Love Actually - the ending

One of my favorite movies ....  Love Actually

What would I do without you?

When it come down to it, should we need to be in an airport to show our love for our friends and family?  Try practicing it each day - a kind gesture is all that is needed.

Your Life Lessons - Clutter weighs you down in many ways

Second day of July, it's a Monday and it is the start of the 2nd half of the year.  Where did the 1st half go?

There are triggers to jump start me throughout the year.  Some are weather related - springtime is to plant the garden.

Some are event related - we have a birth and wedding this year in the clan.

Then often it is just the accumulation of all of the above that triggers the "oh my" need to pay attention to the stuff in my life.

Today - pulled out a bunch of stuff from my NCTV cubby and that's my task for the next couple of days.  

Clearing out "stuff" on a regular basis lightens the load.  I did one of the upper cabinets in the kitchen (again) and found a few more items that could go to the donate box.  Went through the clothes closet and weeded out some of the pieces that I haven't worn or will not be wearing.  In the office, I went through paper files and found that 90% was outdated and needed to go to the shredder!

I was talking with my mom the other night and she is considering downsizing from the house she and my dad built. Yet she continues to lament that no one wants her stuff.  First time where two generations are downsizing at the same time and no one wants the stuff.  Life evolves, you need to rid yourself of clutter or get stuck in the past.  

Remember, when you are de-cluttering --- reuse, recycle, reduce is the way to go.

Your Life Lessons - Life is too short..... enjoy it.

She received an extra seven years of life because
she was taken care of and that she took care of another.

Your time on this planet is just way to short not to enjoy yourself.

By living each day, enjoying the day, whatever your time here, it will be great.  Not only for you, for those who have benefited from having you in their life's journey.

It is not a selfish statement - it is a way of living.  Being grateful for what you have, an amazing concept that I see around me, yet not necessarily with the generations that come after me. 

Have you learned this lesson?  Really -- take some time away from your electronics, take a walk, let nature be the music you listen to.  Breath deeply, walk slowly, notice what is around you and the miracles that happen each day - even the simplest of miracles.

Enjoy yourself ...

Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda

 A game played by many adults - what a waste of time two times over.  

First they play the game, they woulda done something, coulda done something or shoulda done something - and they didn't.  Second they are using the present time to play the game instead of doing something today.

It astounds me that we would give up precious time on something that could not be changed and doing nothing to make today better.

Today is a new day --- this now moment --- do something - a suggestion - be kind to yourself!

Cute poem - thanks to Shel Silverstein:

All the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
Layin' in the sun,
Talkin' bout the things
They woulda-coulda-shoulda done...
But those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
All ran away and hid
From one little did.

-Shel Silverstein

Your Life Lessons

So I embark on writing once again.  This came across my news feed today.  We could all use a read --- more frequently than every so often.

I don't follow usual rules - ok I don't break the law, yet sometimes events evolve and we need to re-look at the rules.  To start.... #12 is what is important to me today.

12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

This is so apropos for my day today - June 29th, 2018.  You never know what their journey is about, what in their journey has already happened, and will it shape tomorrow.  How will their journey intersect with your own?

Great question - and can change on a dime.  What are your life lessons.........?

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 42 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it..

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

14 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

17. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

22. The most important sex organ is the brain.

23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

25. Always choose life.

26. Forgive but don’t forget.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

31. Believe in miracles.

32. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

33. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

34. Your children get only one childhood.

35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

37. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

38. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

39. The best is yet to come...

40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

41. Yield.

42. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Its estimated 93% won't forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title '7%'.

I'm in the 7%. Friends are the family that we choose

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Living my 60th Year - Sharing

Photo Credit Alan Levine

I made a remark about the posts upon posts in FaceBook over this past holiday.  It wasn't to be taken as a snide remark.  For me, more isn't better.  It is nice that many folks are sharing their good wishes.

As I looked at the various communities that I belong to, one of them posted a link to a pdf on beads! Oh my goodness - what an amazing resource.  

I've started using some beads in my crochet and tatting work.  It is like learning another language only this subject matter isn't static.  This little pdf is such a great primer.  

So here's a shout out to Big Bead Little Bead shop for the pdf and to FaceBook group N.F.A. Tatting for posting the link.

Now I need to match up beads to my various crochet and tatting threads!

Enjoy the day........

Here's to a year of catching the dreams you chase,

doing what makes you smile,

and loving the life you live.

Living my 60th Year - little things

Little Things that give us pleasure.

