Another Year Gone Bye

Tonight at midnight we will celebrate the entering of a new year. And another year gone bye.

People that seldom stay up late will stay up this night until midnight just to see the ball fall. To watch all of the festivities going on. To delight in all of the fireworks going off in the sky.

I wonder why we celebrate so much at this time. Is it because we consider a new year a new start? Or maybe a time to let go of some of our past? Or do we celebrate because most everyone else is celebrating?

Whatever your reason for celebrating this night I wish you a Happy New Year!

"old long since", "long long ago", "days gone by", "old times", "for (the sake of )old times"

New Year Eve's Trivia: In 1582, the Gregorian calendar reform restored January 1 as new year's day. Although most Catholic countries adopted the Gregorian calendar almost immediately, it was only gradually adopted among Protestant countries. The British, for example, did not adopt the reformed calendar until 1752. Until then, the British Empire, and their American colonies, still celebrated the new year in March.

Lyrics to Old Lang Syne (short version):

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!

Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne. 

The song Old Lang Syne was originally set to a traditional folk tune in the Scottish language. The words are attributed to a poem written by Robert Burns in 1788. The lyrics above are by no means the complete poem nor is it all of the words in the song.

"Remember that no man is a failure who has friends." A quote taken from the following great movie, "It's A Wonderful Life." One of my all time favorite movies.

To My Family, Friends and All Reading This

May your new year be full of love,

May gratitude flow from you and back your way.

 May you have good health and be free of any sickness.

May all of your resolutions be prepared with passion, strength and endurance so you will reach them all.

May you find a light to clearing up any financial problems.

May your stress be gone and never to return.

May you understand that down times are short and will end soon.

May you know within that you are thought of often.

May you feel the joy of true happiness.

May troubles escape you.
May a smile fill your face and heart.

May you be blessed through out the coming year and always.

Happy New Year to you and yours

Elaine

Remember Those That Won't

Please remember those that won't and/or can't be home for Christmas.



Up until about the age of 22 I spent every holiday at my grandparent's house. Had wonderful times and great memories. Christmas holds many special memories for me.

We would arrive at my grandparent's house on Christmas Eve. In our family we always shared and opened presents on this night. It was special to me because I got to help my Grandmother decorate the Christmas tree. It was a proud time for me to be able to take a pine tree or whatever type happened to get cut down by my Grandfather and decorate it into a Christmas tree. Of course, Grandmother had to tell me where to put the balls and other stuff.

Christmas is a special time for many. It is a time to be with family and friends to give gifts and to share time with. To laugh and reminiscence about earlier years. To get caught up on what is going on in our life now. It is a time to be with those we love and that are close to our hearts.

But for some this isn't possible. It may be because they are a soldier and stationed far away. It may even be because there is not enough money to travel this year. Sickness could be keeping them from being with loved ones.

Whatever the reason, please remember those that will not be home for Christmas.

If you would like to listen to some beautiful Christmas music be sure to check out this site:
http://heavens-gates.com/50schristmas/

My Christmas wish and prayer for you is that you will be home for Christmas...

Elaine

Will you be home for Christmas? I would like to know what your wish is for this Christmas so please leave a comment below.

Connected For Life

 I wanted to share this article with you because it hit home for me. When my life is going through tough times I tend to do just what is brought in this article. I redraw into my own little world.






"Do you find yourself pulling away from others, especially if you've
experienced a crisis or deep disappointment? Maybe the most
difficult thing we can do is to be with people when we don't feel
like being around anybody. We need other people and we'll never
thrive as human beings in isolation.

One woman likes to say, "Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry
and you cry with your girlfriends." The presumption is that men are
not empathetic, and there is probably some truth there.

But I meet with a small group of men that challenge that assertion.
We meet for one reason only - to support each other in our life
journeys. We ask embarrassing questions like, "How is it with your
soul?" And, "How are you REALLY doing?" We try to answer honestly
and to share what is good in our lives, but also relate what is not
going well. Where possible, we try to admit our failings in a
situation as well as what we think we may be doing right. We use
each other for a reality check, for support and, of course, for
friendship.

It's the only group in my life where I can be totally honest and
know that they will accept me anyway. We meet only to listen to each
other, support one another and, if need be, to occasionally
challenge one another. The point is - we need each other.

