According to the folks at "Blogger", the Pius X blog is getting kinda big. So I've created this second blog, all fresh and new. You will be able to read the first blog but not post anything. Accessing this new Pius Blog will be faster and easier - until it too gets too big!Also, I've removed some other postings that were just taking up space. I hope this will also improve the performance of the blog.
Blog away ...
551 comments:
1 – 200 of 551 Newer› Newest»Oh, yippeee!! I'm the first one in the new blog and not Len. Na na nana na....LOL!! Beat that one, Len!
WOW! I saw you took mucho stuff out. I guess the Cafe went along with them?? I don't think I saw it listed. Maybe I'll have to go check again.
Hope all are well and let's try to continue blogging.
Luke took the time to re settle everything in here to make it easier for us to blog. Lets encourage him for his time and effort.
I'll always try to come in, Lukey, when I can. Don't fret! It's all good, my friend.
Have a good rest of the day, y'all.
Be well and be safe.
Ciao
xoxox
Hey y'all!
Thanks for your support Tinkerbell. I'm thinking you'll have to hit Len with your wand to cheer him up. Or maybe some of your magic dust.
Now, now, Len. Dry up your tears. You'll always be number one to the rest of us.
Yes, I did a big clean up. The cafe should still be there. I only removed the robot post ... he's still in the bar though.
More problems vit mein stoopid computer! A virus took out chunks of program files like Windows and PhotoShop (I am no longer infected). I'll have to backup my entire drive then my techie friend will completely format the drive and wipe out everything I have. But he will install his Windows XP Pro. It seems that it's a more stable platform than XP Home.
So,I won't be able to work for awhile ... again! Very frustrating it is! Most of my games don't even work. Good grief!!!
Take care, y'all.
Lukey,
Did I hear you right. Len will always be #1?? :o(
Are you stripping me away from my Glory to be # 1 in here for just a little?? Now I'm boo hooing!! Just wait till I get my mean CLIPPER in your hair. HA!!
(kidding)
Good one, Len, but was that a TOTD that you didn't indicate?? LOL!!
As for the world owing us, well.......
Ok, Luke. I'll go check it out again. Let's see if I can find it!
Good day, eh!!
xoxox
Awww ... Tinker, you'll always be number one in my book! I just don't want Len to feel bad. He had his moments of glory as #1. But you earned your place here. I'm sure Len is happy for you, too.
As I'm busy right now, I'll be back ...
Thanks, Luke. That was nice of you.
I don't care who's number 1. I was kidding around.
As long as we're all friends, we all are number ones!
Len,
One of your best TOTD's. Thanks.
Luke
When for your haircut. Only time I will have is this week. Let me know!
A big hello to all.
Ciao for now
xoxo
Hello Y'All!
Beware of a message that offers to make you money. It is not one of us and should be considered spam. I was advised of that posting through e-mail so I don't know exactly where it is.
Keep your eyes open and if you see it let me know.
I got a message from Blogula. He's on vacation in Romania and will be back soon.
Ciao.
Popping in to say hi.
How's y'all doing??
Thanks for the info Luke!
Will keep it in mind.
Have a good day, eh!
Ciao
xoxox
Hi y'all!!
Been a while. Hope all are well??
I haven't seen Tony's weekend TOTD's, so I thought he's either late or his PC isn't in proper function.
So, here goes nothing (figure of speach)
Saturday's TOTD:
When the road seems too long
When darkness sets in
When everything turns out wrong
And you can't find a friend
Remember--- you are loved.
Roger Pinches
Today's TOTD:
May you see the love around you
In everything you do
And when troubles seem to surround you
May all the love shine through
You are blessed-- you are loved
Roger Pinches
Have a good evening and be well.
Ciao
xoxo
Gee, golly.
Traffic is slow here. Like my brain.
And no one goes to the cafe anymore. I'm thinking of closing down. Turn it into a McD's.
Luke,
I go in there and no one joins me! What's a girl suppose to do with a Bot and a capp with no one there??
I try buddy.
How ya doin anyways. I still have to call Darleen. Didn't have a chance, drats!
Will let you know.
Hello to all.
Ciao
xox
Something's happening that has me pondering ...
Why, oh, why am I receiving people's answers regarding the party on December 22nd? Do I look like a Post Office?
This plus receiving the same jokes from different people is screwing up my mail box!
Now I'm really starting to get ... arrrr ...
As always, thanks to Len with his inspirational TOTD. I think I speak for everyone when I say "thank you" for starting our days off right.
Tony Braca: Thanks for that Brazilian fashion show. I was wondering how they get their "beach-wear" to stay on. I realized that their boobies look like they've been pumped-up with a tire pump and that alone could keep their "bikinis" on! A few years ago, I went out dressed like those girls. Considering it was February, there was really nothing to see. But the old ladies from Dunkin Donuts chased me around the block a few times until I got home. Never again!
I'm looking forward to hearing what the ladies will say! (BTW Tony, is there a ... err-um ... way to extract images that are in a 'pps' format. Just, y'know, asking)
Luke,
Tony might of sent it to you, but I started it all.
Glad you liked it. I like your sense of humor on it. Tire pumps to inflate them. Ha! If only it could be that easy, I'd do it! LOL!!......But unfortunately, it ain't that way at all. Poor women who want them done. What they have to go through. Yeesh!!
Are you serious or pulling our legs?? Little old ladies from DD's running after you dressed like that?? Uhmmmmm......Ok! Ain't going in that direction. LOL!!
You're right. We have to thank Len for his TOTD's and Tony too. Way to go guys.
Wishing you all a gr8 day and enjoy the snowfall. It looks pretty. Be safe driving if it lasts.
Hugs.
xoxoxoxo
Len - That was truly excellent! Even I, Old Luke Scrooge, enjoyed that poem. Keep 'em coming, Dude.
Tinker - Nahh, I was fooling. I'd never run around like that! It would bring the local economy down. But, there is a group of old ladies at my local Dunkin'. They're really sweet. They always say stuff like, "Oh, le beau jeune homme", or, "Vien t'assoir avec nous". There's one little quiet one, 91 years old, who says funny things but doesn't speak loud enough. "C'est les plus comiques qui gardes leurs silences," I said to her once. I seems she appreciated it. She put her had on mine and smiled. Then she bought me a donut!
Luke,
That's sweet. :o)
What a nice guy you are to say that to her.
Good on ya, mate!!
Hi y'all!!
Happy Holidays and good wishes for the New Year.
Hugs,
xoxox
Awww ... thanks Tinker!
I tried to translate it but somehow it just didn't sound right.
I had a wonderful time last night ! Thanks ALL !!
Hey Peoples!
Len and Tony B.: My deepest thanks for leaving those wonderful and inspirarional TOTD. I'm sure everyone appreciates them as much as I do.
It's Boxing Day (where's Rocky?) and people are still rushing around for sales and what not. They seriously need some kinda pill or something.
New Year's Eve in 5 days. I've got 2 reasons to party; January 1st is my friend's birthday,too!
My mother was feeling ill Christmas day and today. That made me more than a little sad. Come what may I'm definitely going tomorrow.
Until the next time, be well ...
me too ! See ya there Luke !
Hi Anonymous: "See ya there". I be confused. See me where? This space/time stuff you humans use ... quite confusing.
Luke, you did say you were going...!!! I'm going too!!!
I sure hope we end up meeting at the same place !! hihihi
Anonymous: Other than going to see Mom today, I'm not going anywhere. Say ... are you a stalker? Ooh! I just love being stalked. Makes me feel special.
Seriously, Anonymous, me gots no ideer what you talking 'bout.
Please enlighten me.
Luke, I'll enlighten you. Actually, I'll call you and we can talk. I hope your mom is doing better.
Anonymous: Soooo ... you have my phone number, eh? G'head gimee a call.
Anonymous: Well, ya got me totally bamboozled! Ain't got a clue.
Good day, y'all.
It's been a rough and fun week. Being somewhat sick last Saturday, to Christmas and friend's houses for supper and visits.
Len and Tony,
As Lukey said, thanks for all the inspirational Christmas stories. Pleasure to read and glad to see all are fine.
Sorry I've been absent for a while, but it's a joy to come in here and read what's been going on. Keep going. Hopefully I will have time to come back in a little more often after the holidays.
I still have another supper 2night. It's been non stop.
To all,
If I don't have a chance to come back, may you all have a healthy Happy New Year.
Party hard, have fun but most of all, be safe. Especially to the ones who are going out 2night.
Oh! May 2007 bring lotsa joy, happiness, love, luck and laughter. Hope for some, it will be a better year.
See yous all next year.
Hugs to all.
xoxoxo
Since Jan 1st is also my friend's birthday (he's the guy in that wacky photo I modified). Well, he asked if, in the tradition of New Year's Eve, I would give him a kiss. I said, "Okay ... but no tongue!". (LOL)
Sadly, no gifts this year. However, I consider all youze guys the best gift ever!!!
Some have it way worse. Another friend of mine had just finished working a double shift. When he got to his car, he found it had broken into. The driver's window was broken, in the trunk almost $1000 dollars worth of gifts were stolen, the fabric on the car seats were slashed and the ashes from the ashtray was dumped all over. For some reason, the perp didn't take the lap top and tons of software in the back seat.
Now, dealing with his insurance company is giving him a hard time. Like he said, he feels more like the accused rather than the victim.
I hope y'all had a fantastic Christmas and wish you all the best in the coming year.
Kisses all around!
Happy Happy New Year.
Geez!! It's starting well.
We got 2 TOTD's for this day by 2 of our favorite TOTD specialists. What a treat.
Hope all had a good time??
Big hello to all.
Later guys
xoxo
I LOVE YOU!
There ya go, Len. I said it. LOL!!
A big hello to yous and have a stupendous day.
Ciao
xoxoxo
Hiya!
I would like to thank all who've sent me Birthday wishes (ya know who you all are)
It meant a great deal to me and made it even more special. Touched my heart.
Have a good evening and later guys.
Ciao
xoxoxoox
Thanks Len. It's cool!
Wishing you all a nice day.
Be well and be safe!
Later,
Ciao
xoxoxoxo
Hiya peoples.
Yup! It's been a while but I'm here.
Len, Tony, can't beat your TOTD's. Great reading them.
Len,
Cute story about the box of cereals.
Today, I buy a box of cereal to get a CD of Ab Toning, relaxing music or games. Boy! Has time changed or what. LOL!!
Nothing can beat our younger years.
Wishing you all a good afternoon and hope all are well.
Luke,
Where ya hidding?? E-mail me.
Ciao
xoxoxo
Hey y'all,
sorry about yesterday but I have been trying to post the totd all day but Google (who owns this blog) was having issues all day so that was why I was not able to post. Thanks for filling in Tony!
LS
Sorry, no Friday story here:
A Friend's Love says:
" If you ever need anything, I'll be there."
True Love says:
" You'll never need anything; I'll be there."
Jimi Hollemans
so, I lied a weee bit. Actually I am not. I could not find a Friday story that 'satisfied' my mood today (hey, gimme a break, I AM a Gemini after all)...
until now...
Read on...
Meet an ordinary hero
By Dennis Heaney
1/31/2007
The Christophers - (www.christophers.org)
I’ve lived in Manhattan long enough to know that it takes a lot to impress New Yorkers. But on Jan. 2, the day most workers were heading back to their jobs after the New Year’s holiday, one man made the city sit up and take notice.
