The Last Day of January

CHAPTER 1,PAGE 31

Some people are too tired

to give you a smile,

so give them one of yours

as no one needs a smile

as much as the one who

has no more to give!

Author Unknown To Me

GOOD MORNING !

I’ve got my cat purring away in my lap this morning. She thinks that I sit down here in front of the computer just to hold her every morning. Little does she know that holding her is just a side benefit of what I’m really doing. See I am capable of doing more than one thing at a time.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day yesterday and I know I keep talking about the weather, but it’s so unbelieveable that I have to let you know. We were in the low 50’s again.

***BIG SMILE***

Today will bring us a cold front with a little rain / snow mix and that is more like January. February begins tomorrow and another Chapter in my book will begin. I can hardly wait to see what it will bring. Life is such a great mystery!

I hope your day is blessed with lots of smiles and a little sunshine to warm your heart !

MA

THOUGHT FOR TODAY --

If you don’t have anything nice to say, just SMILE!

 

Cat graphics by:

www.graphicgarden.com

 

OFF TO WORK AGAIN

CHAPTER 1, PAGE 30

Here is a little story for you this morning ...

There once was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The King looked at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked and he had to choose between them.

One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains were all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.

The other picture had mountains too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell, in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all. But when the King looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest.

There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest ... perfect peace.

Which picture do you think won the prize? The King chose the second picture. Do you know why? "Because," explained the King, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart.

That is the real meaning of peace.

Author Unknown to me

GOOD MORNING!

I'm sipping my hot coffeeand trying to wake up here.  I slept well , but dread going to work .  I didn't get much done here this past weekend or the one before that and there is lots to do.  I'll have to play catch up in the evenings this week. 

We were in the 50's here yesterday but it's supposed to be a little cooler today.  Unlike other winter's, I've only worn my boots a few times so far...

***BIG SMILE***

The week ahead looks pretty quiet and there are no celebrations in our family now for awhile...so I've got lots of quiet time ahead.

May your day be filled with Smiles and a little Sunshine to warm your heart !

MA

The Prayer For Peace

Our Father, up in heaven,

hear this fervent prayer.

May the people of all nations,

be united in thy care.

For earth's peace and man's

salvation can come only by Thy grace.

And not through bombs and missiles,

and our quest for outer space.

For until all men recognize that

The Battle Is The Lord's,

and peace on earth cannot be won

with strategy and swords.

We will go on vainly fighting,

as we have in ages past.

Finding only empty victories,

and a peace that cannot last.

But we've grown so rich and mighty,

and so arrogantly strong,

we no longer ask in humbleness,

God, show us where we're wrong.

We have come to trust completely

in the power of man-made things.

Unmindful of God's mighty power,

and that He is King Of Kings.

We have turned our eyes away

from Him to go our selfish way.

And money, power and pleasure

are the gods we serve today.

And the good green earth

God gave us to peacefully enjoy,

through greed and fear and

hatred we are seeking to destroy.

Oh, Father, up in heaven,

stir and wake our sleeping souls.

Renew our faith and lift us up

and give us higher goals.

And grant us heavenly guidance

as war threatens us again.

For, more than guided missiles,

all the world needs guided men.

Helen Steiner Rice

  www.irenescorner.com/graphics  

SUDDENLY SUNDAY !

CHAPTER 1, PAGE 29

There is a wonderful life waiting to be lived.

Celebrate it today.

Life is too short to put off living until tomorrow

Live it fully. Live it's changes and choices.

Let is surprise you.

 Let it show you new ways of doing old things.

Let it help you explore and discover.

Let it introduce you to people you have never known;

To dreams you have never dreamed;

To seeds you have never sown.

 Let life take away some of your worries and caress your woes.

Let it help you wonder and laugh and love.

Let it show you how to rise with the sun and aim for the stars.

Let it reveal how to reach out and become all that you are

 Let life challenge encourage you.

Let it stimulate and arouse you.

Let it embrace and unfold you.

Let it show you the majesty of a simple, peaceful morning.

 Let it show you the miracle of your complexity.

Let it help you find your belief and discover your God.

Let it amaze you with its possibilities

Let life help you realize that..... It is what you make it,

And that it can be everything you want it to be

Have a wonderful day..... Today and Everyday

Author Unknownn

GOOD MORNING !

Our Stroll for Epilipsy was very heartwarming.  There was a large group of participants and volunteers on hand yesterday.  Everything was well organized and a lot of fun.  We walked from one end of the mall to the other in search of stations  where you reeived a stamp on a card that you had to carry and then at the end all the cards were put in a containmer for a drawing for door prizes that had been donated. Along the way, there was even bottled water given out to those strolling and some of the merchants at the mall donated small gifts  or gift certificates.