A man who lost his wife to cancer found himself wanting to be alone.
In time he dropped out of his worshiping community and curtailed
all of the activities he and his wife had shared for so many years.
He increasingly kept to himself. He quit socializing at work and
returned straight home to an empty house. He turned down invitations
from friends and co-workers. His leisure time was now spent watching
television or working in his shop in the basement.

His contact with people dwindled until friends became alarmed that
he might live out his life as a recluse. One came by to visit and to
invite him over for supper the next evening. The two old friends sat
in comfortable chairs by a warm fireplace. The visitor extended the
dinner invitation and encouraged him to come. "You may need to allow
others to share your pain."

The man responded that he figured he was better off without being
around other people. After all, others only seemed to remind him of
all he had lost. "And besides," he said, "it's just too difficult to
get out anymore."

They sat in silence for a while, watching the wood burn in the
fireplace. Then the visitor did an unusual thing. He took tongs from
a rack by the fireplace, reached into the fire, pulled out a flaming
ember and laid it down by itself on the hearth. "That's you," he
said.

The men sat in silence watching the red-hot ember. It slowly lost
its glow. Neither man looked away as the once-hot coal gradually
transformed into a crusty, black lump. After some moments, the
widower turned to his companion and said, "I get the message, my
friend. I'll be over tomorrow evening."

We cannot survive in any healthy way by ourselves. The leaf needs
the branch. The branch needs the trunk. The trunk needs the roots.
And the roots need the rest of the tree. We are connected. And in
that connection we find life and vitality."

-- Steve Goodier
Steve has produced a free newsletter since 1999. It is about life, love and laughter. http://www.lifesupportsystem.com Please check it out.

Hope you enjoyed this article. Please leave a comment.

Elaine 

Friendship

Friendship is a miracle to be held wisely.

The title of this video is "A Christmas Story - Journey Of The Angels/Silent Night". A very fitting title for such a strong story of friendship. 

Friendship is wanting the best for the other person. It encompasses trust, honesty, understanding, compassion and goodwill filled with gratitude for the other person. With a close friend you can be yourself without fear of being judged or ridiculed. You can think out loud.

"A Friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of Nature." ~~  Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Friends come in all shapes and sizes. All ages and all styles. True, close friends are a blessing that is worth our time and effort. 

I watched this video several times and each time tears filled my eyes with happiness. It is a heart filled testament of what friendship is all about.  

I have been truly blessed in my life to have a friend that thinks I am worth the effort. I hope and pray you have the same experience.

If you feel so inclined please leave a comment on your thoughts about friendship. Appreciate it very much.

Elaine

Change

I had to share this video with all of you because it spoke volumes to my heart. Tears formed in my eyes from the goodness portrayed by the homeless man. A smile came across my lips and inside of me.

The title of the video is Change For A Dollar. A great play on words.

When I first read the title I saw 4 quarters in my mind - or any amount of coins that would come out to a dollar. I have a feeling that you probably thought the same thing. Our minds are so focused on $dollar$ that we miss the word 'Change' and how many meanings is in this one word.

Change For A Dollar


Written and directed by Sharon Wright
http://www.imdb.me/sharonwright
http://www.shesalwayswright.com

Winner - Best Short Film - Maryville Film Festival
Winner - Audience Choice Award - Gateway Film Festival
Winner - Audience Choice Award - Moonlight Film Festival
Nominated - Best Female Filmmaker Award - Action On Film Intl Film Festival
Nominated - Sirrocco Award - Action On Film Intl Film Festival
Nominated - Best Silent Film - BareBones Intl Film Festival

Thanks to my cousin for sending me this video. Please share this with everyone. It needs to be seen by all.


If your heart was touched by this video please leave a comment and let me know. Thank you.

Elaine

Day of Gratitude - 2011

I have such fond memories of Thanksgiving from the days of my youth. Thanksgiving was always spent at my Grandparent's house. I got to see my uncles and their wives, my cousins and many other family members. My Grandfather never missed going squirrel hunting early on Thanksgiving Day. Funny thing, I can't remember ever seeing a squirrel that he brought home.

Like most Grandmothers mine was also an excellent cook. Food was always sitting around just for the picking. Thanksgiving Day was no different. Food every where and if you didn't eat all that you could possibly get down my Grandmother was right there asking if you wanted more.