Wesley Autry, a 50-year-old construction worker and navy veteran, was waiting for his subway train with his two daughters, 6 and 4, planning to drop them off on his way to work. Suddenly, Cameron Hollopeter, a 20-year-old film student standing near them appeared to have a seizure. Autry and two women tried to help him, but he stumbled off the platform and onto the tracks – and into the path of a rumbling train.
Pausing just long enough to see that the women had his daughters, Autry jumped down and wrestled the disoriented young man into the filthy, wet, barely two-foot high space between the tracks just before the second subway car screeched to a halt on top of them. It took 20 minutes before transit workers were able to get them out.
Meantime, Autry yelled the good news to the people on the platform, “Let my daughters know that I’m OK and that the man is OK!” Everyone burst into applause. Amazingly, neither man was hurt although Hollopeter was taken to a hospital where Autry visited him – before going on to his construction job at a Brooklyn school.
By the next day, the media was heralding Wesley Autry as a “subway savior,” a “superman” and an “angel.” If those headlines were a trifle exaggerated, the basic point was not: the city had discovered a genuine put-your-life-on-the-line hero. Of course, in true 21st century American style, Autry was interviewed on television news shows, received rewards including $5,000 from Hollopeter’s school and was honored at City Hall. Mayor Michael Bloomberg not only gave Autry a medal and a year’s worth of free subway travel, but the folks at Disneyworld offered him and his family a week’s vacation.
But the man who saved a life only two days earlier was able to keep things in perspective. He told those gathered to salute him that “I’m grateful for everything. I guess good things happen when you do good, and that’s what I’m saying. All New Yorkers, we need to do good.”
Those words impressed me almost as much as his life-saving actions. All of us “need to do good” whether good things happen to us in return, or not. Wesley Autry certainly wasn’t contemplating a trip to Disneyworld when in only seconds he decided to risk his own life to save someone else. These days we tend to use the word “hero” freely, too freely. Are you a hero because you’ve won the World Series or the Super Bowl? Are you a hero because you’re a superstar with your name in lights?
Of course not. And we know it. Heroism demands sacrifice and risk. And there are times when heroism means something more: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:12) – or even a stranger.
Wesley Autry, ordinary guy and extraordinary man, put it this way: “You’re supposed to come to people’s rescue.” Spoken like a true hero.
HA!!!!
I LOVE Phyllis Diller...
TOTD:
Love is...
What makes a weak man brave
And a king step off his throne
Good times, bad times
Easy times, tough times
It comes in an instant
And lasts three days after forever
That's what love is.
The difference between a successful person and others is not a
lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.
Vince Lombardi
LOVE: The irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.
Mark Twain
TOTD:
Love is not about finding the right person,
but creating a right relationship.
It's not about how much love you have in the beginning
but how much love you build till the end.
Author Unknown
Have a good weekend everyone...
TOTD:
The Magic Of Love
Love is like magic
And it always will be.
For love still remains
Life's sweet mystery!!
Love works in ways
That are wondrous and strange
And there's nothing in life
That love cannot change!!
Love can transform
The most commonplace
Into beauty and splendor
And sweetness and grace.
Love is unselfish,
Understanding and kind,
For it sees with its heart
And not with its mind!!
Love is the answer
That everyone seeks...
Love is the language,
That every heart speaks.
Love can't be bought,
It is priceless and free,
Love, like pure magic,
Is life's sweet mystery!!
ALAS!! I'm back for now.
See the same gang is in here. Sorry I haven't for a bit.
To be honest, I've been busy and lazy. Does that make sense?? Oh well.
Ya guys really put out some good ones. Was great to read.
I've notitced you kept a theme going. Life, love etc...Hmmmm.....It's cool!
I'm fine as you can see and with my e-mails as well.
Luke, where are you?? Haven't heard from you in a while. Me getting worried. I hope you're fine, my friend.
Just send us a word or somethin'. Please???
Have a good weekend y'all and be well.
Ciao for now!
Love is like playing the piano.
First you must learn to play by the rules,
then you must forget the rules
and play from your heart.
Unknown
Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get . . .
Only with what you are expected to give. . . .
Which is everything.
Katharine Hepburn
Happy Valentines Day from My Daily Insights
One look
One smile
One touch
One embrace
One kiss
One love
Two people
Two minds
Two souls
Two destinies
One road
One journey
One ending
Together.
- Melissa Higgins –
This was emailed to me by our friend Marie-Anne. Thnaks, I need to read it this week (don't ask...)
TOTD:
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God
Painful moments, trust God
Every moment, thank God.
Thanks Marie-Anne, thanks
YOU DA BEST, GIRL!!
Have a great weekend y'all!!
TOTD:
As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.
Never giving up and pushing forward will unlock all the potential we are capable of.
Christy Borgeld
comfortable silence between friends; even silent companionship is better than being alone.
TOTD:
"Miracle on 34th Street,": Fred Gailey – “Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to.”
TOTD:
There is no need to run outside for better seeing, nor to peer from a window. Rather abide at the center of your being; for the more you leave it, the less you learn. Search your heart and see if he is wise who takes each turn: The way to do is to be.
Lao-Tsu
Have a good weekend y'all!
FRIDAY STORY
The Happiest Day Of My Life
Written by Michael T. Smith
It started innocently. Many years ago I worked in an office with large windows facing a busy overpass. I was standing by one of those windows one day when a woman in a passing car looked up and made eye contact. Naturally, I waved.
A chuckle escaped my lips as she turned and tried to identify me. It was the beginning of a year of window antics. When things were slow, I would stand in the window and wave at the passengers who looked up. The strange looks made me laugh and stress was washed away.
Co-workers began to take an interest. They would stand from view, watch the reactions I received, and laugh along. Late afternoon was the best time - rush hour traffic filled the overpass with cars and transit buses, and providing lots of waving material for the end-of-day routine. It didn't take long to attract a following - a group of commuters who passed the window every day and looked up at the strange waving man.
There was a man with a construction truck who would turn on his flashing-yellow light and return my wave, the carpool crowd, and the business lady with her children fresh from day care. But my favourite was the transit bus from the docks that passed my window at 4:40pm. It carried the same group every day, and they became by biggest fans.
After a while, waving became boring, so I devised ways to enhance my act. I made signs: "Hi," "Hello," "Be Happy!" and posted them in the window and waved. I stood on the window ledge in various poses, created hats from paper and file-folders, made faces, played peek-a-boo by bouncing up from below the window ledge, stuck out my tongue, tossed paper planes in the air, and once went into the walkway over the street and danced while co-workers pointed to let my fans know I was there.
Christmas approached, and job cuts were announced. Several co-workers would lose their jobs, and everyone was feeling low. Stress in the office reached a high. A miracle was needed to repair the damage caused by the announcements.
While working a night shift, a red lab jacket attracted my attention. I picked it up and turned it in my hands. In a back corner where packing material was kept, I used my imagination and cut thin, white sheets of cloth-like foam into strips and taped them around the cuffs and collar, down the front, and around the hem. A box of foam packing and strips of tape became Santa's beard and when taped to the hat, slipped over my head in one piece.
The next working day I hid from my co-workers, slipped into the costume, walked bravely to my desk, sat down, held my belly, and mocked Santa's chuckle, as they gathered around me laughing. It was the first time I had seen them smile in weeks. Later my supervisor walked through the door. He took three steps, looked up, saw me, paused, shook his head, turned and left.
I feared trouble. The phone on the desk rung a few moments later, "Mike, can you come to my office please?" I shuffled down the hall, the foam beard swishing across my chest with each step.
"Come in!" the muffled voice replied to my knock. I entered, and sat down. The foam on the beard creaked, and he looked away from me. A bead of sweat rolled down my forehead, the only sound was the hammering of my heart. "Mike..." This was all he managed before he lost his composure, leaned back in his chair, and bellowed with laughter. He held his stomach, and tears formed in his eyes, as I sat silent and confused. When he regained control he said, "Mike, thanks! With the job cuts it has been hard to enjoy the Christmas season. Thanks for the laugh, I needed it."
That evening, and every evening of the Christmas season, I stood proudly in the window and waved to my fans. The bus crowd waved wildly, and the little children smiled at the strange Santa. My heart was full of the season, and for a few minutes each day we could forget the loss of jobs.
I didn't know it then, but a bond was forming between my fans and me. It wasn't until the spring following the Santa act that I discovered how close we had become.
My wife and I were expecting our first child that spring, and I wanted the world to know. Less than a month before the birth I posted a sign in the window, "25 DAYS UNTIL B DAY." My fans passed and shrugged their shoulders. The next day the sign read, "24 DAYS UNTIL B DAY." Each day the number dropped, and the passing people grew more confused.
One day a sign appeared in the bus, "What is B DAY?" I just waved and smiled.
Ten days before the expected date the sign in the window read, "10 DAYS UNTIL BA-- DAY." Still the people wondered. The next day it read, "9 DAYS UNTIL BAB- DAY," then "8 DAYS UNTIL BABY DAY," and my fans finally knew what was happening.
By then, my following had grown to include twenty or thirty different busses and cars. Every night they watched to see if my wife had given birth. Excitement grew as the number decreased. My fans were disappointed when the count reached "zero" without an announcement. The next day the sign read, "BABY DAY 1 DAY LATE," and I pretended to pull out my hair.
Each day the number changed and the interest from passing cars grew. When my wife was fourteen days overdue she went into labour, and the next morning our daughter was born. I left the hospital at 5:30am, screamed my joy into the still morning air and drove home to sleep. I got up at noon, showered, bought cigars, and appeared at my window in time for my fans. My co-workers were ready with a banner posted in the window:
"IT'S A GIRL!"
I wasn't alone that night. My co-workers joined me in celebration. We stood and waved our cigars in the air as every vehicle which passed acknowledged the birth of my daughter. Finally, the bus from the docks made its turn onto the overpass and began to climb the hill. When it drew close, I climbed onto the window ledge and clasped my hands over my head in a victory pose. The bus was directly in front of me when it stopped dead in heavy traffic, and every person on board stood with their hands in the air.
Emotion choked my breathing as I watched the display of celebration for my new daughter. Then it happened: a sign popped up. It filled the windows and stretched half the length of the bus, "CONGRATulATIONS!"
Tears formed in the corners of my eyes as the bus slowly resumed its journey. I stood in silence, as it pulled from view. More fans passed and tooted their horns or flashed their lights to display their happiness, but I hardly noticed them, as I pondered what had just happened.
My daughter had been born fourteen days late. Those people must have carried the sign, unrolled, on the bus for at least two weeks. Everyday they had unrolled it and then rolled it back up.
We all have a clown inside of us. We need to let it free and not be surprised at the magic it can create. For eight months I had made a fool of myself, and those people must have enjoyed the smiles I gave them, because on the happiest day of my life they had shown their appreciation.
It has been more than 18 years since that special time, but on my daughter's birthday I always remember the special gift they gave me.
About the Author:
Michael lives in Fort Lee, New Jersey, with his lovely wife Ginny and his son. Ginny is the light of his life and the inspiration for many of his stories. Michael works in telecommunications and writes for a hobby. He is currently working on a collection of his stories to be called, "From My Heart to Yours
Good Day y'all.
