Once Again We Must Remember....

Guns do not kill, people kill!
The tragedy in Connecticut is proof, we as a country need to re-open more mental institutions.
When growing up, every large city had a mental institution, a hospital to place mentally disturbed individuals for around the clock treatment and therapy.
The political correct world we reside in now, for the most part have done away with these vessels of intensive therapy for a more modern course, swallow a anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti-schizophrenic pill and go out into the world. Hopefully the disturbed individual will continue to take their medication, and visit their doctor regularly, which in a perfect world that would work, but we do not live in a perfect world.

I have to be honest, I am not following the story of this individual who destroyed so many families lives. I am not going commercialize or remember his name, rather, I will remember, CHARLOTTE BACON, 6, DANIEL BARDEN, 7, RACHEL D'AVINO, 29, OLIVIA ENGEL, 6, DAWN HOCHSPRUNG, 47, principal, MADELEINE HSU, 6, CATHERINE HUBBARD, 6, CHASE KOWALSKI, 7, NANCY LANZA, 52, gunman's mother, JESSE LEWIS, 6, ANA MARQUEZ-GREENE, 6, JAMES MATTIOLI, 6, GRACE AUDREY McDONNELL, 7, ANNE MARIE MURPHY, 52, teacher, EMILIE PARKER, 6, JACK PINTO, 6, NOAH POZNER, 6, JESSICA REKOS, 6, LAUREN GABRIELLE ROUSSEAU, 30, teacher, MARY SHERLACH, 56, school psychologist, VICTORIA SOTO, 27, teacher, and BENJAMIN WHEELER, 6.

My prayer is that we will never forget these brave individuals who's lives were taken by a mad man. Together as a nation, we will move forward with this bitter taste of despair. Always remember to tell your loved ones,how much you love them as they walk out the door.

Where ever this day leads you, my hope is that you find time to cherish the simple things in life, the beautiful snowflake drifting quietly from heaven, the small child, clinging to his parents leg, the sparkle of wonder in the eyes of children awaiting Santa, and find time to say a prayer for peace for our world.

Intricate shaped snowflakes, Snow Globes, Sleigh bells, Hot Toddy

What do you visualize when you imagine the Christmas season? I see beautiful ice crystals as the ones below:

I can not forget a winter scene snow globe or Sleigh bells

Or how about something to keep you warm as in a hot toddy?

These are some of my favorite images when I think of Christmas. Quite times watching snowflakes quietly drifting from the sky above.

Where I reside now, I don't see many if any snowflakes making their individual escape from the sky. I'm not complaining though, because when I lived in the mountains in Colorado, I had my share of snowflakes, and even the thrill of experiencing 'blue' snow. Being so frigid where I was, the snow at times actually was a beautiful aqua blue color.

Now, I have the pleasure of sipping a hot toddy and escaping in my memories of Christmas's past.

No hustle and bustle for myself and my husband. We enjoy peaceful moments of one another. Gifts and Malls? Not for us. We are lucky enough to have one another, we do not need a holiday to give one another a gift. I believe visiting with loved ones is the best gift we can offer one another. It's not about the fancy wrapping paper and bows, it's about being true to yourself, your friends and family.

Where ever this holiday season leads you, enjoy, relax, don't overspend, and spread the holiday cheer with your genuine smile.



What Are You Thankful For This Thanksgiving?

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!

Do you need one day a year to show your gratitude or are you like me, and are grateful not only on Thanksgiving, but everyday?

I am grateful each and every day I awake in the morning. At times, life isn't easy, but it is how we adjust to, and change what ever is creating waves in our normally tranquil lives.

I am thankful that my husband is in my life. Two years ago, he was in the hospital undergoing a quadruple bi-pass as well as a pace maker, defibrillator placed to help him survive. Our lives changed dramatically the month he was in ICU. We have both accepted and moved forward since then. We both view life as a gift and take nothing for granted.

Be thankful for small favors.
Be thankful for small miracles.
Be thankful for what you’ve got.
Be thankful to be alive.

What are you thankful for?

Where ever this Thanksgiving leads you, take time and count your blessings, be thankful.

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Beautiful November~ Busy Month For Many

Enjoy this Poem for the Month

 

 

"How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow." - Elsie N. Brady, Leaves

November is also National Novel Writing Month also known as nanowrimo.
I've participated for three years and completed a rough novel in two of the three years. I'm sorry to say, this year I personally have way too many irons in the fire to be able to devote the time needed to write for nanowrio this year! But best of luck to everyone who is. I find it fun, challenging, a learning experience, and will hopefully be participating next November.
For you who do not know what this is, beginning November 1st and ending at midnight, November 30th, you write a 50,000 word novel.
If this sound of interest to you, check out the official site at: www.nanowrimo.org


My positive thoughts and prayers are for the multitude of families, devistated by Mother Nature at her Worst on the  East Coast.

Where ever this first weekend of November leads you, my hope is that you may create wonderful memories!

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN
MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY
BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN TRICK- OR TREATING!

Ocober Poem

October by Hilaire Belloc

Look, how those steep woods on the mountain's face
Burn, burn against the sunset; now the cold
Invades our very noon: the year's grown old,
Mornings are dark, and evenings come apace.
The vines below have lost their purple grace,
And in Forreze the white wrack backward rolled,
Hangs to the hills tempestuous, fold on fold,
And moaning gusts make desolate all the place.

Mine host the month, at thy good hostelry,
Tired limbs I'll stretch and steaming beast I'll tether;
Pile on great logs with Gascon hand and free,
And pour the Gascon stuff that laughs at weather;
Swell your tough lungs, north wind, no whit care we,
Singing old songs and drinking wine together.

 

What a beautiful Poem. October is almost over, where has it gone? My garden is dismantled, irrigation water shut off until Spring. I picked the remainder of the tomato's this past weekend, and canned six pints of salsa. I thanked the garden as I pulled the tomato plants from the earth. Thanked it for providing my family wonderful, fresh vegetables.

Are you going trick or treating tomorrow eve? Are you aware the idea of "Trick or Treat" stems from the old custom of poor persons going to rich neighbors' homes and begging for a "soul cake" on All Souls Eve?

"October, winsome girl, you toss your shining head, And show the world your brilliant frocks of russet, gold, and red...."

Where ever this day leads you, enjoy the ride!

Are you as tired as I am about.....

All the political phone calls and commercials? I know I am. Raise your hand if you want this political race to end. My hand is up.
After working ten hours at my day job, I look forward to walking through my door at home, pour myself a glass of vino, and relax. Then it begins, phone call after phone call, all political. My friends and family know not to call after 8:00 pm, and when our phone rang at 9:50 pm two evenings ago, assuming the political calls stop at 8:00, my heart jumps into my throat, wondering who could be calling us so late. There must be something wrong, my head says. I put my knitting down, thinking I may have to answer it. We have our satellite hooked to our phone line, so the calling phone number appears on our TV. An 800 number appears at the top of the screen. I pick my knitting back up and continue on. Really? 9:50 at night????

Enough is enough. I've received my mail in ballot and will complete and get it into the mail tomorrow. Will the calls and commercials stop? Not until November 6th, I hope.
The weather is great here on the Western Slope of Colorado. High 60's low 70's. I can take this weather year round. I still have tomatoes growing in the garden, along with 4 kinds of peppers. I'm hoping to get one more good batch of tomatoes to make and can more Salsa. I have 13 jars in three different heat levels in the pantry from the earlier tomatoes. I canned 8 more jars of whole tomatoes today, which brings the canned tomato count up to 27 jars. My husband does the majority of the cooking in our home, and he assured me he'll use them up within a year.

Where ever your Saturday leads you, enjoy and smell the crisp, freshness of the fallen and falling beautiful colored Autumn leaves.

 

Please accept my apology!