They raised 57,000 dollars which will go to aide people like our Sweetheart in the central Ohio area.

I just couldn't believe the generosity of a lot of wonderful people. 

***BIG SMILE ***

Today is officially 'Our Star's ' birthday.  We celebrated last weekend when we got together as they weren't able to join us this weekend!  Six years old today !  What a blessing !

May you all have a day blessed with a lot of smiles and a little sunshine to warm you heart !

MA

TODAY'S THOUGHT:

Brighten your day

And lighten your way,

 Lessen your cares

With daily prayers

Helen Steiner Rice

I'M OFF TO THE STROLL

CHAPTER 1, PAGE 28

Every gardener knows

that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle...

a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light,

a bud straining to unfurl.

And the anticipation nurtures our dream.

Barbara Winkler

Good Morning !

On my way to work Friday morning I saw a sign flashing on the side of the road that said: THINK SPRING ! It was for a lawnmower store, but it sure caught my eye ! I am so ready for Spring ! It’s been there for a couple of weeks now. Maybe I mentioned it before. The days are slowly getting longer and the mild January weather we’ve had makes you think Spring is just around the corner.

I’m off this morning for my Stroll for Epilepsy ! I managed to get one pledge – from my boss at work so I’m in and registered. We are strolling inside a Mall so the weather isn’t an issue, but I’m thankful for the nice weather we’re having as it’s quite a drive down there.

I’ll have pictures tomorrow !

***BIG SMILE***

May your day be filled with smiles and a little sunshine to warm your heart !

MA

THOUGHT FOR TODAY !

A smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away.

  SPRING GRAPHICS BY:     www.cutecolors.com  

It's FRIDAY ! MY FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK

CHAPTER 1, PAGE 27

    

Give yourself a perfect day.

Do what makes you happiest.

Look upon what gives you joy.

Speak to those who warm your heart.

Listen to that which lifts your spirit.

Surround yourself with sights and sounds and people who give you pleasure.

For all the happiness you give to others all year long,

give yourself a perfect day.

Author Unknown

GOOD MORNING !

Yesterday it was in the mid 30's here but the SUN was shinning most of the day !  Today, it'll be partly cloudy, but a little warmer yet.  I still haven't got to use my snow shovel that I got for Christmas, but winter isn't over until March...so I'm sure I will.

Friday's are always full of anticipation for me.  I'm looking forward to spending Saturday with family.  I'm not looking forward to the long drive to get there, but it'll be worth it.

***BIG SMILE***

I hope your day is filled with lots of smiles and a little sunshine to warm your heart !

MA

Don’t start your day by supposin’

That trouble is just ahead.

It’s better to stop supposin’

And start with a prayer instead.

Helen Steiner Rice

 

THANKFULLY THURSDAY!

CHAPTER 1, PAGE 26

What Do Angels Look Like

Like the little old lady who returned your wallet yesterday.

Like the taxi driver who told you that your eyes light up the world, when you smile.

Like the small child who showed you the wonder in simple things.

Like the poor man who offered to share his lunch with you.

Like the rich man who showed you that it really is all possible, if only you believe.

Like the stranger who just happened to come along, when you had lost your way.

Like the friend who touched your heart, when you didn't think you had one to touch.

Angels come in all sizes and shapes, all ages and skin types.

Some with freckles, some with dimples, some with wrinkles, some without.

They come disguised as friends, enemies, teachers, students, lovers and fools.

They don't take life too seriously, they travel light.

They leave no forwarding address, they ask nothing in return.

They wear sneakers with gossamer wings, they get a deal on dry cleaning.

They are hard to find when our eyes are closed,

but they are everywhere we look, when we choose to see.

Author unknown

GOOD MORNING !

I stayed up too late last night! I did my daily e-mail, and emailed my old high school buddy, read some jounals, then had a long list of prayer requests that I was behind in , so I did those. Then I did my daily bible study and the time just flew by. But there was nothing I did not want to do, so I did them all.

We can never succeed in doing all that is needed it seems, so we have to choose the most important and go from there. I did not do my dishes or put in a load of laundry like I should have. So there you have it, today is another day.

***BIG SMILE***

May your day be filled with lots of smiles and a little sunshine to warm your heart !

MA

TODAY’S THOUGHT-

Nothing wins hearts like cheerfulness.

Saint Dwynwen

 

 

Angel graphics by:

 

www.graphicgarden.com

 

 

BRRRCHILL - COLD AND WINDY HERE

CHAPTER 1, PAGE 25

GOOD MORNING !

Some good news for today ...

the most depressing day of the year is done and over with.

