The Animals SpeakWhen I was twenty-four, I took a walk through a meadow near my home. Where the meadow ended, a few small trees had cropped up here and there. Some small Dogwoods were in the mix. I thought I spotted a Trillium. As I bent over to get a better look, I braced myself by grabbing on to one of the lower branches of a nearby dogwood.
Blessings Jar for the New YearMost people make resolutions for the New Year. Even if we don't always follow through, it still feels good to make these goals. We have a sense of purpose and a chance at a fresh start. Another way to keep up the New Year's momentum and stay positive is to create a Blessings Jar.
Pay Tolls ForwardI live on an island in the middle of a river in upstate NY. To get home, I must pay a toll. Each week, I stash dollar bills in the visor. When I enter the tollbooth ahead of an out of state car, I pay their toll of $1 per car.
Blue Ribbons At The State FairI entered a few things in the State Fair this year, and won a blue ribbon for my crocheted teddy and one poem, with a red ribbon for my other poem. I thought you all might like to share in my bragging rights!
Honor Veterans on 11/11/11Whichever allied country we live in, I am hoping we will all collectively observe two minutes of silence together in memory and in thanks to all of our soldiers past and present. Let us also remember the loved ones at home who have or continue to sacrifice.
Be an EncouragerDo you want to be remembered with love everywhere? Learn to be an encourager. It isn't hard to do: it's as simple as smiling and saying something nice to at least one person, every day.
Recipe for HappinessA recipe that I hope everyone everywhere can utilise to the best of their abilities under any circumstance.
New Year's Resolution: Be A Better PersonMy New Years resolution is to practice daily (365), even on a bad day, to work harder to do the best humanly possible to think and act kindly and thoughtfully in every single little aspect of life towards all others in every single situation.
Poem: Ode To a Dying Pet (Author Unknown)If it should be that I grow frail and weak, And pain should keep me from my sleep, Then you must do what must done, For this last battle can't be won.
Use Hard Times to Remember the GoodWhen life gives you things you can not handle, just remember you have to have bad to remember the good times. So when things get hard, just let it make you stronger.
Make a Memory Board for Photos and KeepsakesOn it, I place pictures of people who have gone to heaven, special obituaries, corsages of my daughters' weddings, a metro card from my trip to New York, old badges from jobs I had and loved . . .
Share "One Favorite Thought" at a FuneralUncle Jimmy recently died. In preparation of his funeral, my contribution was to introduced an idea of "My One Favorite Thought" to add along with the traditional photo books, sign-up directory and flowers.
Ten Commandments of Human Relations for the New YearI've lived by giving, and receive from others who do the same, so many blessings and moments of joy and it's by and because of these words of wisdom over and over in a lifetime!
Graveside Memory JarI made a "Memory Jar" to sit on my son's grave. It is made of a glass jar with weatherproof pop-top. I painted "Chad's Memory Jar" on the outside. I put a stack of 3x3 inch blank paper inside with a pen.
Recipe for a Happy DayA very special recipe!
Make Your Own God BoxWhen life's decisions get overwhelming, one way to find your way back to order is to create a God box. Where (or if) you go to church doesn't matter; your God can be Christian, Jewish, Mother Nature, the Cosmos or anything in between. The magic of a God box happens when you release your problems and questions to a higher intelligence.
Set Your Sights HighSet your sights high. Know what you want, and then use every ounce of your being to get what you want. A number of years ago, my hubby and I decided to buy a house. We found the perfect house for us.
Our Marriage TipsAs my husband and I approach our 40th wedding Anniversary this week-end, I have experienced friends and family asking me to share our tips for a lasting relationship.
Too Busy, Mother?Too Busy, Mother? Are you too busy to help them play? Too busy to hear them what they say?
Little Boy Talking To An Old ManA little boy was talking with an old man and he said "Sometimes I drop my spoon". The old man said "I do that too."
First Impression QuoteFirst Impression Quote. This is one of the best quotes I have ever heard, and it is so true.
Poem: Life's GardenPoem: Life's Garden. Thought this was a special poem. I hope someone else might enjoy it as well.
Other People's InfluenceDon't let anyone influence you - do what you want to do.
Standing Up for What's ImportantIn life you have to stand up for something or else you'll fall for anything.
A Recipe To Live ByBlend one cup of love and one half cup of kindness, add alternately in small portions, one cup of appreciation and three cups of pleasant companionship into which has been sifted three teaspoons of deserving praise.
Thrifty InspirationMake money, don't let money make you.