I must admit, I have neglected my blog, I'm sorry about. I think I have a good reason. I have been working and have finally finished my book. It is now available in paperback and on Kindle.

How to Recognize and Overcome Victim Mentality

You may purchase it through Amazon.com or Createspace. Below are the links:

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http://www.amazon.com/Recognize-Overcome-Victim-Mentality-ebook/dp/B007LS65VC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1350520413&sr=1-1&keywords=how+to+recognize+and+overcome+victim+mentality


I am working on another book:  Abuse or Ignorance?

I'll keep you updated, but for now, be sure to check back for more blog fun!

Thanks for all your support!!

Donna

My weekend.....

My weekend is over and the start of a fresh work work begins today. I had a productive weekend, unlike the last one,  how about you? Even though it's still warm here in Western Colorado, my husband and I are thinking ahead to winter and next spring. We purchased a new window for our home to install this fall. Nothing wrong with the old window, except next spring we are going to purchase a window air-conditioner that will go in the new window. We are tired of the swamp cooler which is positioned on the roof and much too difficult to take care of.  Our place isn't Taj Mahal, but for the two of us, it suits us just fine. When we eventually found the establishment we purchased the window from, we asked the gentleman, Ken, if he knew of anyone who worked on roofs. Our roof needs a little TLC and since Brett can no longer go up onto the roof after his quadruple bi-pass and installation of his pace-maker, defibrillator, we have to search for decent contractors. And we found him. Ken gave us a price, and it's much less than previous quotes. He's hired!
 Also this weekend, I made and canned eight pints of salsa with most of the ingredients from my garden.

Last weekend was a bit of a bust. My step-son and his wife of four days at the time, told us they were coming to see us. Brett couldn't make the trip for his wedding because it's risky for him to go into higher elevations due to his congestive heart failure. Since the wedding was held in Ft. Collins, CO, it meant that we would have to travel  close to 12,000 feet to attend, out of the question per Brett's cardiologist.
So my step-son and his wife told us they would arrive at noon, but arrived at 4:30pm, due to a tire blow out along the way. I arrived home from my writers group at 4:55pm and by 6:30 we left for dinner. After dinner, we went back to our home and had dessert which I had made. By 10:00pm, they announced they were leaving to head to their hotel which we set up and paid for.  At a face-pace the two of them headed to the front door telling us they would see us in the morning. Brett and I looked at one another, perplexed as why they bolted so early. The two of them have been living with each other for 3 years, PLUS they told us they were coming.
The next morning came and went, and so did my step-son and his new wife. They blew out of town, passed our home without  so much as a phone call, good-bye or thanks for dinner or the hotel room.
What is one to think? It's been over a week now, and Brett's son did leave a message on the answering machine that they were home safe. He also e-mailed us and told me that things didn't work out like he planned and asked me to take a picture of his dad and me and send it to him since he doesn't have any recent ones and he planned on taking a picture of us when he saw us. No explanation as to why they blew out of town, since neither of them had to return to work until the following Monday.
What is sad about this is that he doesn't know when or if he will ever see his dad again. Brett died twelve times, almost two years ago. His prognosis isn't great since his heart is working less than 20% on its own.
Sad that so many of the younger generation have no respect. His son wasn't raised like that, what went wrong? I don't think we will ever really know the REAL TRUTH as to why they flew out of here like a bat out of hell. It's not like their around the corner. They live 5 hours from us.

Where ever your week takes you, make the best of it, I know I will.

A new take on Toad Stools

Throughout this summer, Brett and I were finding 1 1/2 to 2" "gifts" on our porch every morning. I thought perhaps it was a neighborhood cat, although it was much too small for a cat.
Brett thought a squirrel, but once again, too tiny for that.
We then noticed a couple very large toad sitting on the porch and wondered if by chance it could be a toad-stool!
Being who I am, I had to "google" toad poop and was agape to learn that low-and-behold, it is toad poop!
Our mystery was solved!
The calender claims that summer is quickly disappearing, but the weather here in Western Colorado is proving otherwise. It has been an exceptionally merciless, four months.
Most children are back to school, Labor day is four days away and vacations are winding down. Unfortunately, we are inundated with commercials both on the radio and television with ad campaigns. I'm hearing most people say they can't wait until this election is over, and I agree. For the next three months, our airwaves, newspapers, magazines and Internet will be mopolized!
Solution? I have my mind made up for who I will be voting for come November. The lies and half-truths will not affect me. I'm thankful that I can choose what I read, and my television & radio remotes have a MUTE button!
Where ever this Thursday leads you, make the best of it and keep your remote close by.
 

I Highly Recommend. . . .

If you enjoy a good read, you have to read Wonder by : R. J. Palacio . I am going to purchase one for my ten and a half year old granddaughter.
I definitely had to wipe my eyes at times, then I found myself laughing aloud! Its filled with short chapters, realistic family interactions, and great school scenes.
When I returned the book to the librarian yesterday, I shared with her how fabulous the book was and recommended she tell all the 5th, 6th, 7th graders as well as adults to read it.

Do yourself and your children a favor and pick up a copy from your local book store, or from the local library! You will not be disappointed!

Enjoy!

Sextlil is Here!

August, Formerly Sextilis is another month named for a Roman Ceasar.

Quintilis was formerly the sixth month in the ancient Roman year, when March was the first month of the calendar.
August is the eighth month of the Gregorian, or New Style, calendar now in use consisting of 31 days. In the ancient Roman calendar, that started with March as the first month, was called Sextilis a Latin word for six, sex.
August was named after Augustus Caesar in 8 B.C. When Julius Caesar adopted his nephew and made him heir, the Roman Senate named Caesars' successor "Augustus" meaning "revered" and named a month to honor him. Augustus himself, took one day from February and added it to August so that his month would have 31 days -- as did July -- the month of his uncle Julius.

What plans do you have for Sextilis? Many children are returning to school this month. What happened to beginning school after Labor Day?
I'll continue swimming this month, and my husband and me have plans to visit local area's we haven't had the pleasure to take in.
What ever your Sextilis (August) takes you, enjoy and be safe!

Does This Ever Happen To You? Help!

Upon awaking with whimsy idea's, I immediately proceed to my office, turn on my laptop and instantly distracted. Why I deduce checking my numerous e-mail accounts will only take a few minutes is beyond me! By the time I finish opening, reading, deleting and answering e-mails, roughly an hour of my morning has vanished. Not only has time disappeared in a blink of an eye, so have my ideas I arose with. Now I find myself staring at a blank word document begging for words to dress up it's whitewash appearance. Fingers on the keyboard, ready to move.
Wait for it, wait for it.....nothing!
Thinking if I step away from the computer, creative thoughts will surface, I leave, but only for a few minutes I assure myself. Sidetracked, I find myself outside watering the garden, walking the grounds, taking in natures sonance and aroma's.
Some day's when I find myself queried, my writing for that day is over before it begins. Other days when this happens, I once again discover the truth about myself. I can not be distracted by the Internet if I wish to capture the thoughts which are rushing through my mind.
Solution? I haven't found one, not yet. Any suggestions would certainly be welcomed.

Are Mass Shootings Occuring More Than Ever Before?