I see the love themes came in around Valentine's postings, you two.
Do you gyus call eachother to follow, or what?? LOL!!
I'm alive and well. Some must of seen thru e-mails.
Len, it's true. Sometimes I do have a hard time getting in so I wait till later. Then I start something else and oops!
So here I am to say hi and again, to both, your TOTD's are getting better and better everytime I read them.
1 question, tho!
What will happen if one day, you guys posted all the TOTD's you've found?? Will there be any left to post in the future?? HA!
I guess with the internet and all the philosophers, writers, song writers and poets over the years, decades and eras, there will be enough to go on for an eternity. Maybe??
Anyhoot, gotta go do hair this morn.
Have a good day and weekend.
See ya soon, I hope. I'm in a little renovation right now and more to go later.
Ciao
XOXOXOXO
PS. Luke. I'm getting worried........Hope you're well, buddy. Ya know where I am.
Tragic news to all St.Pius X alumni:
Just found out that Sr. Michelina Bertone passed away last night. I do not know the details. I will pass along as soon as I know.
I just saw her last week and her brother and nephews today...
Len,
I never had her as a teacher but my heartfelt sympathies got to her family. May she rest in peace.
Tony,
I like the family TOTD. I'm one of those nuts you mention! LOL!!
Ciao y'all.
THE END OF THE ROAD
When we feel we have nothing to give
and we are sure that the "song" has ended;
.
When our day seems over and the shadows fall
and the darkness of the night has descended;
.
Where can we go to find the strength
to valiantly keep on trying?
.
There's but one place to go, and that is to God;
and dropping all pretense and pride,
.
We can pour out our problems without restraint
and gain strength with Him at our side.
.
And together we stand at life's crossroads
and view what we think is the end,
.
But God has a much bigger vision
and He tells us it's ONLY A BEND.
.
For the road goes on and is smoother,
and the "pause" in the song is a "rest",
.
And the part that's unsung and unfinished
is the sweetest and richest and best.
.
So rest and relax and grow stronger.
LET GO AND LET GOD share your load,
.
Your work is not finished or ended,
.
you've just come to a "BEND OF THE ROAD".
TOTD:
I'm down...
Don't be afraid that your life will end,
be afraid that it will never begin.
~anonymous~
TOTD:
From the TV show Joan of Arcadia:
Joan: Pride? What happened to humility?
God: Humility isn't actually humility, unless you're good enough at something to be humble.
This Thursday will be the viewing for Sr. Mickey, Friday will be the funeral. If you need directions or more info, please email me or Fil.
Thanks
LS
"Do Not Weep"
by Mary E. Frye (1932)
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there,
I did not die...
Went to Sr.Mickie(Bertone)'s wake. there must've been 4-500 people there. Many from Pius including Mr.Daigle and fellow students. She was so beautiful. Want all of you to know that she died peacefully in her sleep.
Rest in Peace Mickie, we'll meet again
LS
My friends,
I attended Sr Michelina Bertone's wake this evening and I cannot tell you what I saw. There must've been 400-500 people there, it was packed. Old students, new students, friends, we were all part of her family tonight. The sisters of St. Anne were helping everyone. I think even they were shocked by the turnout. Everyone remember Fr.Gerry Westphal? He brought all the Pius memories back tonight giving his rendition of Sr. Bertone's antics when he went to school with her and when they were at Pius. He made everyone laugh. Other stories came from fellow co-workers at Concordia. Others still came from,well, just friends. She has touched the hearts of not the hundreds that were there tonight, but THOUSANDS of young people. I had a nice talk with Phil (her brother) and she died peacefully (c.o.d was a ruptured spleen) in her sleep. He said that the way she was laid to rest as we saw her tonight was the way he saw her when the Lord called her home from the hospital, with her arms folded and at peace.
I had Sr. Mickie for 2 years, SEC. II and III. She would (and anyone who had her could attest to this) somehow convince you to do anything she asked. I was just one of them. I graduated and still kept in touch with her. Tueday night youth groups, weekend retreats (those were fun and we drove her nuts as I remember...) and eventually I met Mary because of her. Mickie (I dropped the 'sister' thing a long time ago as I considered her as family) helped form my life. Now she is gone - she is with our Father and my family and I will miss her terribly. Maybe, if I am good enough, I will meet her again someday.
Tomorrow is her funeral at the Sisters of St. Anne Mother House, 1950 Provost, Lachine @ 1:30 PM.
I sincerely hope I will see some of you tomorrow. You won't miss me, I'll be the big buffoon balling his eyes out...
Peace
LS
As you might have guessed, no 'TOTD' per se but a thought:
Sr. Mickie,
Getting to know you was one of the best things that the Lord ever did for me.
I cannot express my sorrow when I saw you at peace last night.
Yet I cannot express my happiness that you are with Our Father.
Words simply do not do justice enough.
Our lives will be emptier without you.
It is up to us to continue to do your work with the youth.
Fervent you were, determined and energetic,
Understanding and compassionate.
We'll miss you Mickie, and we will meet again someday.
I say this from the heart which is in pain, but I speak as a former student of St. Pius X Comprehensive High School, a former youth group member. a fellow 'retreater', a catechist, but most of all as your friend.
Love
Leo
PS: she is the only one I allowed to call me Leo and now no one else will.
To post a thought, sympathy note, please log on to the gazette:
http://www.legacy.com/can-montreal/GB/GuestBookEntry.aspx?PersonId=86656898
TOTD:
The truth of God's love is not that he allows bad things to happen. It’s his promise that he’ll be here with us when they do
TOTD:
Circumstances do not make the man, they reveal him.
James Allen
TOTD:
It is because of our attachment to things that we suffer. By letting go we find that we have not lost anything except our attachment.
Sogyal Rinpoche
TOTD:
Within you right now is the power to do things you never dreamed possible. This power becomes available to you just as soon as you can change your beliefs.
Dr. Maxwell Maltz
"I praise loudly. I blame softly." - Catherine the Great
TOTD:
From Joan of Arcadia:
Goth Kid God:
Almost everybody has some light, somewhere. And light is always worth fighting for.'Evil' is not a word to use lightly. It's only the darkest end of a broad spectrum.
Joan:
You mean like...light?
Goth Kid God:
Exactly like light. Nobody's born in total darkness. Most of you live on the gray end of the spectrum...a lie here, and there. Jealousy. Wrath. But you only get to absolute evil by doing one thing after another until eventually you're transformed.
LEN:
So there IS hope for some of us yet(hehehe)
totd:
That's just it--
you can't drive it, you can't wear it, you can't live in it,
you can't drink it, smoke it, snort it, you can't travel to it.
Happiness is the experience of the journey.
The experience of happiness is the result of how you look
at things. When I look at something I say, can do,
no problem; that's not going to make me unhappy.
Happiness is a choice!
Denis Waitley
totd:
Our greatest battles are with our own minds.
Jameson Frank
TOTD:
FRIDAY STORY
BEING RICH
© Jaye Lewis, 2001
We prowled through the second hand bookstore the day after Christmas, just my husband Louie, our daughters, Jenny and Helen, and me. This was a precious time for us. We would be splitting up as a family in just a couple of days. It had been a tough eight months since my husband had retired from the Navy. We hated every good-bye, so we had manipulated the military system while on active duty, preventing some. Now, we were retired, and we were eight months into our longest separation. We assured one another of our love, and we clung to our faith that this separation would soon come to an end.
Military families seem to fall into two categories: those who look for affectionate opportunities, and those who avoid close contact, because “good-byes” are painful. In our military career, we had become painfully aware that anything can happen during the briefest separation. We were shocked to discover that the only job available for Louie, after retirement was in the city of Norfolk, Virginia. Our dream was to live out the rest of our lives in the mountains of southwestern Virginia, six-and-a-half hours away. My asthma had gotten so bad, that it was impossible for me to stay with Louie in the city. We had finally settled for a separation, praying that a job would become available in the beautiful region that we love.
There we were, the day after Christmas, delaying another departure by passing time in a second hand bookstore, before the girls and I headed back to southwest Virginia. We were as broke as we’d ever been, with Louie supporting two households. Even so, we were thankful for every moment together, and we seized upon every opportunity for extra hugs, shared daydreams and laughter.
Besides the proprietor, there was only one other person in the bookstore, a lovely, well-dressed woman, about my age. I noticed her costly clothes, her shoes, and her expensive handbag. I wondered what it would be like, to be rich enough to walk into a bookstore and have the money to buy any book my heart desired. We were having so much fun, however, that I quickly forgot the woman.
We joked as we continued our treasure hunt, clutching our spending money of five dollars apiece, all hoping to be the first to find the oldest, least expensive book. It was a bitter-sweet excursion. Frequently Louie and I would brush past one another, finding excuses to touch or to give one another’s hand an extra squeeze. Jenny remembered that there was an ATM machine not far from the bookstore, and she decided that she needed another twenty dollars that she had squirreled away.
“No fair!” I cried, laughing. “The rest of us can only spend five dollars, and here you’re going to have twenty-five dollars?!” We all laughed, and we began to tease Jenny mercilessly, but she was able to convince her Dad that she must have that twenty dollars, in order to get that irresistible book.
“Come on, Jenny,” Louie laughed. “I’ll drive you to the ATM.” Then we did another round of hugging and kissing, not wanting to be apart for even a few minutes. It must have been a curious ballet, this emotional family scene, but we were oblivious to what others might think. Unmindful of the impression we made, we continued to give kisses and hugs all around. I have to admit that we are a “huggy-kissy” family, so looking back, I realize how odd we must have appeared.
Finally, in between another hug and kiss, I spied my perfect book! It was a hundred years old, and it was on my favorite time period, the Middle Ages. Oh, how I wanted that book!I quickly checked the inside cover for the price, and my heart fell.
It was twenty-five dollars! We just didn’t have it. I looked up at Louie, already knowing the answer. He must have wanted me to have that book, because I could see the pain in his eyes. Louie reached out and gave me an extra hug. I understood his “honey, we just can’t afford it” message, so I leaned into his sheltering arms. I couldn’t help but notice that the well dressed lady was touching the book that I wanted. Ah well, let her have it. I gave Louie an extra hug.
“Oooohh, I wish I were rich,” I murmured, as my eyes locked with the woman’s.
“It looks to me, as though you already are.” She said, with a smile.
There was a pause that stretched through eternity, and my heart filled with comprehension. I looked up at my husband, and I gazed at my daughters, wrapped as we were in the arms of love, and I knew it. I was rich. Very rich. I quickly turned to thank the woman for her gentle reminder, but she was gone!
Who was she? I don’t know, but what she did for my outlook was nothing short of miraculous. I will never forget her. Where did she disappear to? I can’t say. Strangely enough, within days my husband received a job offer in southwestern Virginia. In less than two weeks, he was hired and we moved to the place that is now our home. The job notice had been sent out two days before Christmas.
So, even as we hugged and kissed; even as I wished; even as I heard the words, “It looks to me, as though you already are,” events were already in motion to reunite our family.
I am quite certain that it was all part of God’s plan to remind me of what being “rich” is all about …faith, love, family, and friends. When I get to heaven, I will not be at all surprised to discover that God sent an angel to a second hand bookstore, to give me this rich message, the day after Christmas, not so long ago.