My least favorite food at Thanksgiving was, believe it or not, pumpkin pie. Never have developed a taste for the stuff. I can eat it if I load up the top with whip cream - and I do mean mountains of whip cream. Because of this my Grandmother would always make me a butterscotch pie. Now I could eat a whole butterscotch pie in one sitting with no problem. One of my uncles liked butterscotch as much as I did so Grandmother would of course make two pies - one for me and one for my uncle. Of course she would tell us not to tell anyone about our pies because they were for us only. As a matter of fact she would hide them away in a cabinet - out of sight.

Lovely, thankful memories.

Wikipedia tells us that Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day, is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. It has officially been an annual tradition since 1863, when during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26. As a federal and popular holiday in the U.S., Thanksgiving is one of the major holidays of the year.

The event that Americans commonly call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated to give thanks to God for guiding them safely to the New World. The first Thanksgiving feast lasted three days, providing enough food for 13 Pilgrims and 90 Native Americans. The feast consisted of fish (cod, eels, and bass) and shellfish (clams, lobster, and mussels), wild fowl (ducks, geese, swans, and turkey), venison, berries and fruit, vegetables (peas, pumpkin, beetroot and possibly, wild or cultivated onion), harvest grains (barley and wheat), and the Three Sisters: beans, dried Indian maize or corn, and squash. The New England colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating "thanksgivings"—days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought.
Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_%28United_States%29

The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth
by Jennie A. Brownscombe. (1914)

 

"What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets.  I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?"  ~Erma Bombeck

"Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds."  ~Theodore Roosevelt

I had to add some humor because Thanksgiving should be a happy day for us all.
 


Let's take the meaning of Thanksgiving and live it every day. If we all will do this then peace will engulf the world. No one would be alone, our soldiers would be home, no one would be having to live on the streets and we would all be full of love. No child, no adult would have to go to bed hungry from lack of food.

Thanksgiving is about giving Thanks for all. Thanksgiving is about sharing what  each of us have been given whether it be a lot or a little. In sharing we commemorate the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

If you enjoyed this post please leave a comment. I would appreciate knowing what you think.

Elaine

Veterans Day 11-11-11

"I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, "Mother, what was war?"  ~Eve Merriam

Thank you for serving then and now. To all that have served. To all that gave their all. To those that are serving now. Freedom is won by the sacrifices and giving of so many brave men, woman, and animals known as War Dogs.

You may hate war but never dishonor yourself by hating the soldier. Our gratitude lives within us each day of our life not just today.

Lyrics:

There is still a land where freedom rings
In hearts of people young and old.
Life and liberty and happiness
Protected by the strong and bold.

Through the years you have looked over us,
To keep our golden land secure.
Gave your lives for such a worthy cause,
Let freedom ring forevermore!

CHORUS
This is still the land of the free
Because you gave so unselfishly.
Your sacrifice means all to me,
‘Cause this is still the land of the free.

The flame still burns inside of each of us
Our hearts beat red, white and blue.
We will carry on the torch of hope,
A beacon proudly shining through.

When I see the stars and stripes unfurled,
The torch of Lady Liberty,
I am thankful for America,
And those who keep her safe for me!

CHORUS

Source: http://www.restored.faithweb.com/thisisstill.html

"And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me."
Lee Greenwood

History of Veterans Day
http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

Too many military war dogs are euthanized after they are retired from active duty. Help stop this practice. Go to http://www.save-a-vet.org

"Lord, bid war's trumpet cease;
Fold the whole earth in peace."
~Oliver Wendell Holmes

 

 

THANK YOU

Elaine

 

Steve Goodier On Faking It

I have been a subscriber of Steve's for a while now. Also, I have read many of his books and have given them away as gifts. Why? Because he approaches life with humor, clarity and love. Be sure to check out his blog at the end of this post and you might want to subscribe to his newsletter.

Enjoy... Oh!, by the way, you might want to read it more than once.

SOMETHING YOU CAN'T FAKE
By Steve Goodier

"One person writes: "I have been in many places, but I have never
been in Cahoots. Apparently you can't go there alone. You have to be
in Cahoots with someone. I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no
one recognizes you there. I have, however, been in Sane. You have to
be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my
family, friends and those where I have worked."

I find myself in some interesting places - like Love. Have you ever
been in Love? It can be a hard place to leave. Occasionally I find
myself in Fear, in Doubt and, at times, in Capable. I don't like to
spend a lot of time there.

But what about Sincere? Have you been in Sincere, lately? I've been
there and it is not an honorable place to go.

A guy was in Sincere when he bought his wife a beautiful diamond
ring for Christmas. Well, not quite a diamond, but it looked like
one.