With the news all abuzz about the latest mass shooting in Aurora, CO., which is located a little over 3 hours from my home, I began to wonder if it's just me who feels that the world is hearing about this happening more or is it?
When I hear about tragedies like this, I think back to my childhood and try to remember if I heard about these kinds of things happening. My parents had radio and television, yet as hard as I try, I only remember one shooting; President Kennedy.
Could it be that when I was growing up, the news media wasn't in our face every time the TV or radio was turned on? There were no cell phones with cameras able to catch a crime as it was happening, or UTube, Facebook, or any of the other vessels we currently enjoy.
As you will see, mass shootings have been occurring for a long time. I believe it's only when it happens on our soil, so close to home, and is broadcast throughout the media, minute by minute, we take notice.
I found the following information on the Internet, on Time News Feed:
July 22, 2011: At least 80 people are killed at a summer camp on the Norwegian island of Utoya. A man arrested also is suspected in a blast earlier the same day in downtown Oslo that killed seven. Anders Behring Breivik, 33, has admitted to carrying out both attacks. He awaits sentencing on Aug. 24.
Nov. 5, 2009: Thirteen soldiers and civilians were killed and more than two dozen wounded when a gunman walked into the Soldier Readiness Processing Center at Fort Hood, Texas, and opened fire. Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Hasan is charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder.
April 30, 2009: Farda Gadyrov, 29, enters the prestigious Azerbaijan State Oil Academy in the capital, Baku, armed with an automatic pistol and clips. He kills 12 people before killing himself as police close in.
March 10, 2009: Michael McLendon, 28, killed 10 people — including his mother, four other relatives, and the wife and child of a local sheriff’s deputy — across two rural Alabama counties. He then killed himself.
Sept. 23, 2008: Matti Saari, 22, walks into a vocational college in Kauhajoki, Finland, and opens fire, killing 10 people and burning their bodies with firebombs before shooting himself fatally in the head.
Nov. 7, 2007: After revealing plans for his attack in YouTube postings, 18-year-old Pekka-Eric Auvinen fires kills eight people at his high school in Tuusula, Finland.
April 16, 2007: Seung-Hui Cho, 23, kills 32 people and himself on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Va.
April 26, 2002: Robert Steinhaeuser, 19, who had been expelled from school in Erfurt, Germany, kills 13 teachers, two former classmates and policeman, before committing suicide.
April 20, 1999: Students Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17, opened fire at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., killing 12 classmates and a teacher and wounding 26 others before killing themselves in the school’s library.
April 28, 1996: Martin Bryant, 29, bursts into cafeteria in seaside resort of Port Arthur in Tasmania, Australia, shooting 20 people to death. Driving away, he kills 15 others. He was captured and imprisoned.
March 13, 1996: Thomas Hamilton, 43, kills 16 kindergarten children and their teacher in elementary school in Dunblane, Scotland, and then kills himself.
Oct. 16, 1991: A deadly shooting rampage took place in Killeen, Texas, as George Hennard opened fire at a Luby’s Cafeteria, killing 23 people before taking his own life. 20 others were wounded in the attack.
June 18, 1990: James Edward Pough shoots people at random in a General Motors Acceptance Corp. office in Jacksonville, Fla., killing 10 and wounding four, before killing himself.
Dec. 6, 1989: Marc Lepine, 25, bursts into Montreal’s Ecole Polytechnique college, shooting at women he encounters, killing nine and then himself.
Aug. 19, 1987: Michael Ryan, 27, kills 16 people in small market town of Hungerford, England, and then shoots himself dead after being cornered by police.
July 12, 1976: Edward Charles Allaway, a custodian in the library of California State University, Fullerton, fatally shot seven fellow employees and wounded two others.
Aug. 20, 1986: Pat Sherrill, 44, a postal worker who was about to be fired, shoots 14 people at a post office in Edmond, Okla. He then kills himself.
July 18, 1984: James Oliver Huberty, an out-of-work security guard, kills 21 people in a McDonald’s restaurant in San Ysidro, Calif. A police sharpshooter kills Huberty.
Aug. 1, 1966: Charles Whitman opened fire from the clock tower at the University of Texas at Austin, killing 16 people and wounding 31.

So as you see, this tragedy which happened yesterday is just one of many, dating back as far as 1966.
Whats the answer? Tighter gun laws? I do not think that taking my right to bear arms away from me is going to stop mass shootings in the future. My belief is that if an individual wants to kill, they will find the means and weapons to do so. The above list is only for the last 50 years, I'm sure if I research further back, we will discover mass killings have been happening since the beginning of time. Read the Bible:

Old Testament Mass Killings by:Paul Coulter

Introduction: The problem

A number of cases of mass killings of people, apparently at God’s behest, are recorded in the Old Testament:

1. The Flood (Genesis 6-8)
2. The cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18-19)
3. The Egyptian firstborn sons during the Passover (Exodus 11-12)
4. The Canaanites under Moses and Joshua (Numbers 21:2-3; Deuteronomy 20:17; Joshua 6:17, 21)
5. The Amalekites annihilated by Saul (1 Samuel 15)

The first three examples are similar in that there was no human agent involved – in each case it was God, or an angel of God, who carried out the mass killings directly. The mass killing of the Canaanites is the first of two cases in which the text claims that God’s people, the nation of Israel, were commanded by Him to attack other nations. For this reason, this case will be the focus of this study.
The problem many people have with these stories of mass killings is that they do not seem to fit the popular conception of the Christian God. In particular, the question is asked how a God of love could allow or even command such brutality. Furthermore, it is suggested that the God described in these Old Testament books is a different character from the God described in the New Testament. The former is supposedly angry, vindictive and ruthless, the latter loving, patient and forgiving. Even for people who are convinced that the Bible is true and represents God’s revelation of Himself these accounts can be deeply troubling, especially when one thinks about the death of innocent children.

Where ever this Saturday takes you, take a moment and remember all who have died in all the tragedies since the beginning of time.

What is Paraskevidekatriaphobics?

 

Paraskevidekatriaphobics — people afflicted with a morbid, irrational fear of Friday the 13th —

Happy Friday the 13th! Are you superstitious? Did you know this year there are 3 Friday the 13ths, and they are thirteen weeks apart!

I personally am not a superstitious person. I know of people who will not leave the house on the 13th if it lands on a Friday.

I have to admit, I've owned a black cat which I walked in front of, I've walked under a ladder.

Do you or someone you know believe in these superstitions?

• It's bad luck to pick up a coin if it's tails side up. Good luck comes if it's heads up.
• Don't step on a crack on a sidewalk or walkway.
• A bird in the house is a sign of a death
• It's bad luck to count the cars in a funeral cortege.
• A frog brings good luck to the house it enters.
• If you catch a falling leaf on the first day of autumn you will not catch a cold all winter
• An acorn at the window will keep lightning out

Hope you had a fantastic Friday the 13th!

Why do you think in the 60's, 70's & 80's......

there was great music and amazing musicians?
Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, The Monkees, Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Doors, The Steve Miller Band, Jackson 5, Sonny & Cher,The Who, The Supremes, The Moody Blues, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Van Halen, Poison, Motley Crue, Cinderella, Quiet Riot and Guns and Roses, and so many more. Do you ever wonder what music your grandchildren are listening to or if they will grow up aspiring to be a singer in a band?
Here is my theory: When we grew up in the 60's, 70's, & 80's, we did not have Nintendo, X-Box, Play Station, or any other form of entertainment that kept us memorized as we stared into an idiot box, as my mother called the it (the television!)
In our home of daughters, my father was the king of the idiot box. Remember also, we only had three channels to enjoy. ABC, CBS, & NBC. If the rabbit ears which sat on top of the television, were aimed correctly, occasionally we could get, a couple more stations. Dad worked hard everyday to keep a roof over our heads and food in our mouths. After dinner, (we ate as a family every night), dad would head to the family room, turn on the television and enjoy shows like , boxing, Jacques Cousteau Archie Bunker, Happy Day's, Sonny & Cher, and Hee Haw. Sunday nights were the best because we all enjoyed A Walt Disney Movie. Aah the good old days. 
Summer vacations were spent riding bikes, reading comic books and Nancy Drew, playing jump rope, jacks, hide-and-seek, Barbies, card games, swimming, badminton, jarts, and many more outside activities. Not once did we verbally say we were bored. If you did, you would find yourself with a broom, toilet brush, or weed picker in your hand. Our minds explored and learned, and our days flew by much too quickly.
My thought is that once all these video games hit the scene, children were babysat in front of a idiot box where they became lost in a world of isolation from friends, family and social contact, and focus almost entirely on in-game achievements rather than other life events, and exhibited  lack of imagination.
Don't get me wrong, my children did have a PlayStation and I did play occasionally them, but there was a time and place for this game. The kids still went to the library weekly during summer vacation and chose a minimum of one book that had to be read by the following week. They swam, played Barbies, hide-and-seek, and many of the outdoor games I grew up with.
In the past twenty years have we lost our children to technology? This is my motto: everything in moderation. Just sayin......
Where ever your Wednesday takes you, take a moment and revisit a summer vacation you enjoyed in your past.