TOTD:
Don't spend your precious time asking
'Why isn't the world a better place?'
It will only be time wasted.
The question to ask is 'How can I make it better?'
To that there is an answer.
Leo F. Buscaglia
TOTD:
I want, by understanding myself, to understand others.
--Katherine Mansfield
TOTD:
I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.
-- Oscar Wilde
TOTD:
Our life always expresses the result of our dominant thoughts.
Sren Kierkegaard
MY FRIDAY STORY
The Tattered Bookmark
By Michael T. Smith
My newborn daughter, Vanessa, kicked her tiny foot against my stomach and gave a weak cry. I adjusted her bottle. “There you are, sweetie.” She latched onto the nipple and stared at me. I was in love with my three-week-old, little girl.
Georgia, still recovering from giving me my first child, walked up to me. “Happy, Father’s Day!” She smiled and handed me an envelope. “Michael,” she apologized. “I didn’t have time to shop. This is all I have for your first Father’s Day. I wish I could give you more.”
I looked at her. “Georgia, it’s OK. You’re still not well. It’s only been a couple of weeks.” I looked at the gift in my arms. “You gave me Vanessa. Could I ask for more?”
She stared at me. A tear formed in the corner of her right eye and began to trickle down her cheek. “I know, but this is your first Father’s Day. I wanted it to be special.”
“It is special.” I replied and reached for her hand. “Look at her!” I glanced at Vanessa. “This is the best Father’s Day gift.” I turned back to Georgia, “Hun, this is the gift.”
I opened the envelope and pulled out a note. “Dear, Michael.” it began. I looked at Georgia. The tear on her cheek reflected the morning sun coming through the window across the room. I turned and read the rest. “Happy Father’s Day! This is the moment we dreamed about before we married. We have our Vanessa. Now we have to plan for a Justin.” She signed it, “I Love You, Michael! You’re going to be a great daddy.”
I looked at her again, “Thank you, Georgia. I’ll do my best.”
“There’s more.” she smiled.
“What do you mean?”
“In the envelope.”
I picked it up and opened it again. In the bottom was a colorful piece of cloth. I pulled it out. It was a cloth bookmark with vibrant bands of color. White fringes dangled from each end. It reminded me of a Mexican serape. I draped it over my hand and looked at Georgia. “I love it.”
“Michael.” she said. “It’s just a bookmark. I wanted to get you more.”
“Georgia, I love it. It will always be special – my first Father’s Day gift.”
“I love you.” she said.
I sniffed the air. “Do you smell something?” I asked.
“What?”
I set the bookmark aside and changed my first diaper.
***************
On weekends, I did the midnight feedings. I sat and read. The house was quiet. Through the baby monitor, I heard Vanessa stirring. Her small cry crackled through the speaker. I placed my Father’s Day gift between the pages of my book.
***************
I cradled Vanessa in my arm. I held her bottle with one hand and my book with the other. Her tiny chin quivered as she suckled. My gaze bounced from my book to her. The bookmark was draped over my thigh.
***************
Justin was born. Vanessa, now three, slept in her very first bed. I held my newborn son in my arms. The house cracked as it contracted in the sub-zero temperatures outside. The bookmark rested on the back of the sofa. Justin snuggled against my chest.
***************
The job I held for fifteen years disappeared. Everyone slept. I sat studying. I was back in school and stressed. When I finished my studies, I picked up my book, opened it, and slipped the bookmark into the pages ahead, marking things to come.
***************
I finally found a new job, but it was in a different city and province. I sat on my bed in a lonely room. Georgia, Vanessa, and Justin were in Nova Scotia. I rented a room in a home in Saint John, New Brunswick. I tried to read, but tears made the words blurry. I missed my wife and children. I placed the bookmark between the pages, turned off the light, and cried into my pillow. It would be a year before they would be able to join me. The bookmark, its fringes frayed, dangled from both ends of my book.
***************
Three years later, after another move, I sat on my deck in Ohio. Justin stepped out. “Dad, wrestling is cool. I love it.”
Vanessa, now sixteen, joined him, “Dad, they made me second in clarinet!”
I hugged them both. “Way to go, guys!”
The kids went to their rooms. Steaks sizzled on the grill. I pulled the bookmark from my book, placed it on the patio table, and read. Life was good.
***************
“Hun, I’ll get home when I can.” I said to Georgia. My job in Ohio was gone. I took an offer in New Jersey. We decided she would stay in Ohio, so Vanessa could finish her senior year of high school. Georgia and Justin would join me in Jersey in ten months.
I stood on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River. Manhattan sparkled in front of me. Miles of buildings, windows full of light, stretched out in both directions – a dazzling display.
Back in my apartment, I settled into bed, picked up my book, and thought about the day my family could join me and see the view. I pulled my bookmark from my book and placed it on the covers beside me. It was worn after years of use. I spoke to it. “We’ve been through a lot. We can get through more.”
I dozed off in my new surroundings. The book rested on my chest, rising and falling with each breath I took. My bookmark lay beside me. I turned in my sleep. The bookmark slid to the floor.
****************
Eleven months later, I sat in a chair reading. Georgia lay on the sofa. She’d been in New Jersey for three weeks. My son slept upstairs in his new bedroom. My daughter stayed in Ohio to attend college. Georgia stirred and moaned – her organs failing. While I was away, her liver failed and then her kidneys. I feared her end was near.
Her eyes opened. “Michael?”
“I’m here, Hun.”
“I’m thirsty. Can you get me a drink?”
I placed the worn bookmark between the pages. “What would you like, Hun? Do you want juice?”
She shook her head. “Is Vanessa home yet?”
“Georgia, Vanessa is in Ohio. She’s not here.” I replied.
“Oh! I forgot.” she smiled weakly.
I made her a cup of tea. She sipped it carefully as she stared blankly at the television. The bookmark rested on my thigh again. “Michael?”
I looked up. “Yes?”
“Is Vanessa home yet?” Georgia asked again.
“She’s still in Ohio, Hun.”
“Oh, right. I forgot.” Her eyes closed. She drifted off to sleep.
I placed my bookmark between the pages, put my book down and went to bed. Tears filled my eyes. I wished my wife could climb the stairs to join me.
****************
The bookmark stretched across my stomach, I held my book in front of me, not reading. On the television, a sitcom blared unwatched. My friends had left. Justin slept in his room. Vanessa, who came from Ohio, slept in the spare room. Georgia’s ashes rested in her urn on the credenza. My children were with me again, but I was alone.
I grabbed the bookmark, marked my spot, and carried my book to my empty bed. “Lord, I don’t want to be alone.” I prayed. “I want love in my life.”
*****************
The sun warmed my back. Ginny sat in the chair across the patio table from me. Love was in my life again. I lifted the bookmark from my lap, marked my page, stared at her, and said, “Ginny, I love you.”
She looked up, put her book down, and smiled at me. “I love you too.”
“I love you more.” I smiled back. “Now back to our reading.”
We picked up our books and read. The bookmark rested on my lap.
******************
Ginny slept beside me on the sofa. I spread my bookmark across her thigh and stared at it. The white fringes were long gone. There’s a spot where it must have torn. I don’t remember when, but I can see the loving stitches that hold it together. The whites are grey. The bright bands of color are faded. It can’t be washed. I fear it will fall apart.
I lifted it from Ginny’s thigh and placed it between the pages of my book.
“Ginny?” I shook her shoulder.
“Hmm? she moaned.
I shook her again, “Ginny, time for bed, Hun.”
“Yes?”
“Come on, Hun. Let’s go to bed.” I took her hand in mine. “Come on, Hun.”
We climbed the stairs. I held her hand with one of mine. In my other, I carried my book. The tattered bookmark dangled from each end.
I sat up in bed. Ginny slept beside me. I pulled the bookmark from my book and looked at it again. We’d been through a lot and both showed our age. Like its tassels, my hair is mostly gone. Its middle is folded in from years of being pressed together between the pages of countless books. My middle is folding out from years of good food and not enough exercise.
My bookmark started out marking spots in my books. I’ve come to realize, it didn’t just mark the pages of my books, it marked the pages of my life.
Rumours of my early demise have been greatly exagerated! (Dominic!)
Aarrr ... ye landlubbers can't tell a capstan from a hole in da head! I went ... ummm ... on vacation! Aarrr! Went sailing on the high seas in me muther's tub and nuthin' but a bottle of rotgut!
And I seen those folk from "Survivor" and the rumours are true!!! On da udder side of the island is a Club Med! Aaarrrr! Truth hurts, eh?
And a four and a three don't an old man make ...
Aaaarrrrrrrr ...
I'm here ta stay so swab da deck and all that crap!
Yup. It's true.
It ain't over 'til the fat guy sings! Oh ... Wait, that may no longer apply. During my abscence I lost another 28 pounds. The grand total now stands at fifty-something. Then again, my doctor has been trying to contact me. First his nurse and now he personally has call me. Seems he got the results of the blood work and he says it's very urgent that I contact him.
Uh-oh ...
Maybe a diet of Melba toast and diet Sprite may not be good after all.
Also, in a moment of true irony, while I was downloading an antivirus, my computer was attacked. Then, it died with an awful sound. In the end, the techie found 46 viruses and a bunch of spy-ware.The only thing he could do was (gasp!) format my hard drive. This one burned a big hole in my pocket.
And I'll have to spend the next couple of days re-installing software and getting things up to speed. Needless to say, I've lost nearly all of my clients - sorta like that guy up North and his sugar shack.
Be patient my fellow peoples. All will be well soon. Your support has been a great help.
All of you raise a glass to all those who had birthdays because those will be coming at us every year.
Ching!
TOTD:
Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be.
Grandma Moses
Woo hoo!
I just spoke to my doc. In his last phone message he said it was "urgent". That was enough to move me to action.
Seems my blood work indicates that my kidneys are not working properly.(Whoa! Didn't see that one coming!). I'm seeing him in a week so he can get me appointments for the needed tests. As long as no one sticks anything where the sun don't shine!
Anxiety. Worry. Yup. They're all there. Knowing the present state of hospitals, I probably won't be able to schedule a rendez-vous until Doomsday.
Meanwhile, I wait and worry.
Gee. I feel like a sheppard who lost his flock.
If I type loud enough I can hear the echo in here ...
TOTD:
When I've heard all I need to make a decision, I don't take a vote.
I make a decision.
Ronald Reagan
Welcome back Luke, been awhile. Yeah, it's been quiet lately but rhumours abound that there are 'lurkers' out there..., so watch out!
Heya Len!!!
"Lurkers", eh?
Damn! I can't find an "Anti-Lurk" program.
What shall I do?!
TOTD:
The reason so few people are successful is no one has yet found a way for someone to sit down and slide uphill.
W. Clement Stone
TOTD:
Did universal charity prevail , earth would be a heaven and hell a fable.
Charles Caleb Colton
LUKEY,
Welcome back! Was soooo worried about you.
Ya gotta take better care of yourself, buddy.
Hope all will be well soon. Glad to see you back in here. E-mail me when ya can!
Sorry I haven't been in here for a while but lots was happening.
I also was on vacation for a week in the sun. Came back Monday. Went to Punta Cana.