Little things can give us so much satisfaction and pleasure.  I'm sure each of you have a host of items, no matter the size or frequency that really make your day.  This past week there was lots of little pleasures.

Cleaning pleasures -   First of all, the week had the big cleaning day I do once a month.  From one month to the next, my minimalist measures continue to make a difference in how my place feels around me.   A bit more accomplished, few more items disposed of by some manner, my space stays in better shape as I can keep it up to date  - everything in it's place or at least, has a place!

Teaching pleasures - My girlfriend's son, Ian, was over for a bit.  Great kid and he's learning about making choices, at ten years old.  He's getting to determine what he would want or like to do and the costs $$'s.  Beginning to get grounded in learning how his choice make consequences.  Love seeing the light go on, or  an aha look.

Working pleasures - Solid work time scheduled without any interruptions.  This is like heaven as I am so much more productive.  

Craft time pleasures - Whether it be making lace and crochet, or pinning pictures, a little bit of time everyday puts the beauty of creation higher on the conscious level.   Over the last few weeks, I've finished up a bunch of little projects.  I was able to give away a scarf I just finished to a friend of mine.  She was so excited as she is going to a patriotic event in a couple of weeks and will be wearing it.  That pleasure of making it was doubled when  I was able to give it to someone who would enjoy it.  

Garden time pleasures - Pull weeds and some more weeds and lots and lots of peas and squash!  It is so quiet at the garden, a peaceful place to get away from the rush of the day.

Volunteering pleasures - seeing work come together, working with other folks that truly share the same desires to more an organization forward.  TV gang is getting the files up that we serve to the town here.   I'm doing some website coding, kinda fun yet frustrating - a little learn as you go.  I do the simple stuff and the complicated stuff goes to the experts in the group.

What are your little things?  

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com

Here's to a year of catching the dreams you chase,

doing what makes you smile,

and loving the life you live.

Day 18 - Virtual Disconnect - Day 1

First day of these three days of virtual disconnects.  We know that it is important to disconnect from the computer and interenet from time to time. This disconnect time is to work on ourselves - stretch, rest our eyes, and spend time with friends and family.

Some of the disconnect is difficult with my hectic work schedule.  In this part of the challenge, I will spend time with my friends, stretch some - get up and move around, and feast my eyes on those items that continue to awaken the inspirtation within - not on a computer screen.  This is not a challenge just for these three days - it is a way to live our lives.    

This challenge, almost two-thirds complete has had me focus on my space, whether it be a corner, a room, or just some visual part of my environment.  I was ready - and this challenge, call it a teacher, came along at the right time. It's like the first blossoms in the spring, the ah ha moments as the plants peep out of the ground after a long winter's nap.  In my case - I was on a mad merry-go-round.  That ride has had it consequences that have affected me, NO more.  

I will continue to post daily, as it is a practice that I have been missing in my life for awhile.  Life has been too crazy - that's my fault.  

I got a jump on this by visiting with a new friend.  We met this past summer with the campaign against the referendum (we voted it down!) and have been crossing paths at meetings and on-line.  What a nice time, we could have talked all night.  Last night we had a meeting at the NCTV studio to discuss metadata.  You may be thinking - what the heck?  Yeah but it is the brillance of the folks there that get the creative juices flowing.  I even learned how to put the connectors on a coax cable!  It worked - I'm proud. 

A short post  - see you later as I get on with day 2 of the virtual disconnect !  

Disconnecting Day 18 - great!  Item for donate box .....


Today's Challenge - Day 19  -  Virtual Disconnect Day 2- and - find one item to put in the donate box.

Let's be Friends

I came across this video and hope you enjoy it. Message - we can all be Friends. An amazing inspiration - when you don't know the difference - all is possible. Time to shake off those differences. Enjoy

It is Fall already? It's time for the PLAN...

I guess it is. Something about going to the other side of Labor Day weekend kinda puts an end to the summer season.  Some feel saddened by it's end, me on the other hand, love the changes in the season.  I can smell the autumn in the air.

This last week it has been just wonderful here in CT. The weather has been warm in the days and cool in the night. Sleeping at it's best. It is also when I get a new surge of energy. 

Time to look back at the Plan for this year.   Take a moment to pull out your Plan.  How did you do?  What does it look like?  Did of my post of throwing out 50 things help?

Here's a few successful ones.   
Garden - planted a great patio herb garden. I have been enjoying fresh herbs all summer long.  Learned that pansies don't last well in containers and planting mini bells in the garden do well.  My large fern in the front garden is just a bit too big.  A little later in the season, I'll dig it up and move it.  The water hyacinth, while the bloom doesn't last long, it is a beauty.