The only food that .....

The only food that never goes bad is honey! Honey may crystallize, but it does not sour or go bad. If it crystallizes, all you need to do is melt it and it will be reconstituted. Oils, and even vinegar, have shelf lives, or parasites that can destroy the product. Honey is also the only food that humans consume that is generated by another animal.

Besides being great to eat, honey has been known for its healing properties for thousands of years - the Ancient Greeks used it, and so have many other peoples through the ages. Even up to the second world war, honey was being used for its antibacterial properties in treating wounds.
People have been using honey as a home remedy for thousands of years. Now scientists have found that certain types of honey may prevent infection when applied directly to a wound. Researchers say an enzyme in the honey turns into hydrogen peroxide when combined with bodily fluids, such as blood. That helps disinfect wounds and prevent infection.
Humans have been using honey for 8000 years! It's natural, tastes good, and is healthy for you. Can your package of NutraSweet or Splenda say the same?
Local raw honey is also great for allergies. Reason: the bees in the area in which you live, feed on the some of the same allergens that trigger your allergies. If you consume local raw honey from this area, you can build up your immune system against them.
Honey, it's amazing stuff!

If you tell the truth.....

This say's it all.

Fourth of July Quotes.....

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Independence day is more than barbecue and fireworks. Here are some Fourth of July Quotes and Sayings I discovered:

Fourth Of July Quotes and Sayings for Freedom and Liberty

• "Freedom is never given, it is won."
• "Where liberty dwells, there is my country." - Benjamin Franklin
• "Free at last; free at last; thank God Almighty we are free at last." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
• "Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people.” - Abraham Lincoln
• "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty." - John Fitzgerald Kennedy
• "Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one." - Benjamin Franklin
• "I have always been among those who believed that the greatest freedom of speech was the greatest safety, because if a man is a fool, the best thing to do is to encourage him to advertise the fact by speaking." - Woodrow T. Wilson
• "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." - Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address, 1863.

I hope you find a few minutes to remember why we are here in the Great United States of America, and appreciate living in our great country.
Where ever your Fourth of July leads you, please be safe, enjoy, and say thank you to every, past or present military service man or woman who crosses your path today!

H A P P Y   I N D E P E N D E N C E   D A Y!

Did you know that July....

July--is known as the....
The Month of Julius Caesar?
This month was first called Quintilis, that is, the fifth month, which shows that the year began with March. In the year 44 B.C. the name was changed to Julius in honour of Julius Caesar, the founder of the Roman Empire. The month Quintilis was chosen as the one to be named after the Emperor Julius because his birthday was on the twelfth of that month After his death, the name Caesar became a title of the Roman Emperors, and we still have the word in the titles Kaiser of Germany, Czar (or Tsar) of Russia, and Kaisar-i-Hind (Emperor of India), one of the titles of our own king.

The days from 3rd July to 11th August, 'the hottest part of the year, were called by the Romans, "dog-days", because they thought the great heat was due to Sirius, the dog-star. Sirius was a dog belonging to the giant Orion, who was a great hunter. Diana, the Goddess of the Moon, was also the Goddess of Hunting, and after she had driven her chariot with its white horses across the starlit sky, she spent the day hunting in the forests.

Where ever this day in July leads you, enjoy it! Stay cool, and think, in five short months, it will be December!

Waking to the smell of smoke.....

Fire's, fire's everywhere! This is pretty scary. Living in a wonderful state like Colorado has it's perks. But after a dry winter, spring and now summer, fire's are everywhere throughout our beautiful state.
This one in the picture is closest to where I live. The smell of smoke awoke me during the night as I slept with two of the bedroom window's open. My thoughts and prayers extend to all the firefighters who are doing their best, to the families who lives are forever changed due to the fires that are ravishing our majestic state.
Please be smart. No matter where you reside, don't disguard your cigarette butts out a window. Be sure your campfires are completly out before leaving the area, doucing them with water is the best.

Anyone for......

Zucchini? As you see, my garden is doing wonderful! Several zucchini are going to be ready to pick by later this week. Banana peppers are going wild, as well as my jalapenos. I planted this garden the first week of May, and with the over one hundred degree temperature's we're having, it's important I keep my ninety-six foot garden watered! I say ninety-six foot because when my ten year old granddaughter was visiting me in April, she helped me enlarge the garden. She then measured it. and in an instant informed me that my garden is now 96 square feet! Have I mentioned how smart my beautiful granddaughter is?
I've planted eleven tomato plants of three varieties, one didn't make it. My red cabbages are growing great, as well as onions, both green and yellow. I'll be picking a few jalapenos, blanching them, then freezing them, later this week. I use those in my salsa I make the end of September. Although it may be earlier this year.
Have you planted a garden this year? If so, what wonderful vegetables does your garden grow?
Plans for Tuesday? Where ever your day leads you, make it happy! If you live near me on the Western slope of Colorado, stay cool, it's going to be another hot one today!

Is it a___________ or a _________?

This morning as I drove to the neurologist for my Multiple Sclerosis appointment, I get to experience several open fields. Nearing one of the fields, I viewed two adult horses and a baby horse. I slowed down to get a better look. I took in the beauty as I proceeded by.  Daydreaming, I began to wonder if this new baby was a colt or a filly. There is so many beautiful creatures to enjoy, if we only take these special moments to experience them. As you travel to your destination, open your mind and your eyes and enjoy what you may encounter.

Happy Father's Day

On this Father's Day, I want to wish father's everywhere, a Happy Fathers Day. And for those of us who's father's have passed, remember all the good times you shared.
There isn't a day that goes by, that a thought of my father doesn't surface, and it's been fifteen years.

Raise your hand if you LOVE....

buying a swim suit? Thursday, my husband wanted to accompany me on my feat to purchase a swimsuit. OMG!!! is all I can say. He soon became bored, as he watched me abruptly look from at one suit to another. Sitting down was a better option for him, so he went around the corner and took a seat. I'm not sure how much time passed (since I don't wear a watch), when he rejoined me on my search for a swimsuit, for a couple weeks short of, a 53 year old woman. Where was my 25 year old body I asked myself while I proceeded to try one one suit after another!
Exiting the fitting room for the third time with NO luck, Brett looked at me and asked, "well?"
I smiled, turned towards him and said, "One bullet is going to be cheaper!"
He laughed since he knows my sick sense of humor, and followed me once again to where the suits were located. After a few more minutes, he left and headed back to the benches by the fitting rooms.
After a time, I appeared outside the fitting room and told him these were the last 2 I was going to try! It wasn't long after I emerged with swimsuit in hand and said in a disgusted tone, "Okay,let's go!"
Brett looked up from the bench and told me that I not only missed my own birthday, but his, since I was in the fitting room so long.
I like my suit, and once I arrived home and tried it on in my OWN mirrors, I was fine. Maybe the mirrors in my house know not to mess with me, as the ones in the fitting rooms did!