A friend of his said, "I thought she wanted one of those pretty
4-wheel drive vehicles."

He shrugged his shoulders. "She did. But where in the world was I
going to find a fake jeep?"

Is there such a thing as a fake relationship?

You remember comedian Tommy Smothers old line? "The best thing about
getting older is that you gain sincerity. Once you learn to fake
that, there's nothing you can't do."

I heard a true story of a teenager who got a tattoo on her hip - a
delicate little Japanese symbol. At her friend's house she showed it
off. The friend's mother commented on it and the girl begged,
"Please don't tell my parents."

The mother assured her that she wouldn't say anything about it. Then
she asked, "By the way, what does it stand for?"

"Honesty," she said.

I love irony.

When I am sincere, there's nothing to hide. I am just me. It's
something I can't fake. And if I'm the best me that I can be, then
what can I be that is any better?

The Wall Street Journal once printed a little piece titled
"Sincerity." It is one of my favorites.

"I wish I were big enough honestly to admit all my shortcomings;
brilliant enough to accept praise without it making me arrogant;
tall enough to tower above deceit;
strong enough to welcome criticism;
compassionate enough to understand human frailties;
wise enough to recognize my mistakes;
humble enough to appreciate greatness;
staunch enough to stand by my friends;
human enough to be thoughtful of my neighbor;
and righteous enough to be devoted to the love of God."

I am really not all that strong. I don't always act with courage. I
am certainly not as brilliant as others, as charming or as wise. But
today I can be me. And when I lie down tonight, I'll sleep easy
knowing it will have been enough."

-- Steve Goodier

Share this on FaceBook and Twitter / Post a comment / Read more
http://stevegoodier.blogspot.com/

Elaine's Vision: Just Doing What Had To Be Done

Elaine's Vision: Just Doing What Had To Be Done

Just Doing What Had To Be Done

When we are confronted with choices during a disaster it takes the strong and loving nature of the human soul to do what is right.

I had tears running down my face as I watched this video. The caring love, compassion and concern for others during a time of need brought together those that were willing to step up and say, "I have to do this." 

This video was posted on YouTube on September 7, 2011. Let's make sure that we honor those involved by passing this on to as many others as we possibly can.

Copied from posting on YouTube: "Tom Hanks narrates the epic story of the 9/11 boatlift that evacuated half a million people from the stricken piers and seawalls of Lower Manhattan. Produced and directed by Eddie Rosenstein. Eyepop Productions, Inc.

BOATLIFT was executive produced by Stephen Flynn and Sean Burke and premiered on September 8th at the 9/11 Tenth Anniversary Summit: Remembrance/Renewal/Resilience in Washington. The Summit kicked off a national movement to foster community and national resilience in the face of future crises. See www.road2resilience.org to become a part of the campaign to build a more resilient world. The film was made with the generous support by philanthropist Adrienne Arsht, Chairman Emerita, TotalBank (www.arsht.com)"

I would love to hear what you think about this video so please leave a comment below. Also, please do share this post with others. 

“A kind and compassionate act is often its own reward.”
~~ William John Bennett

With loving gratitude to all those that stepped up and did what had to be done. May God Bless You

9/11 10th Anniversary Tribute

Ten years ago, Tuesday, September 11, 2011, will forever be implanted in our minds and lives.

Shanksville, PA: field

New York, NY: Twin Towers

Arlington, VA: Pentagon

Deaths (excluding hijackers) (Source: Wikipedia)

New York City World Trade Center: 2,606; American 11:

87; United 175: 60; Arlington Pentagon: 125;

American 77: 59; Shanksville United 93 40

Total Deaths: 2,977 

9/11 The Falling Man

This video is a little over an hour long. It has been watched close to 7 million intense times. It tells the story of the falling man that many of us watched with pain in our heart and shock and horror engulfing our very being.

Do remember that this is not the only person that was pictured falling from the highest floors of the Twin Towers. The remembrance of seeing and watching such as this brings heavy pressure to the chest of all of us. This was not an act of cowardiness. Have you ever stopped to think what you would have done?  

If you decide to watch this video be sure to watch it all the way through because at the end it brings out an immense truth.

You will have tears in your eyes as I did. You will have feelings that you wish you had never felt. Hopefully you will have an understanding that we do not need the answers to all of our questions.

It also tells the story of non-acceptance of reality.

