEDED.

TO ALL PARENTS

2009-03-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

" I'll lend you for a little while a child of mine He said.

For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or thirteen years or twenty-two or three,

But will you, 'til I call him back, take care of him for me?

He will bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief,

you'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught down here I want this child to learn.

I've looked the wide world over in search of teachers true,

And from the throngs that crown life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give all your love, nor think the labor vain?

Nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again?

I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done!

For all the joy Thy Child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll have him while we may,

And for all the happiness we've know, forever grateful stay.

But should the Angels call for him much sooner than we'd planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand."

I WILL FOLLOW HIM

2009-03-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight my husband and I were in the mood for an old movie, and chose "Sister Act". This is a old-timer, clean, funny and good music. Thought this might spark some nostalgia for someone....as it did us. Enjoy !!

SPRING EQUINOX ~ MARCH 20, 2009

2009-03-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

The word "equinox" is derived from the Latin word meaning 'equal night' and refers to the time when the sun crosses the equator. Day and night are equal everywhere in the world. The March equinox marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere, and the start of autumn in many parts of the southern hemisphere.

SPRING

In emerald shoes Spring pirouettes

Upon a crystal stage;

Then lifts enchanting hands to free

A singing scarlet page.

From barren stalks she draws bright flags

As sun spotlights her art.

And with a violet-scented kiss

She melts King Winter's heart.

by: Louise Hajek

DAWN SONG ~~ ST. PATRICK'S DAY

2009-03-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

St Patrick's Day it is ~~ it is

And rates a perfect morning.

Dull gloom be off; go chase yourself ~~

Drab trouble, take like warning.

St. Patrick's Day it is ~~ it is...

Come, sun, be up and shining.

Clouds, spill no rain but merrily

Reveal your silver lining.

St. Patrick's Day it is ~~ it is

And rates a perfect morning.

For everywhere the Irish are,

Much gayety's aborning.

HABITS

2009-03-10T14:23:00.001-07:00

I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command. Half the tasks you do you might as well turn over to me and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly. I am easy to manage, you must merely be firm with me. Show me exactly how you want something done and after a few lessons I will do it automatically. I am the servant of all great men and women and alas of all the failures as well. Those who are great I have made great. Those who are failures I have made failures as well. Take me, train me, be firm with me and I will put the world at your feet. Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

Who am I? I am habit......

2009-03-10T09:24:00.001-07:00

MY BROTHER

2009-03-08T10:15:00.001-07:00

This is my brother Tom. He had a heart of gold and he was a sweetie. Can you see the Irish in him !!! He was ten years younger than me. He loved to fish and was an expert at tying flies. He worked for Dan Bailey for one summer in Montana, and Dan is who taught him to tie flies. Tom left us in 2002, and I miss him lots. Love you Tom.

MOM, SANDRA AND ME

2009-03-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of my beautiful Mother, Margaret Elizabeth (an Irish lass for sure), cute sister Sandra and me as a baby. Mom was so beautiful and was such a good Mother. Believe it or not, I was baby of the year for 1939 in the small town in Minnesota, where we lived. Mom always told me I had a happy heart. Mom and Dad were always there for us kids. My sister Sandra is a Nurse Gerontologist, and is still working in her profession at the age of 73....I also had a younger brother Tom. I will post a picture of him next. He came along 10 years after I was born, so I guess you would call him the "caboose". Tom passed away in 2002 at the very young age of 54. He had serious heart problems. Guess you would say his 'heart was just too big.'

AN OLD IRISH PRAYER

2009-03-05T09:33:00.001-08:00

Wishing you always ~~

Walls for the wind ~~

And a roof for the rain ~~

And tea beside the fire ~~

Laughter to cheer you ~~

And those you love near you ~~

And all that your heart might desire ~~

LITTLE THINGS

2009-03-05T09:16:00.000-08:00

I have but to close my eyes

And in memory I see

The little things, the Irish things

That are so dear to me;

The shamrocks we used to gather

At dawn on St. Patrick's Day.

The books we used to read by candlelight,

My father's pipe of clay;

And though I've traveled many lands,

Nowhere did I find

Little things to stir the heart

Like those I left behind.

Mary R. Hurley

THINGS YOU CANNOT RECOVER

2009-03-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

Be thankful and look to every new day with a positive hope.
Take time to pull yourself away from all the noise and just look around you.
Take inventory. Appreciate those who have enhanced the quality of your life,
and remember that they have been a gift to you.
And remember that you're an gift to them too.

Be grateful for the choices you've made, both good and bad.
Accept your mistakes; you can't change them anyway.
Apply what you've learned and go on.
Use these lessons to help you with your other decisions in life.
Appreciate yourself and your own uniqueness.

Go outside and look at the sky. Soak in the atmosphere.
Enjoy the colors of the landscapes.
Feel the textures of every place you are that you are thankful for.
Smile at the world.
Don't allow any negative feelings to creep into your consciousness.
Feel the power of your own acceptance.
Put a positive spin on every thought you have.