My new suit was inducted at our local swimming pool this afternoon. From 12-1 on Friday's, Saturday's and Sunday's, along with additional early hours, my local pubic pool, (less than a mile from home), is open for 'adult' swim only. Not that I don't enjoy all the children splashing and having fun, but I have a mission when I go to the pool, and that is to swim laps and get a minimum of 45 minutes of exercise. Today it was a success, although I need to talk with my neurologist this coming week to inquire if I will ever be able to get strength back into my left leg and arm, since it was damaged due to the Multiple Sclerosis. It was suggested from a fellow 'adult' swimmer that maybe I should use one of those swimming noodles to help. Great suggestion, and I will consult with my doctor on Tuesday!
We know that it sucks getting older, but visualizing myself as "I WAS" when I was younger with a bikini body, and living with the reality that I'm a couple weeks shy of 53, have been suffering with Multiple Sclerosis for nearly 25 years, and am still able to hold down a job four days a week, life isn't so bad. Always remember, no matter how bad you may think you have it, someone else has it much worst!
I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend, it's back to work for me on Sunday, but you can guess where I will be for at least an hour on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, my days' off of work!

It's Friday! Who's ready for some......

Bluegrass Music?

This weekend in my town of Palisade, CO the annual Palisade Bluegrass Roots Festival is taking place.

There’s no better way to recharge before the long summer than three days of live music and camping by the Colorado River in one of Western Colorado’s most stunning and unique locations.

This year’s festival features notable bluegrass and roots musicians, on-site camping, band scramble jam sessions, workshops, delicious food vendors/artisans, and children activities. The festival is held right on the banks of the Colorado River in Riverbend Park - a stunning festival venue with over 110 acres of beautiful riverfront scenery, complete with pavilions, a playground, a boat launch, fishing ponds, a winding bike path and the valley’s premiere disc golf course.

Palisade is known as the Peach and Wine Capital of Colorado with the state’s greatest concentration of wineries/vineyards and orchards making it an ideal location for a weekend music festival. Local wines, micro-brews, food and artisans are ready to help make this the perfect weekend getaway for live music enthusiasts. So float on down to Palisade where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the movement.
(information taken from http://ht.ly/bz5Pf)

I'm excited because our home is within walking distance to this park, and my husband and I can sit on or patio, enjoy our cocktails and listen to the music.

What ever you do, or where ever this weekend leads you, enjoy, and don't forget the sunscreen!

Happy Birthday Anne Frank

June 12, 1929, Anne Frank was born. I discovered the following script written in her diary from Wikipedia:

Frank aspired to become a journalist, writing in her diary on Wednesday, 5 April 1944:

I finally realized that I must do my schoolwork to keep from being ignorant, to get on in life, to become a journalist, because that’s what I want! I know I can write ..., but it remains to be seen whether I really have talent ...And if I don’t have the talent to write books or newspaper articles, I can always write for myself. But I want to achieve more than that. I can’t imagine living like Mother, Mrs. van Daan and all the women who go about their work and are then forgotten. I need to have something besides a husband and children to devote myself to! ...
I want to be useful or bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death! And that’s why I’m so grateful to God for having given me this gift, which I can use to develop myself and to express all that’s inside me!
When I write I can shake off all my cares. My sorrow disappears, my spirits are revived! But, and that’s a big question, will I ever be able to write something great, will I ever become a journalist or a writer?

— Anne Frank

 

She continued writing regularly until her last entry of 1 August 1944.

What an inspiration! Where ever your Tuesday, June 12th. leads you, I hope you take a few moments and write, and as your pen hits the paper, silently say Happy Birthday to Anne Frank.

Friday Walk

Beautiful blue skies, light breeze,the chirping birds, and a train blowing it's whistle, accompanied me this morning on my walk. Although it's almost 75 degree's and not quite 10:00 a.m., it was difficult not to enjoy my walk.
I needed an ingredient for the jambalaya I am putting together in the crock pot this morning, and instead of getting into the car to drive less than a mile, I chose to walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery and sounds of life.
I believe we all get ourselves caught up in work, deadlines, occasional drama, and family issues that we forget how simple life can be, if we choose it to be.
Yesterday, my day consisted of a dental appointment, miscellaneous errands, and a woman's wellness appointment, all before 1:00! Exhausting day. Today I have my writers group at three in the afternoon, and that is all that is written on my schedule. Hence why I chose to enjoy my morning off and take a stroll to my neighborhood grocery store, and purchase one ingredient, even though my multiple sclerosis does not fair well when I walk in the heat. Don't we all have to push ourselves from time to time?
I hope everyone takes the time this weekend to take in the beauty that life offers, if we only quite ourselves long enough to experience it.

Positive thoughts are with all the families and

friends of the four students who died Sunday morning in a car accident in Brunswick, Ohio.
One of my five sister's, and her family lives in Brunswick, Ohio and several of the students who perished were friends my niece and nephew's.
Every June, you hear about stories kids killed in such tragic automobile accidents. This one as well as one other in my past, hit close to home. I grew up in the suburbs west of Cleveland, Ohio. I was born when my parents lived in Brunswick, Ohio. Five years later they built a home in North Royalton, Ohio which is approximately 15 miles north of Brunswick, where I lived until I married, the first time.
Currently, one of my sisters is raising her four children in the city of Brunswick. After reading about this tragic accident, I noticed this sister on facebook this morning, and inquired if my niece and nephews knew these children. She shared with me that they not only knew these kids, they grew up with them and were all friends. My heart is aching, not only for the children who lost their lives, their parents, and loved ones, but for my niece and nephew's.
This accident will effect them the remainder of their lives. I'm not a religious person as many know, although I do believe in a higher power. My positive thoughts for understanding and healing extend to all who are touched by this tragedy.
Where ever you're Tuesday leads you, be sure to hug and kiss your children before you walk through the door. We hope, but do not know when the next time we will be able to do that.

http://news.yahoo.com/4th-teen-dies-pre-graduation-crash-ohio-150245089.html

June is here, do you know that...

Tennessee became the 16th state, June 1, 1796?

“How did it get so late so soon?
Its night before its afternoon.
December is here before its June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?”- Dr. Seuss 

My thoughts exactly! Where is this year going? June 1st already. Summer is around the corner, although here in western Colorado the weather has been summer like for the past month.
Any plans for the month? I'll be celebrating my birthday the last day of the month, followed by my husbands three days later.
Farmer's Markets will begin this month. My husband and I enjoy visiting the farmers market in Grand Junction, Colorado on Thursday evenings. I hope you support your local farmers market.

When I hear somebody say that .....

When I hear somebody say that life is hard, I am always tempted to ask, “Compared to what?”
 – Sydney J. Harris

Please remember what Memorial Day is really about....

These heroes are dead. They died for liberty - they died for us. They are at rest. They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines. They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless Place of Rest. Earth may run red with other wars - they are at peace. In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death. I have one sentiment for soldiers living and dead: cheers for the living; tears for the dead. ~Robert G. Ingersoll

Happy Memorial Day weekend. I hope you are enjoying this holiday weekend.
I worked at the Meadery on Saturday and were quite busy. Even though the winds were blowing between 50-60 miles an hour all day, and the valley looked like a giant brown colored, baby powder bottle was being shaken all day, our guests were having a great time. May were on bikes enjoying the wine route for bicyclists.
Here in the Grand Valley, we get occasional wind storms which stir up all the dust from the surrounding mountains. Saturday was the third day in a row this wind has been blowing. Enough is enough! I'm hoping Sunday will fair better.
Where ever this Memorial weekend leads you, please remember what this weekend is really about. We should all thank a veteran for giving us our freedom, and remember those who gave their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we have.

Why is it that?????