This Sunday, September 11, 2011 marks the tenth year since that day that many of us can't find the words to describe. I remember where I was. I remember how I found out about the attack. I remember the uncontrollable feelings that took over my body and felt like my very soul had been ripped out of me.

We were attacked in four different ways. All resulting in thousands being killed. And we are still allowing ourselves to be attracked.

There was shock taking over every speck of my being. A shock that had never been there before. Tears came streaming down like rapids of water which seemed to have no end. I was permanently glued to the horrific pictures that were being displayed across my TV screen.

As I set on my couch watching the towers fall I could only scream, "My God, My God." And then I realized that I was not screaming out loud. I was screaming to the top of my being inside.

Then anguish and despair along with hate mixed with tears and disbelief became my refuge. Later the hate turned to anger. Anger that any living, breathing human being could perform such a horrible act. That anger has not left to this day. It still remains.

I don't care who it is. What country does it. What group of people are involved. This is not forgettable. I refuse to forget. I will not forget.

I may be able with God's mercy and grace be able to forgive but I will forever despise the arrogance and hatred that is still being shown toward us to this day. Why? Because this was not only an act against this country, it was a sinful act against other human beings and souls. Not only an act against this country but the whole world that believes in human freedom and love for all mankind.

An act that reaps of arrogance and control. An act against humanity itself. An act against freedom. An act against love for all mankind. An arrogance of total self-centeredness.

We have seen this before in Nazi Germany and other countries to this day and peoples that have grown to believe that others are worth being slaughtered because they don't believe like that should or live like someone thinks they should live. Therefore they are inferior and worthless in the eyes of beholders.

Having stated all of this, I now stand firm in my believe that the war our people are fighting is in this country not across the oceans. We may not have such a horrible act as occurred on September 11, 2001, placed upon us again but the acts of aggression are among us.

9/11 10th Anniversary Tribute

My heart and prayers go out to the families and friends that lost love ones on this day. I thank God for those that stepped up and helped during those concrete smoked filled days. I thank God for all those still fighting for the rights of us all. Let our prayers be true and our minds be set forward on a better time. Remember that those who put their life in harm's way against evil and destruction will someday be rewarded with victory.

Join me this Sunday, September 11, 2011 with prayers that ring through the events at ground zero. The mayor of New York has declared that NO prayers will be heard from  anyone attending. Let's show him that millions of voices will not go unheard. The one thing that helped so many around the world on that horrible day was the ability to pray. Prayer was and is our strength and we shall never allow anyone to take that away from us. NO ONE.

God Bless You

Elaine

I have opened up and stated my thoughts. If you would like to state your feelings please feel free to leave a comment below. All I ask is that you keep your words civil.

Labor Day 2011

A Day To Honor Our Workers

In 1894 Labor Day became a national holiday and the first Monday in September was set.The first Labor Day was actually observed in 1882. It has been called the "workingmen's holiday" since 1884. Oregon was the first state to pass a law designating this day as a holiday. Soon many other states followed by passing legislation making Labor Day a holiday.



"It became a federal holiday in 1894, when, following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland reconciled with the labor movement. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike." Source 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day

Labor Day is founded in the labor movement of the 1800s. Who first started this day is held in question. Some say that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners was the first to come up with the idea. Others say that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday.

Labor Day is suppose to be a day of rest for our labor force. A day to relax, have fun and celebrate with family and friends. Here is a song to express this idea: Labor Day 2011 Relaxing Music Acoustic Guitar Solo 4. Hope you enjoy and be sure to sit back and take a relaxing breath while watching.


"The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker." Source: http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm 

I wish all a safe and fun holiday weekend.

Elaine

Do What Matters The Most

The Richest Man In Town - Marty Markinson

Can life really be so simple as to do what really matters in life? I think so! If we just allow ourselves to let others know that they are really someone important. You have the ability to change someone's life for the better. Including your own life.

“I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment. In my own limited experience I have found that the more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter. It is the principal source of success in life. Since we are not solely material creatures, it is a mistake to place all our hopes for happiness on external development alone. The key is to develop inner peace.”   Dalai Lama 

Why was Marty Markinson the richest man in town? Because he understood the value of giving to others. Not materially but from his heart.

As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” I am sure that you have seen this quote many times. It reigns true in life - yesterday, today and tomorrow. 

It doesn't take much energy - actually it takes less energy - to be nice to someone. To show that you care about the person standing right in front of you.