When I got to work yesterday, the morning radio show I listen to said - JANUARY 24th is the MOST DEPRESSING DAY OF THE YEAR

Sooo...I did a little search to see what that was all about! Here are bits of the two articles I found

Arnall (British Psycologist) found that, while days technically get longer after Dec. 21, cyclonic weather systems take hold in January, bringing low, dark clouds to Britain. Meanwhile, the majority of people break their healthy resolutions six to seven days into the new year, and even the hangers-on have fallen off the wagon, torn off the nicotine patches and eaten the fridge empty by the third week. Any residual dregs of holiday cheer and family fun have kicked the bucket by Jan. 24.

People feel as if there is a shadow over them; with low light levels creating Seasonal Affective Disorder, holiday bills hitting the mailbox, and New Year's resolutions already broken, depression is rampant

So now we have no where to go but up ! More day light, more sunshine so now we can snap out of it!

***BIG SMILE ***

 Hope you are having a better , maybe even a really good, day today

May sunshine light up your world today and bring some smiles to warm your heart !

MA

 

Thought for today –

No matter how small, a smile on your face tells all

 

  www.graphicgarden.com   provided the graphics today !

SLOW START THIS MORNING !

CHAPTER 1, PAGE 24

Burma Shave signs became an America icon during their time. The Smithsonian Institution preserved some Burma Shave signs because of its popularity. Here are some samples of their sign verses:

DON’T STICK YOUR ELBOW

OUT TOO FAR

IT MIGHT GO HOME

IN ANOTHER CAR BurmaShave

 

DON’T LOSE YOUR HEAD

TO GAIN A MINUTE

 YOU NEED YOUR HEAD

YOUR BRAINS ARE IN IT BurmaShave

 

DROVE TOO LONG

DRIVER SNOOZING

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT

IS NOT AMUSING BurmaShave

 

TO KISS A MUG

THAT’S LIKE A CACTUS

TAKES MORE NERVE

THAN IT DOES PRACTICE BurmaShave

 

CAUTIOUS RIDER

TO HER RECKLESS DEAR

LET’S HAVE LESS BULL

AND MORE STEER BurmaShave

 

SPEED WAS HIGH WEATHER

WAS NOT TIRES WERE THIN

X MARKS THE SPOT BurmaShave

 

THE MIDNIGHT RIDE OF PAUL FOR BEER

LED TO A WARMER HEMISPHERE BurmaShave

 

MY JOB IS KEEPING FACES CLEAN

AND NOBODY KNOWS DE STUBBLE I’VE SEEN BurmaShave

 

NO MATTER THE PRICE

NO MATTER HOW NEW

THE BEST SAFETY DEVICE

IN THE CAR IS YOU BurmaShave

 

THE WHALE PUT JONAH

DOWN THE HATCH

BUT COUGHED HIM UP

BECAUSE HE SCRATCHED BurmaShave

 

SAID FARMER BROWN

WHO’S BALD ON TOP

 “WISH I COULD

ROTATE THE CROP” BurmaShave

 

LEAVES FACE SOFT

AS WOMAN’S TOUCH

YET DOESN’T COST

YOU NEAR AS MUCH BurmaShave

 

THE ONE WHO DRIVES

WHEN HE’S BEEN DRINKING

DEPENDS ON YOU

TO DO HIS THINKING BurmaShave

 

CAR IN DITCH

DRIVER IN TREE

THE MOON WAS FULL

AND SO WAS HE. BurmaShave

 

PASSING SCHOOL ZONE

TAKE IT SLOW

LET OUR LITTLE

SHAVERS GROW BurmaShave

 

A WHISKERY KISS

FOR THE ONE YOU ADORE

 MAY NOT MAKE HER MAD

BUT HER FACE WILL BE SORE Burma Shave

 

Burma Shave was one of the world's first brushless shaving cream manufacturers and spawned heavy competition for their product, but this certain company had an upper hand in winning over customers. Burma Shave signs were the precursor to modern billboard signs on America's earliest roads. They were an interesting diversion from long drives and began to spring up all over the country throughout the mid-twentieth century. The signs were often humorous jingles that were placed at intervals along the road, each sign showing one line of the four-part rhyme until the last sign which concluded the clever advertising scheme with Burma-Shave  

GOOD MORNING !

I remember riding in the car on the long trip to my grandparents and reading these signs along the roadside. What a great part of history they were! I guess it means you’re getting old when something in your own lifetime is in the Smithsonian!

***BIG SMILE***

 

May your day be filled with a few smiles and a little sunshine to warm your heart !