Some of your best idea's appear in the shower? I told my husband tonight, I am going to get bathtub crayons to keep in the shower so when an idea pops into my head, I can write it on the shower wall.
Luckily, after exiting the shower, the idea that appeared as the hot water that was rinsing shampoo from my hair, was still in my mind. I was able to dry off, go into my office and write down all the thoughts and idea's for a new book.
I still think the tub crayons will be in my basket this weekend when I shop.
Any exciting plans for the long upcoming Memorial weekend? I'll be working at the winery on Saturday, then enjoying a couple of quiet days on Sunday and Monday. I know I'll be spending time in my vegetable garden. After work today, I was amazed when I saw my first tomato on one of my eleven tomato plants! There are also four jalapeno peppers on the plants.
Most of us still have Thursday and Friday to get though, if you do, make the best of the days. Thursday, the Meadery will be bottling, Peach Passion for St. Katheryn's and Peaches N' Honey for the Meadery. Bottling day's are always fun. If you're in Palisade, CO, stop by and watch.

Friday is almost here... are you making plans to come to....

the Palisade Colorado Writers group? I'm happy to update that we held our first writers group on Friday, May 11th, and our next one is quickly approaching.
We will be meeting at Palisade Library on 3rd Street  on Friday, May 25th at 3:00 p.m. We have a great group and are open to new members.
After Friday, May 25th, we will be meeting the 2nd and 4th Friday's of the month, the time will be the same.
Every writer needs the insight of other writers. If you are free, please join us. If you would like more information, please e-mail me at donna@donnalively.com

Did you have a great Monday? I had the day off from the winery but I spent a portion of the morning at he dentist. I have neglected my dental health for far too long; 7 years since I had a check-up!
I only had 5 cavities! The next several weeks I will be sitting in a dental chair on my day's off.
Now that I'm settled into my new area in life, I will be sure to see my dentist every six months after these cavities and cleaning is taken care of.
To think that in my past life, I was a dental assistant! Yep, you heard me right, my junior and senior years of high school, I spent in vocational school learning how to be a dental assistant. I graduated with top scores and worked in the dental field until after the birth of my daughter. My husband at that time wanted me to be a stay-home mom and my dental profession ended.
After my dental appointment, I visited my dear friend Jane. She's had some medical problems since winter time and was thrilled to see that she's feeling better, not 100% yet, but she will not let this minor set back defeat her! We had a great visit, enjoying lunch outside at a wonderful restaurant called Spoons.
My hope is that everyone had an exceptional Monday and are experiencing an even better Tuesday!
Where ever you're Tuesday leads, enjoy, and remember when you smile, people wonder what you've been up to.

A wonderful sight crossed my path

As I waited for Karen, the librarian at my local library to emerge from the washroom where she was having a coughing fit, I encountered what I consider hope.
Crossing my path, resting a clipboard on their left arms, holding a pencil with their little right fingers, busy writing, were six preschoolers who shared with me they were on a mission!
"What mission?" I curiously asked.
"A noun mission," the six bellowed at once.
Good-byes were exchanged and like duckings following their mother, they proceeded to the front door led by their teacher.
Karen explained that this group was from a nearby preschool and after completing their first mission which was to learn about nouns, (which Karen taught them,) their next mission was to visit the different establishments in our small downtown, and search for nouns.
As a avid reader since childhood, and writer, this brings me hope. Hope that more youngsters learn not only how to read and write properly, but enjoy it and pursue writing careers.
I could only wish the remainder of my Friday was as pleasant as my morning.
After arriving home, I decided to put a load of laundry into the washer, and just like that, the day's energy switched. The washer decided that it would fill itself, and stop and not follow through with it's commitment to clean my clothes.
My husband I soon left to run errands and on the way stopped and purchased a new washer. All good you would think, only it wasn't. After driving to three different stores in search of five skeins of yarn I need to knit a baby blanket, and having no luck, I came home and ordered it on line.
Silly me, decided to try the washer one last time before I would begin bailing the water out of the broken washer, and low and behold, it started! Thankful to be able to finish that load, I tried my luck at another one, and bingo, it's working again. After discussing the options, Brett and I decided to continue using this one until the new one arrives sometime next week, because we all know about Murphys' law!
I hope you had a wonderful Friday and where ever your Saturday takes you, go with the punches and find time to smile!

“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” – Wayne Dyer

You are responsible for how you feel. You can blame external things if you want to, but it will never change how things are. It is only when you accept your own responsibility that you can take action.

Every human has great days, not so great days, bad day's and horrific days. I wish life was a fairy tale. Reality is that we all have day's that suck! It's how you respond to situations you personally consider bad which matters.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you should be feeling sad and depressed and you begin to laugh? Life is what you make it and how you deal with it.
Years ago, I learned to deal with uneasy occurrences in my life, like water off a duck back. Learn to take life not so seriously. No matter what happens today, the sun will rise tomorrow.
When you were a child, you should have learned responsibility. As adults we all have responsibility, and once we accept our own responsibility we can begin to take action to adjust or change where our lives are heading.
Although we all have responsibility in our lives, we should as the cliche says, stop and smell the roses!
The older I grow, the more I learn to live. I'm on the downhill side of  life, and everyday should be positive, uplifting and fun. I've chosen to create my life to be just that!
Take a minute to reflect on your day and ask yourself: are you enjoying life and the individuals around you? If not, begin accepting responsibility and take action!
Where ever your Thursday is leading you, stop, smell the roses, and smile.

Happy Tuesday

Did you get through Monday okay? I normally have Monday's off from the winery, today I clocked in at 6:50AM to get our Club Mead Membership wine orders sent out. It was a successful morning and I was able to clock out at 10:00 AM..
While watering my lavender plant near the front of my home this afternoon, I overheard my newer neighbor screaming and fighting with her adult disabled sibling. Since these people have moved in next door to me, this seems to be a "normal" way of living for these people.
As I bent down to quench my lavender's thirst, hearing her Baton Rouge accent, scream at her son, I had a revelation. Not only can you choose your relatives, you can not choose your neighbors!
I spoke softly to my beautiful lavender plant telling her to ignore the screaming she had to hear.
I met the "mother,/wife" for the first time a week ago. After a minute or two of hearing her speak, I realized she was a sandwich short of a picnic. I'm not talking down about her, I'm only telling you what I observed. At one point, she told me "I wasn't watching you, but after I watched you watering your garden (which wasn't planted yet), I'm doing what you did and I'm watering the ground where I am going to plant a tomato plant.
Really? But you just told me you were not watching me! Creepy!
I hope I'm not the only living being, in this vast world with a not my choice neighbor.
Have a great Tuesday, and where ever this day leads you, enjoy, smile and know that tomorrow is Wednesday!

Happy Mother's Day.. Did you know?

Did you know that Mother's day has been observed on the second Sunday of May since 1914?
Happy Mother's Day!  President Wilson proclaimed the day as "a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of our country?"
Did you know that the carnation was chosen to be the traditional flower for Mother's Day because of it's sweetness, purity, and endurance?
I have two grown children and two step-sons. My son lives in Ohio, and  daughter in Greeley, CO.
I wish we lived closer, but they are adults with lives and families of their own.
Plans for Mother's Day? I am scheduled to work at the winery from noon until close. My husband will prepare and cook me steak, baked potato and salad for me for my Mother's Day dinner.

Where ever and what ever you're Mother's Day Sunday leads you, enjoy!

If you could travel back to an earlier....

happier moment in your past, where would you journey and why?

