Dare you not to smile.....

Happy New Year!

(This is still my favourite New Year's You Tube vid.)

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!!

Lang may yer lum reek!!!!

Request to sign 14yr old cancer patient's guestbook

Hi all,
This is a request for you to say hello to a stranger. His name is Brandon, he's 14yrs old, and he has cancer. He's my coworkers son. Here is his 'background story' as told on his website:

"Brandon's journey began with a slight limp on his right side. We thought that maybe it was a sports injury or growing pains. When it didn't go away and he started having pain in the middle of the night, we knew something was wrong. Brandon was diagnosed with chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the right proximal femur in July 09. By August he had gone through a total hip replacement ,metal prosthesis insertion, and hickman insertion. He will undergo 30 weeks of chemo."

If you're reading this and feel moved to give encouragement to this brave, and no doubt scared, young man, please do so. I thought it would be neat if people from around the States, and around the world could say "hey, we're thinking about you, hang in there!!" or something like that.
Hope for tomorrow is strength for today. :)

thanks! :)

Brandon's site:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brandonrussell/guestbook
(you can just put your first name, nickname, and/or last initial for the anon-minded people :))

"Confidence and hope do more good than physic."
~Galen

Motivating for positive change

Credit goes to ER

Happy Samhain!

Hope all is well blogger friends. :)

Thus begins the holidays. This is the first Halloween in a while that I had to work, but the kiddies improvised and had their fun. Though no pumpkins nor tumshies this year...ah well

Hopefully, I will have more time for blogging, soon. Interesting how much I miss the blogging interaction. Seasons, seasons.... :)

Memories

It's finally happened, I've gone off my rocker...was it raising children, was it keeping pace with a dynamic driving force of a husband, was it too many dings on my helmet from haphazard cycling, horseriding and rockclimbing? Or was it spending time with loving grandparents who introduced me to numerous wonderful things from the experiences of their own lives. From bagpipes and drums to the music and dance of the roaring twenties and the swinging forties.

I blame these two gentlemen, James and Angus, for tormenting you with the above song....
;D

Life and unexpected turns

"Experience is a jewel, and it had need be so, for it is often purchased at an infinite rate."
-William Shakespeare

Life does have these unexpected turns. For good or for bad. Yet, when we consider what could be a bad turn of events, is there not a lesson, perhaps, to be learned from it? And, therefore the bad event, in a way, redeems itself for good?

Simplistic, I know, but the hour is late; yet, these thoughts keep me from sleep. We are troubled when things do not seem to unfold as we thought they would or should, even with every effort on our part. Suddenly, we turn around and that moment in time is gone forever, and we are left stunned and feeling helpless, perhaps hopeless. There are often no words for these times, only the love of our friends to see us through, and revive the failing spirit within us.

Many people, I think, underestimate their value, the merit of their experience, the merit of their very life. We all have some good to give while we are here on this earth, in our strengths; and, even, dare I say, in our weaknesses. We are not alone, though we may feel lonely. We must just think on those golden moments of our life, force ourselves to dwell on them if we must, to keep us going, to keep us breathing....for who knows what the tide will bring in tomorrow.

reference post

A wave is but many drops of water...

Photograpy credit: Clark Little, Oahu, Hawaii

“Too often we underestimate the power of

A touch,

A smile,

A kind word,

A listening ear,

An honest compliment,

Or the smallest act of caring,

All of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

-Leo Buscaglia

Are you on Belay?

Over at James place there was a fun post with some funny comments. However, one of the commenters made a reference to 'not wanting to know how the story ends, which is why he doesn't want to die', but he 'didn't understand why Christians had a problem with dying'. This caused me to wonder about such a comment, and what I felt and thought about the whole thing. I only partly answered him there, assuming his prompt wasn't rhetorical. But that wasn't enough and I had to continue with this thought; so, rather than drone on there with something that not all might be interested in, I thought rather to put it here. The pic is not of me, but it well could have been me, albeit 20 years ago when I was still quite wet behind the ears and naive to the world! :)

So, my answer to D was this: I think the answer in part, is that the Christian is, human, in the sense of having that strong pull to cherish life, to be alive. Without this drive perhaps mankind would have given up, perished a long time ago.