MA

 

Thought for today-

Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other -- it doesn't matter who it is -- and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other

 Mother Teresa

 

  www.graphicgarden.com  

IT'S MONDAY !

CHAPTER 1, PAGE 23

Our lives are sewn together with

The thread of love and caring

Our family ties are woven

Out of patience, strength, and sharing.

In the patterns of our days

We find our solace and our hope

And our strong and boundless faith

Is what enables us to cope.

This fabric made of love and faith

Is the very strongest kind

A piece of God's rich tapestry

His perfect, pure design.

Author Unknown

GOOD MORNING !

I had a delicious dinner and a movie at my dulcimer buddies house yesterday. She is the world’s best soup maker and she made a chicken vegetable soup that was out of this world. We also watched the movie Polar Bear Express which I hadn’t seen yet. It was very good.

 I also had a surprise e-mail yesterday from an old friend of mine from my junior high and high school days. She tracked me down through Classmates. I hadn’t heard anything from her in years and it was so nice to hear from her. Hopefully we’ll be able to keep in touch through e-mail now. I love the internet for making it possible to keep in touch with family and friends.

Now I’m off to work again. Fun time is over for another week. I hope you are blessed with a few smiles and a little sunshine to warm your heart today !

MA

TODAY’S THOUGHT

 Don’t start to frown, it’s never in style…just do your best to smile, smile, smile!

 

 

    www.graphicgarden.com provided the quilt graphics today

SUDDENLY SUNDAY !

CHAPTER 1, PAGE 22

Remember the abc’s

Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits.

Believe in yourself.

Consider things from every angle.

Don't give up, and don't give in.

Enjoy life today; yesterday is gone, and tomorrow may never come.

Family and friends are hidden treasures; seek them and enjoy their riches.

Give more than you planned to give.

Hang on to your dreams.

Ignore those who try to discourage you.

Just do it!

Keep on trying. No matter how hard it seems, it will get easier.

Love yourself first and most.

Make it happen.

Never lie, cheat, or steal; always strike a fair deal.

Open your eyes, and see things as they really are

Practice makes perfect.

Quitters never win, and winners never quit.

Read, study and learn about everything important in your life.

Stop procrastinating.

Take control of your own destiny.

Understand yourself in order to better understand others.

Visualize it.

Want it more than anything.

X Accelerate your efforts.

Zero in on your target and go for it!

GOOD MORNING !

Another grand and glorious Sunday ! Yesterday was a wonderful celebration. We all had a great time being together and catching up on the news from everyone. The babes all enjoy being together and it’s just heartwarming seeing them together.

Next weekend we’ll get together again at DS#1’s house to do a little more celebrating - more birthdays - and we’re all doing the STROLL FOR EPILEPSY. Our little Sweetheart started having seizures when she was just 6 months old. They haven’t been able to diagnose any cause for them and keep trying new medications to try and keep them under control. Sometimes they work – sometimes they don’t.

We all feel sooo helpless knowing there is nothing we can do to help her. So doing the Stroll is our small way of trying to help. As always, when I encounter impossible situations, I pray to our good God. He is the only one that can heal our little one and so I pray every day for her. I would appreciate your prayers for her too !

On a positive note, she never gets overwhelmed by any of this, she just picks herself up and starts all over again ! That is something we can all learn a lesson from.

I hope that you all are blessed with a few smiles and a little sunshine to warm your heart today !

MA

 

TODAY’S THOUGHT

Of all the things you wear, your smile is the most important

  Little boy graphics by: www.graphicgarden.com    

A REALLY SUPER SATURDAY !

CHAPTER 1, PAGE 21

 

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach out for another is to risk involvement.

To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.

To place your ideas, your dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss.

To love is to risk not being loved in return.

To live is to risk dying.

To hope is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken.

Because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

If you risk nothing and do nothing, you dull your spirit.

You may avoid suffering and sorrow,

But you cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, and live.

Chained by your attitude, you are a slave.

You have forfeited your freedom.

Only if you risk are you free.

Author unknown.

 

GOOD MORNING !

 

I had a nice dinner and cake with my folks last night.

Today I’ll be having lunch with DS#6 and lots of our family . Tomorrow afternoon, one of my dulcimer buddies is having our dulcimer group over for dinner.

After all the quiet days since the beginning of the New Year, getting together with family and friends is a welcome relief. I can only take so much quiet.

***BIG SMILE***

My house will not get it’s weekly blessing, my laundry will not get done, but I will have a lot of fun !

 May your day be blessed with lots of smiles and a little sunshine to warm your heart.

MA

 

TODAY’S THOUGHT -

A smile is a powerful weapon. You can even break ice with it.

 

goldfish by:

  www.cutecolors.com