As the third daughter of six in my family, attention was a precious commodity. My sister and I enjoyed spending weekends at our grandparents. Darlene is a year and a half younger than me. We shared a bedroom, secrets and most everything. We also were competitive. Back then as we sat in the back seat of the family station wagon on our way to the grocery store, keeping our eyes peeled for what we called, Beetle bugs, otherwise known as aVolkswagen beetle, better known as the Volkswagen bug.  Mom behind the steering wheel, Dar and I gawking out the side windows, heads swaying in unison as we each do our best to spot a bug before the other. "There's a blue one!" Darlene would yell laughing.
Every time the two of us were away from home, and even when we were home, we would search for those wonderful, cute, colorful bugs. Always trying to beat one another to spot one first, keeping score.
One weekend, Gram and Papa invited Darlene and I to spend the weekend at their home. Papa knew about our passion for beetle bugs and how we competed with one another to spot the most.
After saying our good-bye's to our mom, dad and siblings, Dar and I climb into the back seat of Gram and Papa's 1970, gold tone, Mercury Cougar. It wasn't long before we realized that we were not going directly to our grandparents home. Papa told us that we were going out to dinner, only Gram was puzzled where he was driving us. Darlene and I continued searching out and counting the bugs as we carried on. Nearly forty-five minute passed and Gram demanded to know where we were going.
At that moment, Papa turned a corner, told Darlene and I to look out the window and begin counting!
My sister and I whipped our heads to see what he was talking about, and were both shocked and amazed at what our blue eyes were seeing.
Papa had driven us to a Volkswagen Beetle car dealership. Gram and Papa smiled, as my closest sister and I laughed, counted and pointed. I don't believe either of us claimed a victory over the other that afternoon, but we sure did have fun! After parking in the dealership for ten or so minutes, Papa then took us for a lobster dinner.
Growing up in a large family, lobster dinner's never happened at home,and only few and far between at our grandparents.
We had the best weekend ever!
Where ever your Friday takes you, enjoy the journey, it may be one you look back at years from now and smile.

Who is your favorite .....?

I believe every person who reads has a favorite author or two or possibly even more.
I can honestly tell you that I have two. I won't put one above the other, but here are my favorite:
Debbie Macomber and Elizabeth Berg.
The first book I read from Elizabeth Berg which got me hooked like a fish on a worm was The Art of Mending, followed by The Year of Pleasures.
I copied and pasted from Elizabeth Bergs website what the Art of Mending is about: A woman's grown sister makes allegations about abuse she claims to have suffered at the hands of their mother when they were growing up. The book is about the way that everyone in a family has a different experience of it. The narrator must decide if what her sister is saying is true, and what her obligations now are-to her family of origin as well as to the family she has with her husband.
This book touched the core of me. If you haven't had the chance to read it, I highly recommend it!
The book, The Year of Pleasures is about: When Betta Nolan's husband, John, dies, she honors a promise she made to him to sell their house, drive across the country until she finds a town she likes, and move there. This is a novel about starting life over, and purposely enriching that life with the many pleasures, especially the small and free ones, that are always available to us. It also challenges the notion that a widow must or should behave in a certain way; and it shows how love does not die, but rather changes form.
I have read everyone of her books, and I recommend each one!
I began reading Debbie Macombers' books by chance. I lucky chance for me! Back in 2004-05, I was living in Ohio and traveling weekly for the company I was employed with. I would read a couple of books a week; sitting on the plane and in the evening. When I was home on weekends, I would make a trip to Barnes and Nobel every Saturday searching for a couple more books by Elizabeth Berg. Soon, I had read every book this bookstore had to offer by Berg. I made my way up to the help desk to inquire about a similar author. That's when I feel I hit the lottery! Another woman heard my conversation with the employee as I inquired about another author, and spoke up to enlightened me about Debbie Macomber. She assured me any book I would choose, I would be happy with. After thanking her, I traveled over where Macomber's books were, read a couple of the covers and purchased,  The Shop on Blossom Street, and A Good Yarn.
I have copied from Debbie Macombers website what The Shop on Blossom Street is about:
There's a little yarn shop on Blossom Street in Seattle. It's owned by Lydia Hoffman, and it rrepresents her dream of a new life free from cancer. A life that offers a chance at love...
Lydia teaches knitting to beginners, and the first class is "How To Make a Baby Blanket." Three women join. Jacqueline Donovan wants to knit something for her grandchild as a gesture of reconciliation with her daughter-in-law. Carol Girard feels that the baby blanket is a message of hope as she makes a final attempt to conceive. And Alix Townsend is knitting her blanket for a court-ordered community service project.
These four very different women, brought together by an age-old craft, make unexpected discoveries --- about themselves and each other. Discoveries that lead to friendship and more...
A Good Yarn is about: Lydia Hoffman owns the shop on Blossom Street. In the year since it opened, A Good Yarn has thrived -- and so has Lydia. A lot of that is due to Brad Goetz. But when Brad's ex-wife reappears, Lydia is suddenly afraid to trust her newfound happiness.
Three women join Lydia's newest class. Elise Beaumont, retired and bitterly divorced, learns that her onetime husband is reentering her life. Bethanne Hamlin is facing the fallout from a much more recent divorce. And Courtney Pulanski is a depressed and overweight teenager, whose grandmother's idea of helping her is to drag her to seniors' swim sessions -- and to the knitting class at A Good Yarn.

After arriving home the following Friday evening from my week on the road, I was hooked. To date, I have read most everyone of her books. I am currently reading 1105 Yakima Street. In the past, I read the others from this series.
Times have changed since 04 & 05, I no longer am employed with the company I was, I moved from Ohio to Colorado, am re-married and when I'm not working at the winery, in my garden, or daily chores, I am doing the one thing I've always loved doing, as much as reading, that is writing. I have recently organized and am beginning this Friday, May 11th,  the first meeting for a writers group, here in Palisade, CO. If you live in the area, and are interested, please join us. Our gathering will be held at the Palisade, CO library on 3rd Ave, at 3:00 pm.
Where ever your Thursday leads you, I hope you find time to read a chapter from one of your favorite authors.

Hummingbirds in Western Colorado

When most people think of Colorado, they think about Big horn sheep or deer. In my backyard here in Palisade Colorado, you will see hummingbirds like the one above.
This past weekend, I cleaned and prepared my hummingbird feeder after I witnessed activity for these tiny creatures.
For the last two years since I moved to the Western slope of Colorado, each spring, this beautiful, tiny winged creature builds a nest outside my neighbors bedroom window on the pole of the awning.
Once I mixed the sweet nectar and filled the hummingbird feeder, it wasn't long before the specular tiny winged birds found their way to the feeder.
Simple pleasures, that is what I enjoy. We all are guilty of creating chaos in our lives. Whether it concern our families, workplace, our health, or numerous other affairs.
Imagine your life, stress free, non-strenuous, and simple. At times, I believe we are all guilty of creating drama in our lives which don't need to be. As you hurry around today, take a moment and enjoy a simple pleasure.
What ever drama you draw unconsciously into your inner world today, recognize it and release it to the universe, then smile.

My Gift to you......

Happy Tuesday!
I have attached Chapter one from my self-help book, How to Recognize and Overcome Victim Mentality, for you to read and enjoy.

If you are interested in purchasing the entire book, it is available on amazon.com in a kindle version.
To download the file, click on the Download button above or copy and paste this URL into your browser:
https://sendnow.acrobat.com/?i=NyXGFX8jQrw20byDqbFE0A

I hope you are having a wonderful Tuesday.
Where ever your path leads you today, make the best of it.

Beautiful Yellow Japanese Roses... Take a peek

How was every one's Sunday? Mine was quite busy as I worked at the Meadery and was very busy.
 Made for a steadfast day!
I told you about a week ago about my Japanese roses, and above are two pictures of some of the bloomed roses.
They display a beautiful deep yellow color. There are many rose buds awaiting to open. Last year, there were only three roses on the plants. I believe cutting them down to the ground two autumns ago helped to produce a bountiful array of roses this season. From what I read, they can re bloom in the fall once again. I hope they do.
The aroma that meets me as I open the car door as I arrive home from work is breath taking!
I know they will only remain beautiful for maybe another week or two, and I will admire them until the yellow, wonderful scent disappears.
Isn't that like many things in life? Learn to take pleasure in what you have in moment.
I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful day.
Where ever your Monday leads you, take a moment and take pleasure in what ever beautiful sights you are able to.

Thank you to everyone who...