All was great. Ate, drank, relaxed by the pool and beach. Darn to say I did gain 4 pounds. YIKES!!
Len and Tony. Hi to both. I see you guys are fine and dandy.
Gotta go do more laundry and stuff.
See youze later.
Ciao,
xoxoxo
TOTD:
Friday Story
Before You
By William Arthur Ward
Before you speak, listen.
Before you write, think.
Before you spend, earn.
Before you invest, investigate.
Before you criticize, wait.
Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try.
Before you retire, save.
Before you die, give.
TOTD:
I believe that anyone can conquer fear by doing the things he fears to do, provided he keeps doing them until he gets a record of successful experiences behind him.
Eleanor Roosevelt
TOTD:
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
Edith Wharton
Hey Y'all!
I'm am not home. I am in this alien place called "Laval". It is a strange place and is nothing like my home. i miss all of my dust bunnies!
Len: I looked in the mirror. Aaaaaaaaaah! I will never look again!!!
And where IS Darleen, anyway? Hellooo. Sweet Darleen? Come out to play. I will activate my virtual Private Eye ... or somethin'.
Ciao, y'all.
TOTD:
Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. Climb slowly, steadily, enjoying each passing moment; and the view from the summit will serve as a fitting climax for the journey.
Harold B. Melchart
Um, I live in Laval, alien huh?
You wanna SWIM home bubba?
Me and my 'homies' can arrange sumtin'
Oh well, I tried to threaten, doesn't seem to work, does it?
TOTD:
IT only gets better when YOU get better.
Anonymous
There are many processions in and around the city. For Our Lady of Pompei (corner Sauve/St.Michel), the English version of The Passion of the Lord will be @ 4:30 PM. At 7:00 PM there will be the porcession and the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross).
Don't forget what He did for us. Make the effort...
Have a Blessed Good Friday,
Peace,
Len
The Passion (Good Friday) Story
NARRATOR:
The Roman soldiers with their commanding officer and the Jewish guards arrested Jesus, tied him up, and took him first to Annas. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was High Priest that year. Annas questioned Jesus and Jesus answered,
JESUS:
"I have always spoken publicly to everyone; all my teaching was done in the synagogues and in the Temple, where all the people come together. I have never said anything in secret. Why, then, do you question me? Question the people who heard me. Ask them what I told them -- they know what I said."
NARRATOR:
When Jesus said this, one of the guards slapped him and said, "How dare you talk like that to the High Priest?"
JESUS:
"If I have said anything wrong, tell everyone here what it was. But if I am right in what I have said, why do you hit me?"
NARRATOR:
Then Annas sent him, still tied up, to Caiaphas the High Priest where all the chief priests, the elders, and the teachers of the Law were gathering. Peter followed from a distance and went into the courtyard of the High Priest's house. There he sat down with the guards, keeping himself warm by the fire. The chief priests and the whole Council tried to find some evidence against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they could not find any. Many witnesses told lies against Jesus, but their stories did not agree. Then some men stood up and told this lie against Jesus,
SOME MEN :
"We heard him say, `I will tear down this Temple which men have made, and after three days, I will build one that is not made by men.'"
NARRATOR:
Not even they, however, could make their stories agree. Caiaphas the High Priest stood up in front of them all and questioned Jesus.
HIGH PRIEST:
"Have you no answer to the accusation they bring against you?"
NARRATOR:
But Jesus kept quiet and would not say a word. Again, the High Priest questioned him,
HIGH PRIEST:
"Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed God?"
JESUS:
"I am, and you will all see the Son of Man seated at the right side of the Almighty and coming with the clouds of heaven!"
NARRATOR:
The High Priest tore his robes and said,
HIGH PRIEST:
"We don't need any more witnesses! You heard his blasphemy. People, what is your decision?"
CROWD LEADER:
Guilty! (shouting at the top of his lungs)
CROWD:
Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. (shouting their responses, and imitating the crowd leader)
NARRATOR:
Some of them began to spit on Jesus, and they blindfolded him, hit him, and taunted him, saying
CROWD LEADER:
"Guess who hit you?” (in a cadence)
CROWD:
"Guess who hit you?” "Guess who hit you?” "Guess who hit you?”
NARRATOR:
And the guards took him and slapped him. Early in the morning the chief priests met hurriedly with the elders, the teachers of the Law, and the whole Council, and made their plans. They put Jesus in chains, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. And the crowd began,
CROWD LEADER:
He's no king!
CROWD:
He's no king! He's no king! He's no king!
PILATE:
"Are you King of the Jews?"
JESUS:
"You have said so"
NARRATOR:
And Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds,
PILATE:
"I find no crime in this man."
NARRATOR:
But the crowds were urgent saying,
CROWD LEADER:
Agitator!
CROWD:
Agitator! Agitator! Agitator!
NARRATOR:
When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length; but he made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then, arraying him in gorgeous clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been arguing with each other. Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them,
PILATE:
"You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him; neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Nothing deserving death has been done by him; I will therefore whip him and release him."
NARRATOR:
But the crowd all cried out together:
CROWD LEADER:
Give us Barabbas! (chants)
CROWD:
"Give us Barabbas! Give us Barabbas! Give us Barabbas!"
NARRATOR:
Barabbas, a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city, and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus; but the crowd shouted out:
CROWD LEADER:
Crucify him!
CROWD:
"Crucify him! Crucify him! Crucify him!"
NARRATOR:
A third time he said to them,
PILATE:
"Why.... why ....what evil has he done? I have found in him no crime deserving death; I will have him whipped and release him."
NARRATOR:
But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries:
CROWD LEADER:
Crucify!
CROWD:
"Crucify! Crucify! Crucify!"
NARRATOR:
And their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave sentence that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, whom they asked for; but Jesus he delivered up to their will. And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrnene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great throng of people, and of women who wailed in grief. But Jesus, turning to them, said,
JESUS:
"Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. The awful days are coming when they will say, `Blessed are the women who never gave birth and nourished an infant.' You will say to the mountains, `Fall on us'; and to the hills, `Cover us.' If you think the pain is awful now, it will be worse in the future."
NARRATOR:
Two others, also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said,
JESUS:
"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."
NARRATOR:
And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed saying,
CROWD LEADER:
Save yourself!
CROWD:
Save yourself! Save yourself! Save yourself!
NARRATOR:
The soldiers also mocked him coming up and offering him vinegar, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals who was hanged railed at him, saying,
CRIMINAL:
"Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
NARRATOR:
But the other shouted back, saying,
OTHER CRIMINAL:
"Do you not fear God? You and I are under the same condemnation! And rightly so; we are receiving what we deserve; but this man has done nothing wrong."
NARRATOR:
And that criminal said,
OTHER CRIMINAL:
"Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingly power."
JESUS:
"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
NARRATOR:
It was now about 12 o'clock noon, and there was darkness over the whole land until 3 o'clock, while the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said,
JESUS:
"Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!"
NARRATOR:
And having said this, he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, and said,
CENTURION:
"Certainly, this man was innocent!"
NARRATOR:
And the crowd which had gathered to see the sight of Jesus' execution, when they saw what had taken place, returned home quietly and sadly. And all his friends and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance and saw these things.
Silence
Good Afternoon.
Wanted to wish all a wonderful and Happy Easter.
May you be blessed with love, laughter, happiness and lotsa chocolate bunnies!
Be well and later, y'all!!
Ciao
Hi-ho!
I'm still here! But I'm having some trouble finding some files that had to be moved during the repair.Not to mention a couple of art programs that won't *@%#^& work properly.
Other than that everything's shiny.
Lots of new stuff coming.Oooh! It boggles da mind!
Cheers!
TOTD:
The key that unlocks energy is desire. It's also the key to a long and interesting life. If we expect to create any drive, any real force within ourselves, we have to get excited.
Earl Nightingale
er,
is that like the feeling one gets when buying a new car? You know, keys, energy, excited....?
TOTD:
The difference between great people and everyone else is that great people create their lives actively, while everyone else is created by their lives, passively waiting to see where life takes them next. The difference between the two is the difference between living fully and just existing.
Michael E. Gerber
FRIDAY STORY
An Impromptu Party
By Kathy Baker
"Oh, Kathy! I didn't even know you were in town, and you brought your doggie to visit me too." Marvene exclaimed. Her beautiful, beaming smile and upbeat attitude welcomed us into her room at Lakepoint Nursing Home.
Prior to my mother's death, Marvene had been my mother's roommate in the nursing home. She was a great source of strength and comfort to me as my mother slowly drifted away, and has remained a very special friend.
Hoping to surprise her, I had tiptoed in unannounced with Shiloh, my miniature schnauzer. Marvene's aged eyes danced with glee as she reached out to stroke Shiloh. In her younger days of independence and good health, a pet had always warmed Marvene's heart and home.
Hoping not to cause too much commotion, Shiloh and I had ducked in the back entrance. I wanted to avoid the bustling hallways since I feared wheelchairs and such might make my dog skittish. After a lap or two around the room and sniffing everything in sight, Shiloh settled in as if she had visited umpteen times. Then an unexpected onslaught of residents began filling the room. Word had spread like wildfire – there was a pooch on the premises!
Aides accompanied folks in wheelchairs, ambulatory residents shuffled in with walkers and canes, and several oxygen machines and IV poles were rolled in to boot. Even a few staff members followed the slow-moving stampede as they wondered about the unusual ruckus in the north wing. Shiloh relished being center stage and greeted each new visitor with total delight. This rambunctious young dog was more gentle than I had ever seen. She knew instinctively that her new friends were delicate and that she must act like a lady. I wondered why she couldn't behave like that at home!
The evening progressed into an all-out impromptu party. I was thrilled to see Shiloh provide such joy at the end of another humdrum day in the lives of these frail folks. Each resident could hardly wait to get his or her hands on a "real live critter!" They were alive with smiles and giggles. Nevertheless, eyes brimmed with tears while speaking of pets they had adored in days gone by.
One tiny lady arrived and judging by the blank, distant look in her eyes, she was obviously confused. The aide at her side was attempting to explain about pet visiting, but she appeared not to grasp one word. Then she spotted Shiloh! As if by magic, this bitsy little gal was transformed before my very eyes. She instantly became alert and began reciting tales of pets she had loved in her younger days. All the while she gently stroked Shiloh, stopping her stories only long enough to plant kisses right on top of Shiloh's head.
Yes, Shiloh sensed she was "good medicine" for her new but fragile friends. Once the party ceased and the room emptied, she snuggled in my lap with her eyes fixed on the door. I knew she was thinking, "Doesn't anyone else need to see me? Hey, I can even do tricks for you!" It had been a two-way street – the oldsters were also good medicine for Shiloh, since canines are never happier than when pleasing humankind.
I gave Marvene a hug and a peck on the cheek, Shiloh gave her a wet, sloppy kiss on the tip of her nose, and we said our good-byes. Walking out, I felt a smile on my face and a spring in my step that hadn't been there earlier in the day. I began praising Shiloh for her excellent behavior, and when I glanced down – she was prancing …
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathy was born and raised in the small town of Augusta, Kansas, a few miles outside of Wichita. She married a native Texan, Jerry, in 1977 and was soon transplanted to Dallas. A large city offers many things, but she misses the slower pace of small town America. Kathy has two stepchildren and four grandchildren. Pets have always played a huge part in her life. In fact, they were her inspiration to begin writing. She writes a column for Frank Talk Magazine entitled, "Heart of Texas." Kathy's website can be viewed at: YELLOW ROSE (www.txyellowrose.com)
TOTD:
You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best you have to give.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Grace Polk:
Don't get me wrong, life was great... until they turned me upside down and forced me to breathe...