Then I continued here in thought with this: I liken being a Christian to being on a rock climb. Cliche' maybe; but the climb up the rock is like your life, a combination of your willingness to dare, to plan, to maneuver combined with what the rock/life has to offer, the variety of holds, outcroppings there for you to grab, etc. What we are willing to chance makes for the climb; and, the belay rope (Christ) is there to catch us when we fall. Other religions have different beliefs, as well as those who choose no Creator. I respect that; and, am okay with it, so long as it doesn't impose upon my freedoms. I cringe when the Christian religion (or any religion) starts shoving rules down my throat, to be honest. For Chrisitanity, it's not supposed to be about that (but that doesn't help all those burned on the pyre, does it?)

As for the afterlife, I suppose the rockclimb applies as well. There was one particular climb that was a favourite of our climbing group, but it was a bit 'narly'. There was a point in the climb however many feet up, maybe 100-200 feet, where in order to proceed upwards, you had to side step around this massive projecting boulder. This sideways move involved absolute commitment; if you failed, there would be a pendulum type fall, if you were lead climber. The move was easier to do for the guys who were 6ft, as they easily had the reach to almost where the ledge was, merely a small jump, but for lil ole me (I'm only 5'7), the reach was more of a comittment to a careful lunge....all done blindly mind you...the rock you were on, you had to wrap yourself around it (to get around it), and couldn't see to the other side. You just had to trust that the ledge was indeed there, as you've been told. So, to the Christian, our faith tells us the ledge is there...but we still have to leap at it, blindly.

Is human nature ever completely comfortable with the unknown? History, to me, reveals persons who thirst for the truth, who are inquisitive, who want to understand and want a hands on with things. Maybe that's why having faith, especially in something intangible, can be so difficult a concept to grasp. Yet, the creation really does reveal the Creator, one really only need to pause and soften their heart to look.

Puget Sound Photos

We were out looking for eagles, and I heard and saw my first Bald Eagle; however, they're not as easy to take a pic when in flight. Captured a bumblebee pic, though....and a few "flowers".


More pics at SBH

Puget Sound Photos

Near Rosario Beach, Fidalgo Island

The trail down, and overlooking the inlet.





Click here for more adventures: Beer at the Barking Dog, and a lady named Lucy.

Puget Sound Photos

Near Anacortes, Fidalgo Island

















Mt Baker taken from small boat near Deception Pass, Whidbey Island






More pics of a fun day with TB

Reflecting on Things

(photo credit: SBH)

One Flaw In Women

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

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

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

They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.

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

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.

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

Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

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

This poem is a nice sentiment, and something I think we ladies should take to heart. However, what I would like to mention, as much as we need to nurture and empower our own spirits, are we taking the time to do this with the man in our life? (this might also qualify for the friends in our life, but speaking on nurturing those relationships is not the goal here). What I'm talking about is, do we women take the time to take our eyes off ourselves and our own matters, and nurture the relationship with our partner? We women do have so much to do in the juggling act called life. Not that the man doesn't, but the old adage doesn't say: "A man's work is never done" does it. And, don't say it's because women fuss too much about things. Maybe in some cases we should learn the simplicity of men in the seeing to things, but then the world wouldn't be better for us being here, would it? ;)

Whether it's a new relationship or an old one, sometimes we lose track of making that special person feel special (again this can go both ways). Relationships are not always easy, are they? (I for one have the 'scars' to prove it, then so does my husband). Relationships are especially more difficult if one or both have a strong personality; and, there's always the "baggage" one takes into it whether we like to admit it or not. It takes clear communication and, yes, compromise; and, the giving and taking is not always equally mutual at times, either. Unfortunately, I want to point out that we women are not always direct with what we want, are we? There are those women who play head games (and there are men who do this as well), but what I'm talking about is communication. And communication is not always verbal, is it? Our body language, our facial responses. All in all, what do we communicate to our man? Perhaps, we first should start by asking ourselves, "What does a woman want in a man?" This was actually a question that was recently asked of me by a male friend. I polled some of my friends/coworkers and came up with a variety of responses. Yet, there were a few that kept repeating. I will share these ones with you, and the others later. I'm curious to know some of your responses, as to what you think. Many of your are your hols, so maybe I'll repeat this post later. It really is an interesting subject, why else would there be so many Love and Breakup songs.... :D