Garage - I've been able to consolidate down the bit's and pieces and have labeled the boxes for future reference!  Wow it is great.  I've actually made some space there.  Now there are a few boxes on the floor with various plasticware containers in them that don't fit in the kitchen. Again, time to resort them into using on a regular basis vs. use for picnic and big party events.

Office - All but one box is scanned.  All shredding is up-to-date. Thanks to my nephew Spencer. We can now recyle the junk mail so my older study guides will get tossed out.  The lighting challenge has been addressed with the electricians.  I may have an expandable plan to set into action. 

Guest Room - nothing is better than having guests visit.  Since the guest room also doubles as my creative studio, I have had a chance to spiff it up. It will be a work in progress.

Lately I have found some 'guest' items to make them feel right at home.  Heck, I wasn't even here for my last guest, Pat's visit.  The card Pat left for me on my kitchen counter said it well "Every time a heart is touched by kindness, another flower blooms".

You can have extra tooth brushes on hand, small size toiletries, soap, towels, etc. I purchased a bunch of them at the Dollar Store or Big Lots.  All of them were supplied in a basket and waiting on a table in the room.  I supplied a small electric strip so my guests could plug in their techy gadgets.  As hostess, I wish my guests to feel right at home. Something I learned growing up. I wise person said, "..it's not the size of your home that matters, it's the love the guest feels.  Second guess their needs and wants, don't make them ask". 

That statement inspired a Bonus in my current year Plan.  I've developed Guest Info pages; like you'd find in a hotel.   It lists the how and what of the household like mechanicals and appliances, take out menus, alarm systems, how to operate the remotes, phone numbers for the house, cell numbers, emergency numbers.  Computer related information like 'guest passwords', etc. and let us not forget what  Ms. KC needs <meow>!

Overall, like many of us, our Plan is longer than we anticipate. Just spending time reviewing my Plan, I feel great.   I love my bonus above, I love what has been accomplished, and it has inspired me to think about what I need to schedule for this new season.  How about you?  Are you re-inspired? 

New Stove, Fridge, a work in progress

Since I moved in, I have struggled with the ever-running fridge and a stove which burners were hot or cold and not inbetween and an oven that really couldn't calibrate the temp.

 I did well with it, trying my best to cook on top.  I love to cook.  Heck baked potatoes would take 1-1/2 hrs at 350F? 

My neighbor, Jules and I have discussed at length various solutions to our kitchens.  She has the same one but just the opposite layout.  She even tried to get a new fridge awhile ago, but ran into broken delivery promises.

A couple of weeks ago, a P.C. Richard & Son opened down the street.  She's on the ball!  Bless this woman as she goes about checking prices and models and styles, etc.  She then makes an expedition to the new store, physically inspects the goods and buys.  I recieved a phone call to come on over after the install.  I was so impressed.  What a difference it made to our older style kitchens.  She's so kind that she gave me a copy of her receipt. 

I'm no fool - so I go down the next day and buy the same ones.  What is missing?  Did you guess the new range hood?  If you did, it's not missing, it is just not installed.  Later this week, the electrician will be stoping by to install the new microwave/hood and do a bunch of other small electrical repairs.

Wow - the kitchen looks so much better.  I'm considering changing out the counter tops for something updated and add the same material to the wall between the cabinets and counter.  While it isn't my dream kitchen, my electric bill will decrease, it feels newer, my cake baking won't be so challenged and I'll live with it for a few more years.

Pilobolus

It was lucky for me that I ran into a friend of mine at a party a couple of nights ago.  Carol wanted to know if I like sushi and did I like Pilobolus?  That was a resounding Yes to both.  Why, I asked.  Somehow I missed the schedule that they would be performing at the Riverfront. 

So last evening Carol & I spent on the waterfront in Hartford.  A most perfect evening, warm, nice breeze, and a performance by the great dance company Pilobolus. If you don't know who they are then the short video coming up will introduce you to an amazing dance company located right here in Connecticut. Let your eyes and ears feast!

A Surprise Visit....

Thanksgiving is now a fond memory in my life, glad to spend some time with my parents, UB, and later on with my brother Tim and his wife Sandy.  The Ffld crew flew in just in time to eat and for a little more time before flying out.  Of course not before giving a long list of gifts that they 'want' for Christmas.  Unfortunately, Seamus renegged on staying with me for the weekend!  He missed out on Santa Clause and all the great events I had planned.