Do you want to be rich in your life? Then learn to be kind, giving and compassionate towards others.

Blessings

Elaine

Independence Day, July 4, 2011

Independence Day, July 4, 2011

July 4th
Independence Day 

Celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 by the Continental Congress. Ends ties with England. Now a national federal holiday in the USA. 


"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

With time off from work for some, fireworks, parades, picnics, family reunions and so much more. Family and friends gather to have fun, laugh, socialize, play games, watch fireworks and eat.

A day to celebrate the birthday of the United States of America.

A day to fly our Flag with dignity and honor. Let not anyone throw our flag on the ground and stump upon her. Nor allow anyone to disgrace her.

"I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL."

Fourth of July always brings me smiles and joy along with swells of tears. I am free. I have a freedom that many do not have. I am proud of my heritage of being an American citizen. A freedom and heritage that came about because many along the way have been willing to fight and give their lives for. Even to this day.

Let us not forget those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Remember those that are this day fighting to ensure that our freedoms with prevail. Please keep these unselfish individuals in your prayers.

God Bless the USA


How will you celebrate your day of freedom? I will do my celebrating with my neighbors watching all of the fireworks that will be going upward towards the night sky saying, "Thank you" with each spark and trailer.

Spectacular Fireworks Display From Boston:


I wish each and everyone a very special July 4th. May your day be full of love, fun and blessings. 



Elaine

Simple Truths To Finding Joy

Life can be difficult but happiness is simple.  I hope you like this inspirational movie, Finding Joy. It is a gentle reminder of what is most important in life.  Enjoy the encouraging quotes, breathtaking photography and beautiful music!  Hope it will put a smile in your heart!

Please let me know what you think about this movie by leaving a comment. Thank you for watching.

Blessings to you,

Elaine

Memorial Day 2011

Keepers of the Peace


Beginning with the end of our Civil War in the USA, good people have honored those that have given their life to make sure that we have freedom. They have suffered for us. Their families have endured the pain of lost. Their friends have cried because they will not see them anymore. 

We have this holiday because of those that have died for us not because someone decided it is a good time of the year to give employees some time off. Yes, we will have get-togethers with family and friends. Eat a lot. Play a lot. Laugh a lot. There will be parades. And we will enjoy our day.










During your celebrations remember what this day really means: those that died for YOU.


I found it interesting to learn why Memorial Day (Decoration Day) is celebrated during this specific time of the year. If you would like to know why then you can read more here: Memorial Day

 In Flanders Fields
by Lt. Col. John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

                                   We are the Dead. Short days ago                                        
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
   Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.

We Shall Keep The Faith
by Moina  Michael

We cherish, too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led;

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

But lends a luster to the red

Of the flower that blooms above the dead

In Flanders Fields.

 Wishing you a safe, fun-filled Memorial Day!

 Elaine

A Lick and A Promise

SOME OF YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THIS
(FOR  THE REST OF YOU IT WILL BE A LEARNING SITUATION)
A LICK AND A PROMISE


Yes, these are some of the sayings that were used when I am a youngster. I remember them well. When I was growing up I use to say these but over time their use have faded out. Think I will start back using some of these to get a rise out of someone. They probably will not know what I am talking about.

'I'll just give this a lick and a promise,' my mother said as she quickly mopped up a spill on the floor without moving any of the furniture.

'What is that supposed to mean,' I asked as in my young mind I envisioned someone licking the floor with his or her tongue.
'It means that I'm in a hurry and I'm busy canning tomatoes so I am going to just give it a lick with the mop and promise to come back and do the job right later.

'A lick and a promise' was just one of the many old phrases that our mothers, grandmothers, and others used that they probably heard from the generations before them. With the passing of time, many old phrases become obsolete or even disappear.  This is unfortunate because some of them are very appropriate and humorous. Here is a list of some of those memorable old phrases: 