-Joan of Arcadia
TOTD:
A goal is not the same as a desire, and this is an important distinction to make. You can have a desire you don't intend to act on. But you can't have a goal you don't intend to act on."
Tom Morris
TOTD:
If you want happiness for an hour - take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day - go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year - inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime - help someone else.
Chinese Proverb
TOTD:
Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear not absence of fear.
--Mark Twain
TOTD:
Is there a difference between happiness and inner peace?
Yes. Happiness depends on conditions being perceived as positive; inner peace does not.
OK so it was a tossup between a 'typical' totd and this quote from a tv show. I chose the latter, Joan (from Joan of Arcadia) talking to God (posing as an electrician. It makes you think, don't you agree? Read and see for yourself, the analogy is perfect:
Joan is now at work. She puts some books away and turns a corner to find a man on a step ladder changing a light bulb.
Joan - Whoa. When did you get here?
God - I'm always here, Joan, even when you can't see me.
Joan - Subtle. Why don't you let me fiddle with the light bulbs and you can do your own dirty work.
God - Ahh. It's painful what happened to your friend. It's very difficult to see something like that.
Joan - Yeah, what did Stevie do anyway to deserve that big lightning bolt from on high?
God - I don't punish people and I'd never ask you to harm anyone. You know that. What you witnessed was the power of the truth.
Joan - Uh, but isn't that supposed to set you free, not kick you in the head?
God - Heh. The light of the truth can be harsh to those who have been in the dark. In the republic, Plato writes about prisoners who lived their whole lives in a cave, chained in place. A fire throws shadows against the wall in front of them. That's all they ever see, so they have no reason to believe there's more to the world. Stepping out into the light after that can hurt your eyes. But once you adjust... can you flip that switch?
Joan - Isn't it your job to "let there be light"?
God - It's everyone's
TOTD:
A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.
Albert Einstein
TOTD:
MY FRIDAY STORY
If It's Meant To Be, It Will Be!
Author Unknown
As I walked home one freezing day, I stumbled on a wallet someone had lost in the street. I picked it up and looked inside to find some identification so I could call the owner. But the wallet contained only three dollars and a crumpled letter that looked as if it had been in there for years.
The envelope was worn and the only thing that was legible on it was the return address. I started to open the letter, hoping to find some clue. Then I saw the dateline -1924. The letter had been written almost sixty years ago.
It was written in a beautiful feminine handwriting on powder blue stationery with a little flower in the left-hand corner. It was a 'Dear John' letter that told the recipient, whose name appeared to be Michael and said that the writer could not see him any more because her mother forbade it. Even so, she wrote that she would always love him. It was signed, Hannah.
It was a beautiful letter, but there was no way except for the name Michael, that the owner could be identified. Maybe if I called information, the operator could find a phone listing for the address on the envelope.
'Operator,' I began, ' this is an unusual request. I'm trying to find the owner of a wallet that I found. Is there anyway you can tell me if there is a phone number for an address that was on an envelope in the wallet?'
She suggested I speak with her supervisor, who hesitated for a moment then said, 'Well, there is a phone listing at that address, but I can't give you the number.' She said, as a courtesy, she would call that number, explain my story and would ask them if they wanted her to connect me. I waited a few minutes and then she was back on the line. 'I have a party who will speak with you.'
I asked the woman on the other end of the line if she knew anyone by the name of Hannah. She gasped, 'Oh! we bought this house from a family who had a daughter named Hannah. But that was 30 years ago!'
'Would you know where that family could be located now?' I asked. 'I remember that Hannah had to place her mother in a nursing home some years ago,' the woman said. 'Maybe if you got in touch with them they might be able to track down the daughter.'
She gave me the name of the nursing home and I called the number. They told me the old lady had passed away some years ago but they did have a phone number for where they thought the daughter might be living. I thanked them and phoned. The woman who answered explained that Hannah herself was now living in a nursing home.
This whole thing was stupid, I thought to myself. Why was I making such a big deal over finding the owner of a wallet that had only three dollars and a letter that was almost 60 years old?
Nevertheless, I called the nursing home in which Hannah was supposed to be living and the man who answered the phone told me, 'Yes, Hannah is staying with us.'
Even though it was already 10 p.m., I asked if I could come by to see her. 'Well,' he said hesitatingly, 'if you want to take a chance, she might be in the day room watching television.'
I thanked him and drove over to the nursing home. The night nurse and a guard greeted me at the door. We went up to the third floor of the large building. In the day room, the nurse introduced me to Hannah.
She was a sweet, silver-haired old timer with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. I told her about finding the wallet and showed her the letter. The second she saw the powder blue envelope with that little flower on the left, she took a deep breath and said, ' Young man, this letter was the last contact I ever had with Michael.'
She looked away for a moment deep in thought and then said softly, 'I loved him very much. But I was only 16 at the time and my mother felt I was too young. Oh, he was so handsome. He looked like Sean Connery, the actor.'
'Yes,' she continued, 'Michael Goldstein was a wonderful person. If you should find him, tell him I think of him often and,' she hesitated for a moment, almost biting her lip, 'tell him I still love him. You know,' she said smiling as tears began to well up in her eyes, 'I never did marry, I guess no one ever matched up to Michael.'
I thanked Hannah and said goodbye. I took the elevator to the first floor and as I stood by the door, the guard there asked, 'Was the old lady able to help you?' I told him she had given me a lead. 'At least I have a last name. But I think I'll let it go for a while. I spent almost the whole day trying to find the owner of this wallet.'
I had taken out the wallet, which was a simple brown leather case with red lacing on the side. When the guard saw it, he said, ' Hey, wait a minute! That's Mr. Goldstein's wallet. I'd know it anywhere with that right red lacing. He's always losing that wallet must have found it in the halls at least three times.'
'Who's Mr. Goldstein?' I asked as my hand began to shake. 'He's one of the old timers on the 8th floor. That's Mike Goldstein's wallet for sure. He must have lost it on one of his walks.' I thanked the guard and quickly ran back to the nurse's office. I told her what the guard had said. We went back to the elevator and got on. I prayed that Mr. Goldstein would be up.
On the eighth floor, the floor nurse said, 'I think he's still in the day room. He likes to read at night. He's a darling old man. 'We went to the only room that had any lights on and there was a man reading a book. The nurse went over to him and asked if he had lost his wallet. Mr. Goldstein looked up with surprise, put his hand in his back pocket and said, 'Oh, it is missing!'
'This kind gentleman found a wallet and we wondered if it could be yours?' I handed Mr. Goldstein the wallet and the second he saw it, he smiled with relief and said, 'Yes, that's it! It must have dropped out of my pocket this afternoon. I want to give you a reward.'
'No, thank you,' I said. 'But I have to tell you something. I read the letter in the hope of finding out who owned the wallet.' The smile on his face suddenly disappeared. 'You read that letter?'
'Not only did I read it, I think I know where Hannah is.' He suddenly grew pale. 'Hannah? You know where she is? How is she? Is she still as pretty as she was? Please, please tell me,' he begged.
'She's fine ... just as pretty as when you knew her.' I said softly. The old man smiled with anticipation and asked, 'Could you tell me where she is? I want to call her tomorrow.' He grabbed my hand and said, 'You know something, mister, I was so in love with that girl that when that letter came, my life literally ended. I never married. I guess I've always loved her.'
'Mr. Goldstein,' I said, 'come with me. 'We took the elevator down to the third floor. The hallways were darkened and only one or two little night-lights lit our way to the day room where Hannah was sitting alone watching the television. The nurse walked over to her. 'Hannah,' she said softly, pointing to Michael, who was waiting with me in the doorway. 'Do you know this man?'
She adjusted her glasses, looked for a moment, but didn't say a word. Michael said softly, almost in a whisper, 'Hannah, it's Michael. Do you remember me?'
She gasped, 'Michael! I don't believe it! Michael! It's you! My Michael!' He walked slowly towards her and they embraced. The nurse and I left with tears streaming down our faces.
'See,' I said. 'See how the Good Lord works! If it's meant to be, it will be.' About three weeks later I got a call at my office from the nursing home. 'Can you get away on Sunday to attend a wedding? Michael and Hannah are going to tie the knot!'
It was a beautiful wedding with all the people at the nursing home dressed up to join in the celebration. Hannah wore a light beige dress and looked beautiful. Michael wore a dark blue suit and stood tall. They made me their best man. The hospital gave them their own room and if you ever wanted to see a 76-year-old bride and a 79-year-old groom acting like two teenagers, you had to see this couple.
A perfect ending for a love affair that had lasted nearly 60 years!
TOTD:
Growth is not steady, forward, upward progression. It is instead a switchback trail; three steps forward, two back, one around the bushes, and a few simply standing, before another forward leap.
Dorothy Corkville Briggs
TOTD:
Footprints on the sands of time will never be made sitting down.
Evan Esar
TOTD:
I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I'm going to learn, I must do it by listening.
Larry King
TOTD:
I've believed ever since that living on the edge, living in and through your fear, is the summit of life, and that people who refuse to take that dare condemn themselves to a life of living death.
John H. Johnson
Personal message to all St.Pius X alumni:
Hi, how y'all doing? Hope you are all well.
OK, I don't know how to put this so I will just say it. I've been doing this faithfully for just about forever. I was getting some feedback for awhile but now it has been months since anyone let me know if they are reading these totd postings. If I get no feedback, I will assume no one is interested and will stop soon. You can let me know here or by email, whichever. I am/will not be angry or upset. There will be no hard feelings. I just want to know, that is all. It does take time and effort to find totd's. Thanks Tony for subbing in on weekends.
Peace,
Len
Hello All!
Well, I didn't know how to say it but Len seemes to have beat me to it. I put a lot of work into this Blog (well, I've been kinda lax lately because of the apparent lack of interest). As for the rest I've been busting my balls to make a nice, interesting blog.
Leonard has been doing even more than I have,showing his dedication and coming here every single day to post his TOTD. Not one person has posted a reaction either to the wonderful words he posts or to my crap.
The media says people from all over the world visit blogs (Hey! Paris Hilton! Eat a BigMac or somethin', will you!). I know that tis does not apply to this, my modest blog. So in the end, we do it all for you. If you don't want it around anymore, just tell me and I'll delete it.
And don't you dare tell me it's because you got no time. You're the ones that find and e-mail everyone weird/funny/religious pictures.
Naw ... me no mad. Just disappointed and a little frustrated. If you want me to burn this blog be truthful about it. If not, I'll burn it myself.
Then, if I have the motivation, I'll make my own blog just for me alone and I won't tell you where it is! Muuuahahaha!