I had a special surprise visit over the weekend with two great friends, Jim & Frank.  These guys lived next door to me in college and they are as much fun today as the time we enjoyed in college.  Jim and his wonderful wife, Rhonda, came in on Friday from Texas and left on Sunday, just for a baptism! 

Early on Saturday morning, Jim called to say he was in town.  A couple of calls and I met them and Frank (his wife was a little under the weather - get better Debbie - we missed you) at Sam's place in Hartford.  If you are from the area, then you know the red victoria house on Farmington Avenue.  It is the Clemens place - or Mark Twain's home.  Just lovely and since we were on the early side, we had a practically exclusive tour of the house and kitchen area!   One very interesting fact is that Sam was born and died during the viewing of Halley's Comet.  Most of is well know works were written while he lived in his Hartford Home.  Actually you could spend a lifetime learning about this truly amazing man.  We then took a took a tour of various historic streets and ended up at Avon Old Farms for a great lunch.

What a great time!  Jim & Rhonda - see you in the spring!  Frank - give hugs and kisses to everyone at home!  Wishing you the best and thanks for the surprise!

The Impact of One Person

It only takes one person to change this moment - we are all connected on this planet we call home. I received this email from a friend of mine. Get out a tissue, and enjoy the results that one teacher had on her class. I bet you can do it today for just one other individual.

Too Busy for a Friend?

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down. It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.

On Monday she gave each student his or her list.. Before long, the entire class
was smiling. 'Really?' she heard whispered. 'I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!' and, 'I didn't know others liked me so much,' were most of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.

Several years later, one of the students was killed in Viet Nam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.

The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a
last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin.

As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. 'Were you Mark's math teacher?' he asked..... She nodded: 'yes.' Then he said:
'Mark talked about you a lot.'

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon.
Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.

'We want to show you something,' his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket 'They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it.'

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that
had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.

'Thank you so much for doing that,' Mark's mother said... 'As you can see, Mark
treasured it.'

All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather
sheepishly and said, 'I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home.' Chuck's wife said, 'Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.' 'I have mine too,' Marilyn said. 'It's in my diary'

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet
and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. 'I carry this with me at all times,' Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: 'I think we all saved our lists'

That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all
his friends who would never see him again.

The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end
one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.

So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and
important. Tell them, before it is too late. Remember, you reap what you sow. What you put into the lives of others comes back into your own.

May Your Day Be Blessed As Special As You Are

End of Summer Blessing

Now that we have celebrated Labor Day (in the US) summer seems to be officially over. There is this time before the offical date of Autumn (Sept 22nd)that there is a space of time that is filled with busy stuff. Garage cleaning, kids assorted sports schedules, planning the calendar for the up-coming holidays.

I found this Apache Blessing many years ago and it lives on my refrigerator. Today in this busy time I wish to share it with you. Enjoy...

May the sun
bring you new energy by day,
May the Moon
softly restore you by night,
May the Rain
wash away your worries,
May the Breeze
blow new strength into your being,
May you Walk
gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.

Horse Fever

Hi Gang at the Kerul & Dave corral,

Many years ago I had a most unfortunate experience with a pony that ran away with me on it's back. I thought I was going to have a little ride but oh no, the pony had other ideas. After what seemed like a hundred miles of a straight away gallop, the pony just stopped dead in its tracks. I was glad but truly shaken up.

Since then, even though I wanted to go to Camp Bobbin Hollow for equestrain delights, I wasn't sure I wanted to be within close proximity to a horse again.

Time flies by......................... I find myself in Florida last week visiting a great friend of mine, Kerul. Well she and her husband, Dave, have two horses, Goldie pictured above) and Dakota (to the right) and as we make plans for my visit, she does remind me that we have horse duty on Saturday and Sunday. So I gather up myself and pack a bit more self-confidence.

Lets say - it's one thing to be on one side of the fence and the horse on the other side - it's a whole other thing when you are standing in the middle of five horses and they all want a treat. I observed Dave as he took Goldie through her steps. They use the Pirelli method. It is great and I had a chance to 'be the with horses'. I had the opportunity to be "THE TREAT KIOSK" - those horses knew just what pocket I had the treats in! It was amazing to let them know I was the leader of the pack and they "listened".

Thanks to Kerul and Dave and my first lessons - I felt quite comfortable with Goldie and Dakota, while I was on the ground. Possibly on my next visit I may have the chance to get up on one for a "controlled ride" around the pen.