Here's the ones that repeated the most: A woman wants a man to be

-a man (not a cave man, though), independent, to have a quiet confidence; confident in walk and demeanor

-have religious beliefs or more so, a moral integrity

-young at heart/fun loving/good sense of humour

-a provider but not too madly career driven (which translates to being home, available, but providing security 'for the nest')

Please think on this, and add your thoughts. We all have different life experiences, and together, maybe we can figure this out! ;D

Vive le différence !

It has been said: "To be happy with a man, you must understand him a lot and love him a little."

"To be happy with a woman, you must love her a lot and not try to understand her at all."



Poor James, over at http://nourishingobscurity.blogspot.com/ . Long story short, he took it upon himself to add a voting poll to even out another voting poll he had done earlier. This post is for him. :D (forgive me ;D)


It has been said: "Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby.
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.
So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit."




WOMEN...

A department store opened in New York City that sold men and a woman decides to visit it in search of a husband.
At the store’s entrance, there’s a sign outlining the department store policy.
The first rule states that you can only enter the store once.
There are six floors and on each floor you can choose a husband or elect to move on to the next floor.
You cannot visit a floor more than once other than to leave the building.
The woman visits the first floor.
The sign reads:
· Men with jobs.
She moves on to the second floor:
· Men with jobs that adore children.
She moves on the the third floor where the sign reads:
· Wealthy men that adore children and are very handsome.
She thinks to herself, "that's a very good deal" yet moves on to the fourth floor:
WOMEN...

A department store opened in New York City that sold men and a woman decides to visit it in search of a husband.
At the store’s entrance, there’s a sign outlining the department store policy.
The first rule states that you can only enter the store once.
There are six floors and on each floor you can choose a husband or elect to move on to the next floor.
You cannot visit a floor more than once other than to leave the building.
The woman visits the first floor.
The sign reads:
· Men with jobs.
She moves on to the second floor:
· Men with jobs that adore children.
She moves on the the third floor where the sign reads:
· Wealthy men that adore children and are very handsome.
She thinks to herself, "that's a very good deal" yet moves on to the fourth floor:
· Wealthy men that adore children, are very handsome and help with the household chores.
She decides to move on as things are constantly improving:
· Wealthy men that adore childern, are very handsome, help with the household chores and are very romantic.
The woman is about to make her purchase but can't resist moving on to the sixth floor.
There the sign reads:
· You are visitor number 31,456,012 on this floor.
· There are no men here.
· This floor exists as proof that it is impossible to please women.


& MEN…

Opposite this department store, another department store opened that sold women. The sign on the first floor reads:
· Women that love sex.
On the second floor the sign reads:
· Women that love sex and are wealthy.
On the third20floor the sign reads:
· Women that love sex, are wealthy and have large breasts.
Not a single man has visited the fourth floor.



On a Trans-Atlantic flight, a plane passes through a severe storm. The turbulence is awful, and things go from bad to worse when one wing is struck by lightning.

One woman in particular loses it. Screaming,she stands up in the front of the plane. "I'm too young to die!" she wails. Then she yells, "Well, if I'm going to die, I want my last minutes on earth to be memorable! No one has ever made me really feel like a woman! Well I've had it! Is there ANYONE on this plane who can make me feel like a WOMAN??"

For a moment there is silence. everyone has forgotten their own peril, and they all stare, riveted, at the desperate woman in the front of the plane. Then, a man stands up in the rear of the plane. "I can make you feel like a woman," he says. This tall, tanned and built guy with jet black eyes starts to walk slowly up the aisle, unbuttoning his shirt one button at a time.

No one moves. As this man approaches, the woman begins to get excited. He removes his shirt. Muscles ripple across his chest as he reaches her, and extends the arm holding his shirt to the trembling woman, and whispers: "Iron this."