(PS:This will be repeated as a posting of its own)
TOTD:
FRIDAY STORY
Children Learn What They Live
Author Unknown
If children live with CRITICISM
They learn to CONDEMN
If children live with HOSTILITY
They learn to FIGHT
If children live with RIDICULE
They learn to BE SHY
If children live with SHAME
They learn to FEEL GUILTY
If children live with TOLERANCE
They learn to BE PATIENT
If children live with ENCOURAGEMENT
They learn to HAVE CONFIDENCE
If children live with PRAISE
They learn to APPRECIATE
If children live with FAIRNESS
They learn JUSTICE
If children live with SECURITY
They learn to HAVE FAITH
If children live with APPROVAL
They learn to LIKE THEMSELVES
If children live with ACCEPTANCE and FRIENDSHIP
They learn to FIND LOVE IN THE WORLD.
Ok! Here we go........
To say that I've been busy, yes! To say I send e-mails and stuff, yes, as well as other things which are personal. I don't deny it. I'm being honest.
I know Luke, that you've put your whole heart and soul into this. I know your PC wacks out on you and your situation sometimes isn't great. I do feel for you. I e-mail you to see how you are, and I hear nothing. Sometimes I don't hear from you here when I do post. Well, only when you disappear on us! POOF!
How's the hair??
I guess you can say that at times, I don't feel like writing, (sorry) but I do read. My last posting was April 8th. Ok, so I'm late.
Tell you what! I will try to come in here some days. Weekends might be harder since some renovations (slowly) are occurring here.
Here are a few things that happened to me in the last month. In brief:
Finally got my magnet of a car all fixed, still doing clients. My back hasn't been too good but managing the good days and bad.
Some renovations (house)happened with more on the way. (it will take a while.)
Went on vacation in March. Thank God for those.
If I remember more at my age (our age) I will write back.
Len, May 3rds TOTD is one of the best. I love a challenge.
Tony, where you at. Haven't heard from you in a while. Hope you're well.
So that's it for now. Later y'all.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs!
xoxoxoxo
Heya Tinker!
Good to see ya! I know I should have written back and I am jugglings lotsa stuff at the same time (trying to find clients to replace those that dumped me!). Actually, I wanted to send you "History According to Luke Part 2 : The Eighties".
And I got all kinds of material for "Firefly","My Doodles", an article on the shootings in Virginia (too serious?), chat bot Artifial Intelligence, ecetera, ecetera.
These things can get friggin' long and I don't want to spend hours typing something no one will read. And if Len wants to read any of my crap I can always e-mail to him ... right, Doc?
I've been sick. Then, I got ill. Then I got sick again. It was bad ... Since Xmas I've lost a little more than 70 pounds. At first, everyone was like, "Get the piniata! Let us celebrate!".Eventually my Doc realised I'm losing too much too fast. He thinks something else is probably wrong with my health. Of course he won't tell me. Now I gotta pass all kinds of freakin' blood tests, a CAT scan of my brain and an orthopedist because something about my legs is not right. To the point: I DON'T WANT TO GO! It takes long months before you can get an appointment and one you're there you still have to wait. And it's been getting harder for me to get around.And what if he finds something evil inside me and has to cut it out of my living body. Sorry ... looks like I ended up ranting and raving. My bad.
Tinker my hair looks like a nest created by this species of birds ... can't rememeber their name but you know what mean.
TOTD: (this is funny)
No matter how old a mother is, she watches her middle-aged children for signs of improvement.
Scott Maxwell
This is a reassuring quote...
From my fav show, Joan of Arcadia:
God smiled, speaking to Joan:
"Joan, I can make you the promise that I made to everyone else a long time ago. Doing as I say will bring ultimate happiness. Whether you believe me or not I want happiness for you even more than you do."
I'll be thinking about that line all day...
You know, life IS nice. It has its ups and downs but overall, not bad. Friends and family make it almost bearable. Everyone has 'gifts', maybe some don't know it (yet). What would be your gift?
Oh yeah, and it IS ok to be anonymous...
I am...
Well, today --- nothing, nada, niente, rien,...
Doing mah jobba solving other people's information (computer) issues. Hey, it pays the bills.
Had an interesting couple of emails today from a friend, saying how I should 'change' things, to try out alternatives. Which I intend to do. Starting here, now.
So anon, what gifts have I? Well, I'm pretty good at surfin' (da web you idgits!) and I do lend an ear quite often to those who ask. I can fix electronics (as a hobby) and like to have a good time(who doesn't). Oh yeah, and other gifts I dare not say here.... OH STOP IT!!!
Later
Len Frankenstone (I'm baaaaack!!)
Anon,
If you know me, you must know my gift. I will tell you if you don't know, next time you come in here.
Len,
It's about FRIGGIN time, boy! LOL!!
Lukey,
Darn! What ya doin' to yourself. Don't tell me these things. I want good news so go to see the DOC! Don't wait.
As for your nest, we'll see what we can do. E-mail me and we'll talk about it.
To some who are peeking, hope all is well.
Who knows what can happen next. If we don't start it, we won't know!
If I'm not making sense, well.........that's me being tired.
Hugs
carbunclespAnonymous: Okay, only YOU can be "Anonymous", no one else.
Comment Deleted: Weird name but to each his own. I didn't really understand what you said. Maybe you can rephrase that.
Tinker: Hiya! Good to see ya! Sorry, these days it seems to be nothing but bad news. I feel like I've been hit by a Mack truck ... but a NICE Mack truck!
I have some new software for 3D rendering. It's a lot for my little brain to absorb and I keep screwing things up. Some other software I really liked turned to be a dud. It's a 3D face generator. I worked on this thing for an hour but when I was ready to save my project, the software told me that I couldn't save unless I bought the FULL version. I think I made up some new swear words last night.
Anyhoo ... I'm a rambling man ...
TOTD:
I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances.
Martha Washington
Ok I give up, what IS your gift tinker?
Some can read minds, others can dream events that will happen, others have the patience of Job...
what is yours?
I think Tinker's gift is her skill with hair.
Yup! I'm a witness!
Awww, maaaan, Anon!
Ya don't know?? LOL!!
I know I told you that I would tell you when you come in here again and you did. Thanks.
If I do tell you, tho, will you tell me yours?? Promise??
My hands are my gift. I love to create and make people look beautiful and feel good. Whether it's a hairstyle, a massage, or something else, I feel awesome just being there for all, knowing that I can make them happy.
Don't forget to tell me yours, now!
Lukey,
How nice is that MACK truck?? Can ya draw it?? Let your imagination run wild........Yup! Yours always does and it's great. Good work, buddy.
Y'all have a good night and see youze all soon.
Hugs
TOTD:
For moms or moms at heart...:
The art of mothering is to teach the art of living to children.
Elain Heffner
Hey y'all:
Just a note: my sister in law is finally coming home with their newly adopted 2 yr. old Daniel. They went throught sooooo much while they were over there. The corruption, the anxiety, the fears, but it was all worth it.
Prayers were answered, AMEN.
Peace,
LS
A happy Mother's Day for all moms, moms-to-be and moms at heart (all the aunts, godmoms, grandmoms, best girlfriends, any girlfriend looking after a young 'un, heck, any woman caring for a child. There, I think I got all the bases covered.)
Love
Len
A Gift of Love
Author Unknown
"Can I see my baby?" the happy new mother asked. When the bundle was nestled in her arms and she moved the fold of cloth to look upon his tiny face, she gasped. The doctor turned quickly and looked out the tall hospital window. The baby had been born without ears. Time proved that the baby's hearing was perfect. It was only his appearance that was marred. When he rushed home from school one day and flung himself into his mother's arms, she sighed, knowing that his life was to be a succession of heartbreaks.
He blurted out the tragedy. "A boy, a big boy . . . called me a freak." He grew up, handsome for his misfortune. A favorite with his fellow students, he might have been class president, but for that. He developed a gift, a talent for literature and music. "But you might mingle with other young people," his mother reproved him, but felt a kindness in her heart.
The boy's father had a session with the family physician. Could nothing be done? "I believe I could graft on a pair of outer ears, if they could be procured" the doctor decided. Whereupon the search began for a person who would make such a sacrifice for a young man. Two years went by. Then, "You are going to the hospital, son. Mother and I have someone who will donate the ears you need. But it's a secret" said the father.
The operation was a brilliant success, and a new person emerged. His talents blossomed into genius, and school and college became a series of triumphs. Later he married and entered the diplomatic service. "But I must know!" He urged his father. "Who gave so much for me? I could never do enough for him."
"I do not believe you could," said the father, "but the agreement was that you are not to know . . . not yet." The years kept their profound secret, but the day did come . . . one of the darkest days that ever pass through a son. He stood with his father over his mother's casket. Slowly, tenderly, the father stretched forth a hand and raised the thick, reddish-brown hair to reveal . . . that the mother had no outer ears.
"Mother said she was glad she never let her hair be cut," he whispered gently, "and nobody ever thought mother less beautiful, did they"?
Real beauty lies not in the physical appearance, but in the heart. Real treasure lies not in what that can be seen, but what that cannot be seen. Real love lies not in what is done and known, but in what that is done but not known.
Hello y'all.
Even tho I'm not a mom, I would like to wish my classmates who are moms,a beautiful wonderful day.
That goes for the male classmates wives as well.
Peace, and Len, congratulations for the new arrival in the family. God Bless you all.
Great weekend, you guys and be safe.
Tinker out! Hugs.
TOTD:
No more effort is required to aim high in life,
to demand abundance and prosperity,
than is required to accept misery and poverty.
Napoleon Hill
Also as a little sidenote, my sis in law adopted a 2yr old boy from the Ukraine and they arrived Friday night!!!
Such a cutie!!! The couple went through a lot to get Daniel, but it was worth it.
Have a good one y'all
Len
Hi y'all
Hope everybody's day is going well and that the weekend was swell.
Enjoy the nice weather. Hopefully it will last.
Later.
Ciao
TOTD:
God is love, but God is also infinite intelligence, and unless these two qualities are balanced in our lives, we do not get wisdom; for wisdom is the perfect blending of intelligence and love.
Emmet Fox
TOTD:
There is no greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness and truth.
Leo Tolstoy
Ain't THAT thetruth...
Len
TOTD:
If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?
Stephen Levine
Sorry, I have not been chatting but so busy at work/home lately. Will be back soon, ciao!
Len! How do you do it?
These words of wisdom just seem to spew out of you!(Okay - bad mental image). Because of your TOTD I learn something new every day.
Thanks, Len, and keep the wisdom a comin'!
FRIDAY STORY
Life’s a Challenge. Get Over It!
It was Sunday morning back in November of 1985. My two sons, Jeremiah, six years old and Jacob just 18 months behind him at 4 years of age, played in front of the big glass window of our living room. As the sunshine warmed the room our thoughts were, oh what a beautiful fall day.
My husband Bob and I were busy cleaning the dishes off the table after just enjoying one of Bob’s favorite meals, red beans and rice.
Suddenly sounds of excitement came from the living room. The boys had just watched a gopher go into one of our irrigation pipes, right outside the window. Jacob began yelling, “Pa” we just saw a gofer go into an irrigation pipe” alerting him of they what they had just witnessed.
Bob yelled back, “come on boys….let’s get him” and out the door they ran calling our family dog to help.
I knew just what was going to happen and I it was not something I enjoyed watching, so I went back to work in the kitchen. Bob would walk the pipe up on end as the boys held one end to the ground. After getting the very long pipe parallel he would proceed to shake the gopher out the end of the pipe. The dog would then grab and kill the gopher.