  1. A Bone to Pick (someone who wants to discuss a disagreement)
  2. An Axe to Grind (Someone who has a hidden motive. This phrase is said to have originated from Benjamin Franklin  who told a story about a devious man who asked how a grinding wheel worked. He ended up walking away with his axe sharpened free of  charge) 
  3. One bad apple spoils the whole barrel (one corrupt person can cause all the others to go bad if you don't remove the bad one)
  4. At sea (lost or not understanding something)
  5. Bad Egg (Someone who was not a good person)
  6. Barking at a knot (meaning that your efforts were as useless as a dog barking at a knot.)
  7. Barking up the wrong tree (talking about something that was completely the wrong issue with the wrong person)
  8.  Bee in your bonnet (To have an idea that won't let loose )
  9.  Been through the mill (had a rough time of it)
10. Between hay and grass (Not a child or an adult)
11. Blinky (Between sweet and sour as in milk)
12. Calaboose (a jail)
13. Catawampus (Something that sits crooked such as a piece of furniture sitting at an angle)
14. Dicker (To barter or trade)
15.  Feather in Your Cap (to accomplish a goal. This came from years ago in wartime when warriors might receive a feather they would put in their cap for defeating an enemy)
16.  Hold your horses  (Be patient!) 
17.  Hoosegow ( a jail)
18.  I reckon (I suppose)
19.  Jawing/Jawboning (Talking or arguing)
20. Kit and caboodle (The whole thing) 
21.  Madder than an wet hen (really angry)
22. Needs taken down a notch or two (like notches in a belt usually a young person who thinks too highly of himself and needs a lesson)
23. No Spring Chicken  (Not young anymore)
24 .Persnickety (overly particular or snobbish)
25. Pert-near  (short for pretty near)
26. Pretty is as pretty does  (your actions are more important than your looks)
27. Red up (clean the house)
28. Scalawag (a rascal or unprincipled person)
29. Scarce as hen's teeth  (something difficult to obtain)
30. Skedaddle (Get out of here quickly)
31.  Sparking  (courting)
32. Straight From the Horse's Mouth  (privileged information from the one concerned)
33. Stringing around, gallivanting around, or piddling  (Not doing anything of value)
34. Sunday go to meetin' dress  (The best dress you had)
35. We wash up real fine (is another goodie)
36. Tie the Knot  (to get married)
37. Too many irons in the fire  (to be involved in too many things)      
38.Tuckered out  (tired and all worn out)
39. Under the weather  (not feeling well this term came from going below deck on ships due to sea sickness thus you go below or under the weather)
40.Wearing your 'best bib and tucker'  (Being a ll dressed up)
41. You ain't the only duck in the pond  (It's not all about you)

Well, if you hold your horses, I reckon I'll get this whole kit and caboodle done. Please don't be too persnickety and get a bee in your bonnet because I've been pretty tuckered out and at sea lately because I'm no spring chicken.  I haven't been just stringin' around and I know I'm not the only duck in the pond, but I do have too many irons in the fire. I might just be barking at a knot, but I have tried to give this article more than just 
A LICK & A PROMISE!


Thanks to my cousin for sending me this.

You only get one life so make it fun.
Elaine

Thank God for our Mothers
If life were without water, where would we be?
If life were without mothers,
There would be no you or me.
We all need to take hold, of how precious life really is,
and not take for granted the gift of love and the ability to give.
Thank you to God for creating us all
For giving us our mothers
So we can stand proud and tall.
Humans are no accident, no mistake or error
We sometimes live our lives in fear of this,
Even to the point of terror.
But when the truth is told, and recognized by all,
God does not create rubbish. He knew what he was doing when he created
me and you, but the best gift of all, is giving us loving, caring
Mothers who love us unconditionally through and through.
None of us are perfect, that includes ourselves and family.
Hold onto how precious we are and thank God for our mothers.
Amen
Julia Hunt

To see last year's Mother's Day post: Thank You Mother     A special post to all of our Mothers that are no longer with us.


 May all Mothers be blessed this day and always...

Elaine

A Reminder That Laughter Is The Best Medicine

Do feel free to laugh at will. 

 Blessed In Aging
~Esther Mary Walker
Blessed are they who understand
My faltering step and shaking hand
Blessed, who know my ears today
Must strain to hear the things they say.

Blessed are those who seem to know
My eyes are dim and my mind is slow
Blessed are those who look away
When I spilled tea that weary day.

Blessed are they who, with cheery smile
Stopped to chat for a little while
Blessed are they who know the way
To bring back memories of yesterday.

Blessed are those who never say
“You’ve told that story twice today”
Blessed are they who make it known
That I am loved, respected and not alone.

And blessed are they who will ease the days
Of my journey home, in loving ways.

This poem, as read by Mary Maxwell in the video
“A Reminder That Laughter is the Best Medicine.”
View the video online at CaregiverStress.com

Thanks to CaregiverStress.com

and

HomeInstead.com