One down, Two to go

My oldest has graduated highschool. As my old college pal would say, "HTB!" (hard to believe)
Some of you with older children know how fast they grow up. I have to say, pretty much I've enjoyed every step, even the teen years. Now it's off to college and the start of her adult life, yet I know that we'll always be in touch and always friends. We've too many horse adventures to see to!

Are you all you're cracked up to be?

An Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.

At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.

But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream.

'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.'

The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?'

'That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.'

'For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.

Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.'

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.

You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

SO, to all of my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!

(thanks Mrs S, for this email forward. It brought a smile!)

Small Acts of Kindness

Very soon a new man with be at the helm of the ship called the great experiment, America. A government formed with the idea of freedom and self-direction. A government of the people; a generous and hardworking people. We'll see what the tide will bring. Will hope be restored? To allow for self rule, a people must be of moral fiber, with conscience, as must be the leaders. Me thinks the image is tarnished, however.

The tapestry of time shows us the highs and the lows that mankind is capable of. We see the intrigue, corruption and cruelty today; just switch on the news. Yet, I know of so many people who are quietly going about doing their best to make a difference for the better, one small step at a time, each in their own unique way. My faith is not in governments, for absolute power corrupts absolutely; but there is a quiet strength in the small kindnesses that we give our fellow man. This is my hope. There are those who do not believe in God, or have quit their religion because of the faults of man, or their own heartache at how a God so powerful could allow such unspeakable atrocities happen to those He is supposed to care for. It is easy to become bitter, grow cold hearted, angry. But what good is this? It only grows the seeds of resentment and distrust; further deepening the wounds that humankind at its worst inflicts.

With each act of kindness, however small, we join the ranks of those who would fight the hatred that is unfortunately present in this world. We can be stronger and better than the evil that would overcome us. The goodness of God is written on our hearts, we only have to take a moment in our busy lives to listen and to act.

(...for a nice Scottish Air "MacDonald of Keppoch", fiddle and harp (youtube didn't want to post))

"Man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn!"
-Robert Burns

"Goodness, armed with power, is corrupted; and pure love without power is destroyed."
-Reinhold Niebuhr

"I hope that real love and truth are stronger in the end than any evil or misfortune in the world."
-Charles Dickens

For Presence

"Awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.Have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.Receive encouragement when new frontiers beckon.Respond to the call of your gift and the courage to follow its path.Let the flame of anger free you of all falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame.May anxiety never linger about you.May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.Take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.Be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder."

-John O'Donohue,
"To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings"

(credit for poem source goes to Lucy)

Pensive Thoughts

The house is quiet, the children still asleep. This morning has found me somewhat reflective as we received one of Those phone calls last night. My husband (TB)'s father is in hospital and is critical. We knew this was coming as he's advanced in years and with cancer. Still, it's never easy. We gave a teary goodbye last night, as TB left for the airport to join his sisters at their father's bedside. As we all could not go, I'm glad TB is with his family, and they with him.

Such is the cycle that we must endure, the pain of separation with death. The sting of death came early for me when my father died when I was only 6yrs old. This has affected me even today, as I can still be slow to gain the trust with making deep emotional bonds with others for fear of the loss. Thankfully, this is one area in which I've grown knowing that I am better for the shared bonds of friendship with others. It is the bond of friendship that gets us through the tough times. Unfortunately, one only has to look to history to be reminded how cruel times can be. All the more poignant a reminder to embrace the joyful times!

Emotions still run very close to the surface for me, as it is almost daily that I think how I came so close to having died just a few months ago. So many emotions, so hard to put to words. I know that I am not alone in this desire to share thoughts and feelings, we all just have different ways of expressing things. Music is very much a part of my expression; and to me, the Celtic songs just have a way of reaching into the heart of the human spirit, expressing both the depths of sorrow, and the heights of joy that life brings.
Ceart go leor. (right enough)

Reflections

"We frail humans are at one time capable of the greatest good and, at the same time, capable of the greatest evil. Change will only come about when each of us takes up the daily struggle ourselves to be more forgiving, compassionate, loving, and above all joyful in the knowledge that, by some miracle of grace, we can change as those around us can change too."

-Mairead Maguire