Make every day special. Own it. Enjoy it. Bask in the glory of life.
Appreciate the gift of your own life

~Doris Fargo~

So many times in my life, I have met people that have tried to make me feel less than I am. Now I try very hard to understand them, and I realize they may be the one with the problem. Many, many times, these are the people that judge when they shouldn't be judging. Criticize when they shouldn't be criticizing, and not tell the truth. These are the things I have now found out, that bug me. Insecure people are simply insecure people. My Mom used to tell me I wore my heart on my sleeve. Now I know what she meant. Thanks Mom and Dad for raising me with an open mind, and a loving and trusting heart. Our family has had some very traumatic hits, but now I am finding out, we just don't go around and dump our heartaches and troubles on others. I would guess that would be where the pride we have as a family comes in. We were always taught to take care of your own, make your own way in this life, and not take from others. It is a comforting feeling to know "I did it my way".

Seussism's !!!!

2009-03-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss~

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you want. You are the guy who'll decide where to go. ~Dr. Seuss~

Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple. ~Dr. Seuss~

Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way. ~Dr Seuss~

And when they played they really played. And when they worked, they really worked.

~Dr. Seuss~

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lots, nothing is going to get better. It's not, It's not. ~Dr. Seuss~

Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the things you can think up if only you try !! ~Dr. Seuss~

2009-03-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

2009-03-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

Help us do the things we should,
To be to others kind and good;
In all we do at work or play
To grow more loving every day.

IRISH AMERICAN

2009-03-01T10:42:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to be an American and I'm proud that I'm Irish too.

For I love the wearin' of the green, and I love the red, white and blue.

I love to watch the marchers as they go parading by

Whether it's on the St. Patrick's Day or on the Fourth of July.

And what could be more beautiful than a shamrock, goodness knows,

Unless your heart is captured by an American Beauty Rose?

Hot dogs ? Yes, I love 'em and watermelon too,

But I'll always have an appetite for good ole Irish Stew.

No it isn't blarney when I proudly say, "It's true

that my heart is pledged to America and to dear old Erin, too!"

GEARING UP FOR THE BIG DAY !!!

2009-02-27T08:46:00.000-08:00

If you haven't guessed, if you don't know, I am Irish to the core. My name, Patricia Ann, is Irish.

My Mother and her family were true Irishmen. Mom's family immigrated from Ireland in the early 1800's. My heritage includes Burn's, Clark's, Enright's, and Kennedy's. Now, you can't get any more Irish than that !!!

When Mom and Dad were alive, Dad always bought Mom three green carnations for St. Patty's Day !! Now my husband does the same for me !! Now that's an Irish tradition.

It is true, when Irish eyes are smiling, you can feel the warmth of spring and hear the angels sing !!

MARCH

2009-02-26T16:52:00.001-08:00

Hear the madcap March winds run,

Bent on gay and boisterous fun:

Laughing, whistling, blustering, swirling.

Shrieking, blowing, twisting, whirling;

Rushing with a threatening roar,

Rattling casement, banging door;

Shaking, waking flower and tree.

Running wide and high and free;

Calling, shouting far and near;

"Wake up ! Wake up ! Spring is here ! :

By: Katherine Edelman

LAW OF THE GARBAGE TRUCK

2009-02-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.

We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car

jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and

missed the other car by just inches !

The driver of the other car whipped his head around and

started yelling at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy.

And I mean, he was really friendly.

So I asked, 'why did you just do that'?

This is when my taxi driver taught me what

I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck".

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks.

They run around full of garbage, full of frustration,

full of anger, and full of disappointment.

As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it

and sometimes they'll dump it on you.

Don't take it personally.

Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.

Don't take their garbage and spread it to

other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not

let garbage trucks take over their day.

Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets...

Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

Life is ten percent what you make it,

and ninety percent how you take it.

Anonymous

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

2009-02-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

O.K. I know I previously posted this song on my blog , but this version is so wonderful and heartwarming. This is a song the warms my heart and makes me happy. This version made me think, wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone got along like the little animals in this video. It would be a wonderful world, wouldn't it. Thanks Judi for sending this to me.

VALENTINE'S

2009-02-12T23:29:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is a day of love,

For showing that we care,

And if we read the Bible,

God describes love there.

If we speak like celestial angels

From heaven up above,

All our words mean nothing

If we don't have Christian love.

Love is patient, love is kind;

It doesn't brag or boast;

Love conquers pride and envy;

It is never self-engrossed.

Love is not rude or angry;

Forgiveness counters wrong;

Love stays away from evil;

It sings a truthful song.

Love is full of trust and hope;

It always perseveres;

Love never fails; It's faithful

To the Bible it adheres.

And if you give this kind of love

To your special Valentine,

You'll be loving right in harmony

With God's own sweet design.

by: Joanna Fuchs