I want to thank everyone who walked for Multiple Sclerosis today.
Above are a couple pictures from my walk this morning for the cause. I was able to walk 1/2 of a mile, before I had trouble walking back to the starting point.
It was a beautiful day, a little hot when you suffer from MS and are walking!
I met up with the director of the society here on the Western Slope of Colorado, and will speak with her again next week. She is going to link me up with a neurologist here in this area since I have not
seen a neurologist in over six years, since I do not have health insurance.
Thank you for everyone for donating to to such a wonderful cause.

Happy Friday

Friday is here! Depending when you are reading this blog, I hope your Friday was wonderful or you're having a great one.
As I write this Thursday evening, my plans for Friday will be shopping for all my garden needs. My hope is that I get this chore finished early enough to come home and begin preparing the ground for the new plants I'm planning on purchasing. Wish me luck!
What are your plans for the weekend of May?

Saturday, I'll be walking for Multiple Sclerosis. It's not too late to donate. Click on this link and it will take you directly to my personal Multiple Sclerosis donate page via the MS society. Any amount will help the cause and hopefully bring a cure for us suffering with this debilitating disease. Thank you in advance.

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/COCWalkEvents?px=6628054&pg=personal&fr_id=18645

I personally have been living with the diagnosis of this disease since May of 1993. I began showing symptoms soon after the birth of my son September 1986.
I have had my ups and downs throughout the last twenty-five years, but as I grow older, the down times are happening closer together. I don't know what the future will unfold for me concerning this disease, but I know that I will continue moving forward and remaining positive.

Where ever your Friday leads you, enjoy the ride!

Do you Know an Energy Vampire?

Do you feel exhausted after being with certain people? They may be energy vampires, draining your spirit and soul.  Energy vampires drain your spirit and soul by depleting your positive energy. Energy vampires, such as drama queens, leave you feeling drained and listless
After a visit with an energy vampire, you barely have enough energy to walk across the room, much less pursue your goals or take care of your life. The energy vampire's negative influences consume your positive energy.
Most people only notice that they have been in the presence of an energy vampire when that person has gone and they find themselves depleted of energy and lacking the will to live, as though all their enthusiasm, excitement and joy of life had been quite literally "sucked out of them".
Some people you come across bring light and happiness and you feel wonderful being around them. But when you are around "dark" energy individuals you also can "feel" it.
Working in customer service, I meet and am around many different kinds of energy. I am able to know immediately which category a customer falls into the instant they walk into the wine tasting room. Are they a positive person, or a negative, energy vampire? If they fall into the energy vampire category, I immediately surround myself mentally, with white purifying light. I'll smile as I mentally am aware of what kind of personality I am dealing with.
You can't make them happy,because they don't know what even makes them happy. Since I work in the public and usually I working alone, I can't just walk away from an energy vampire.
If you are in a situation where you can walk away, do just that!. Many of us find this really hard to do. We're afraid of being thought of as impolite; we don't want to offend people. If you must stay around an energy vampire, breath! I mean it, take a deep breath and as you release the breath, release the negative energy the vampire is surrounding you with.
One thing to remember: No matter how hard your life is, there is someone else in this world who has it much worst than you!
Be happy with yourself first and foremost! If you are not happy with yourself, you won't be able to be happy anything or anyone!
Today, take note of the kinds of people who are in your personal energy field. Are they happy and positive, or negative, energy vampires?
Where ever your path leads you today, shield yourself from negativity and energy vampires and surround yourself with positive, happy, lively individuals.

Do you believe?????

Do you believe in spirits or ghosts? I must admit that I don't believe, I know they are factual. I was introduced to the spiritual world of ghosts when I was young. My mother and her step-father (Papa)  would read everything printed at the time by "the sleeping prophet," Edgar Cayce,  like-minded mystic Ruth Montgomery, and one of the best-known American astrologers and psychics of the 20th century. Jeane Dixon. As a teenager, I believed everyone knew about and experienced spirits and ghosts.
The older I became, the more I came to realize that not everyone has witnessed the paranormal.
I recall in the late 60's my mother was washing dishes and when she looked into the dining room, she saw her deceased father standing on the stairs which led up to three bedrooms and a bathroom. Grandpa had passed weeks earlier. I have many stories of paranormal happenings since then. I am in the process of documenting  all my personal memories to use in a book in the future.
What thoughts from the past can you construct into a short story or book?
Ideas are all around, take five minutes out of your busy day to quiet your mind and let the ideas flood in. Be sure you have a pad and pencil next to you to write them down before they disappear once again.
Wednesday is upon us. Any fun activities planned for hump day? I work at the winery, where preparations are underway to bottle a couple of wines on Thursday. One will be Viognier, and I'm not quite sure of the other.
Where ever your Hump day takes you, enjoy and quite your mind.

Did you know the month of May....

The month of May is thought to be named after Maia, the mother of Mercury.
Maia is the Oscan Earth-Goddess, and an ancient Roman Goddess of springtime, warmth, and increase. She causes the plants to grow through Her gentle heat. Her name means "She Who is Great", and is related to Oscan mais and Latin majus, both of which mean "more". She is also called Maia Maiestas, "Maia the Majestic", which is essentially a doubling of Her name to indicate Her power, as both "Maia" and "Maiestas" have their roots in latin magnus, "great or powerful". She was honored by the Romans on the 1st and 15th of May, and at the Volcanalia of August 23rd, the holiday of Her sometimes husband, the Fire-God Vulcan.

Did you also know that because the Roman festivals of the unhappy dead and of the goddess of chastity occurred in May, it was considered an unlucky month for marriages.

My plan for this month of May is to plant my garden. I will be working on it this coming weekend. I'll begin working on it Friday afternoon. Saturday, I will be walking for a cause which touches me personally. I will be walking for MS, Multiple Sclerosis. I was diagnosed with this debilitating disease in 1993, although symptoms date back to 1986.  http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/COCWalkEvents?px=6628054&pg=personal&fr_id=18645

What are your plans for this fifth month of 2012? Planting a garden or ideas for a new book?
What ever your plans are for this first day of May, live it to the fullest.

Monday's Poem~ A New Beginning~For my daughter

A New Beginning

© Troy Martin, Jr.

A little egg under her mothers wings.
Yet to be born into the world of things.

A crack and a pop out she came.
Old and new, it was all the same.

Well nourished by mom, she began to sing.
Ready to learn of life and everything.

Innocence of new, she started up her flaps.
Not knowing of life, and all it's traps.

Mother watched on, with a big chuckle.
As she sprang out of the nest, with no buckle.

Back and forth, she swayed, on the ground.
As her mother watched for danger, all around.

She tried and tried until that day.
Fly she did, but not in a graceful way.

The day came, like mother knew it would.
For her child to fly away, like she should.

Off towards the horizon, fling she went.
Mother watching from afar, knowing it was time well spent.

Many times, the hailstorms of life beat her down.
Sometimes in flight, all the way to the ground.

Lessons well learned, she still lost her way.
Fluttered home to mom, with nothing to say.

Under mothers wings once more, did she heal.
The grace of mothers, no one can steal.

By grace did she heal, down to the core.
Ready to take on life and its challenges once more.

She flew from the tree, mom proud to see.
She became the strongest sparrow, that ever would be.

The eagles bowed down, had nothing on her, by the way.
She flew, glided and God, did she soar that day.

Happy Monday. I chose this poem today in tribute to my daughter. She is currently going through a tough time. I know she is strong, intelligent, and wants what's best for herself and her daughter. I am sure the day will arrive when I see her soar, just as anyone who knows her true spirit believes for her.
We all have to believe in ourselves, and not look for the easy way out. We all travel on life's many roads, and eventually we come to a crossroads and must make a choice. Dig deep within your soul, and choose to travel the road which is both positive and enduring. When you are raised with morals, and you arrive at a difficult crossroad, fall back upon those morals to see you though it.

Where ever the last Monday of April leads you, make it positive, joyful and please send positive thoughts to my daughter,