Gophers are a nuisance to any farming operation and they seems to frequent our little 40 acre organic garden operation so I knew it must be done. I think the “boys” all three of them viewed it somewhat as a game.
The next thing I knew, the door opened, the boys came running in yelling, call 911 Pa got electrocuted, he’s dead he’s dead. Call 911
Now Bob was one who liked to joke and have fun. He always said that he was put on this earth to entertain. I figured this was bad joke. I went to the door. There I saw Bob laying face down in the sandy driveway right under a powerline. My heart started to beat fast. I did not want to believe this could be happening to me. However, by the way the boys were screaming, I was scared. I yelled, “Bob, you get up right now, you are scaring the boys!” He did not move.
I then ran to his side. His body was still. I was so scared. I ran back inside and headed for the phone. My fingers could not dial the phone fast enough. When the voice on the other end answered I cried out, I think my husband has electrocuted himself and I don’t know if he is dead or alive.
As I hung up the phone, I knew it would take some time for the emergency vehicle to get to us. I needed someone to help me now. Stan Wagener, our neighbor was the first person who came to mind. I knew the Wagner’s telephone number by heart as they were very good friends and neighbors.
Mary, Stan’s wife answered sharing with me that Stan was at work. I slammed down the phone. I knew I needed a man to help me now. I quickly dialed the home of another good friend. The Gottwalt home. When John Gottwalt came on the phone I screamed, “John help me, Bob just electrocuted himself.” I knew he would be there in a minute.
With all the thoughts racing through my mind I could not even stop to comfort the boys. There just was no time. I knew someone could not lay that still for a very long time.
I ran back to Bob’s side with the boys following me, screaming and crying at the same time. As I tried to turn him over the boys yelled, “don’t touch him, you will die too.” Oh, my goodness, my little boys just knew their father was dead.
I seemed to know it too, when Bob’s stiff body made a thud as John and I, together turned Bob onto his back. My body trembled as I brushed the sand from his face and closed his eyelids. For a moment there was sense of peace as I realized his soul was leaving his body. I paused for a minute and then panic set in. He was leaving me. All I could do was pound on his chest, screaming and crying, shouting at him to not leave me.
My life changed in just three short hours. At 12:00 noon on a beautiful fall day I was a happily married to a wonderful man and father. At 3:00 that same day I was a 29 year old widow, not even knowing what the road ahead would be like.
Love and appreciate the people who mean the most to you for they can be taken from you in a minute.
It can happen to you ….as it did happen to me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody Lundie, mother of three wonderful boys, wife of an extremely successful speaker and trainer... has a passion to help others "get over" their "challenges" by giving generously her personal stories and experiences.
Recently Jody has founded an awareness website to help parents make their homes safer and healthier for their families. After making simple changes in her home she developed a team to help her share her passion with others. “We all can Make a Difference” says Jody. The website is: www.kidsneedus.com.
Well, just a little effort, like in life. We need to put in the effort. If we cannot accomplish all our goals, (ever see my yard lately?), so be it. Life is a balance between work and play. We need to enoy life but to enjoy it, we need to work at it. Balance, that's why I'm a Gemini!!!
Uh oh! Talk about balance....... Ist that a Libra, Len?? My ascendent is Libra. Now that's balance!!
Hello all,
Sorry I haven't written in a few, but also busy.
Wishing all a wonderful weekend. Be safe.
Ciao, ciao.
PS. Where's Tony??
Hey, Welcome back y'all!
TOTD:
The two things I did learn were that you are as powerful and strong as you allow yourself to be, and that the most difficult part of any endeavor is taking the first step, making the first decision.
Robyn Davidson
I don't know where he went to, been missing for a little while now...
From Tony.. NOW I understand...
My apologies to everyone i wasn`t trying to ignore u all....my computer is still down and i had a accident at work...nothing serious..slipped down some stairs and hurt my ankle....some relatives called and asked if i was okay( sister-in law and an aunt or two...lol) much to their dismay i am going to be fine...and may even join Dancing with the stars next season...except i am no star..i hope u all enjoy tomorrow`s holiday...not sure which one ....oh well it`s like a universal time bank day patriot day, victoria day, ddo day....the peoples in command of this library are telling me my time is almost up.....
TOTD:
Many a man curses the rain that falls upon his head, and knows not that it brings abundance to drive away hunger.
Saint Basil
TOTD:
We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them.
William Arthur Ward
Dr. Len:
Sorry. I wanted to send a more personal birthday greeting but for some unknown reason I can't access my addresses on Yahoo! . It had art and nice fonts. Ah, it's really breaks my heart.
Still, I would like to wish you a Happy Birthday and that lotsa, lotsa wishes come true, my friend.
I hope those yahoos at Yahoo! get their act together soon.
Hey y'all:
I'm still here, plodding along and trying to make stuff happen. I noticed that no one has organised any kind of get-together for some time. Surprising, since there was always good attendance in the past.
Hunh? Don't look at me. I can't even organise my closet!
Here are a couple of quotes from yours truly. Actually, they were part of conversations I had with Artificial Intelligences (or AI - more about that later). So these machines provoked me to say these here thingies:
There is no evil, only the mismanagement of good.
-LAF
You're like an idiot-savant ... except for the "savant" part.
-LAF
Be well everybody.
Beautiful, warm summer day (even thought it's only spring...enjoy)
TOTD:
Forgiveness does not change the past,
but it does enlarge the future.
Paul Boese
TOTD:
BELIEVE WHILE OTHERS ...
by William Arthur Ward
Believe while others are doubting.
Plan while others are playing.
Study while others are sleeping.
Decide while others are delaying.
Prepare while others are daydreaming.
Begin while others are procrastinating.
Work while others are wishing.
Save while others are wasting.
Listen while others are talking.
Smile while others are frowning.
Commend while others are criticizing.
Persist while others are quitting.
And from Fil, here is her totd:
Thought For The Day
'Good looks catch the eye but a GOOD personality catches the heart. You're blessed with both!'
Don't be flattered,
this message was sent to ME!!
I just wanted YOU to read it,,
Len: thank u for your wonderful thoughts of the day...
Tinkerbell: thank u for your concern
Awww shucks, Tony.
You're welcome. Nice to have you back for a little.
Is you're PC fixed yet??
Sorry I haven't been here in a while, but I am now.
I hope everyone will have a splendid weekend.
Take care, y'all.
See youze next week, sometime.
Lukey,
Hope all is better with you. Be careful, my friend.
Ciao.
xoxoxooxoxo
totd
I soon found out you can't change the world. The best you can do is to learn to live with it. ~Henry Miller
Most people want to be delivered from temptation but would like it to keep in touch.
Robert Orben
"Man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but usually manages to pick himself up, walk over or around it, and carry on."
- Winston Churchill
"...the sense of being which in calm hours arises, we know not how, in the soul, is not diverse from things, from space, from light, from time, from man, but one with them and proceeds obviously from the same source.... Here is the fountain of action and of thought.... We lie in the lap of immense intelligence."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Couldn't come up with my own words.
I am mute ...
TOTD:
If you want to know your past life, look into your present condition;
if you want to know your future life, look at your present actions.
Padmasambhava
totd
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. ~Abraham Lincoln
totd:
Never giving up and pushing forward will unlock all the potential we are capable of.
Christy Borgeld
Founder Stepfamily Day
http://www.nationalstepfamilyday.com/
Oh wow!
Deep TOTD's, guys.
Makes you think twice about stuff. Hmmmmmmmm....
Awww, maaan! There go my brain waves again.....
Have a good one.
Ciao
xoxo
TOTD:
FRIDAY STORY
Life in the Manure Pile
by Marsha Jordan
The husband once aspired to be a self-sufficient, back-to-the-land pioneer. He bought a windmill, oil lamps, beehives, and a couple of pigs, which we named Lois Lane and Clark Kent.
This dirty duo caused me headaches from the day we took them home. We tied them in gunny sacks and secured them in the back of our truck; but the Houdini hoglets somehow freed themselves, tumbled from the vehicle, and headed for the hills. We eventually got the slippery little buggers safely home, but only after a wild skirmish in the woods.
The adventurous and clever Clark soon discovered his alternate identity as Super Pig. He learned to climb atop his roofed shelter and leap over the fence to freedom. Lois, not to be outdone, was never far behind. Motorists on the highway near our home reported seeing wild pigs darting between cars. I also received some angry phone calls from horrified neighbors who were shocked to find the pair digging up their flower beds. Perhaps, rather than Lois and Clark, they should have been named Lewis and Clark, due to their propensity to explore.
These two heavy weights usually embarked upon their adventures while the husband was at work, so I was the designated pig herder, responsible for bringing the troops home after each rendezvous. How does one lure two full-grown hogs to follow you? It takes courage, determination, and a slop bucket full of swine delicacies like apple cores, potato peels, and moldy bread crusts. More than once, I trudged through waist-deep snow, dropping a trail of leftovers behind me.
I’ve never liked animals that were too big to sit in my lap, but these humongous hogs were more than intimidating. They were man eaters! While leading them home like the pied piper, I had to run to stay one step ahead as they followed close behind, nipping at my heels.
Yes, pigs BITE - at least these two did. They were scarier than attack dogs.
Once Lois and Clark tasted blood, they preferred it to their usual diet. That diet consisted of truckloads of stale doughnuts, sour milk, and assorted restaurant scraps. Keeping the porkers fed was a big job. They ate a lot, and you can imagine what else they did – a LOT.
The manure pile grew into a mountain, which remained long after Lois and Clark were laid to rest as pork chops in our freezer.
The following summer, I planted a garden that I faithfully weeded, fertilized, and watered.
At the end of the season, I was shocked to discover that my prized vegetables were dwarfed in comparison to the giant tomatoes and cucumbers that had sprung up from the manure pile.
You may wonder why I’m telling you more than you care to know about pigs and manure. It’s because I’ve found that where there’s manure, there’s sometimes a lesson buried under it.
Like you, I’ve known sorrow, loneliness, and disappointment. At those times, it often feels like I’m living smack dab in the middle of a mountain of manure. However, things that stink aren’t necessarily bad. Sometimes, what we think is awful right now may end up being good for us. Ask anyone who took castor oil as a kid!
Just as the garbage in a compost heap makes gardens grow, the garbage in our lives can enhance our personal growth. Trials can result in strong faith and character. The stuff that stinks the most is usually the best fertilizer for healthy spiritual development. Even stinky manure, after a time, turns into healthy and clean smelling soil.
Gardens go through seasons. Spring is the season to plant and fertilize. Summer is the season to weed and cultivate. Fall is the season to harvest. Winter is the season for the land to rest. Our lives have different seasons too. Some of them are more difficult than others. But if we endure "for a season" without giving in to short-term thinking, we will reap a harvest.
When your heart is broken, it may feel hopeless; but there’s always hope, even in the dung heap. Open your eyes to see beyond the pig pies to how good -- and growth -- might come from this situation.
Blossoms of blessing often come from manure. The smelly, disgusting manure that our lives sometimes become can bring forth prize-winning, life-giving fruit. Celebrate the fact that we don’t have to climb that manure mountain alone. Believe and keep the faith, then grab a shovel and start digging. There’s a harvest on the other side.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHT TO PONDER:
Trouble comes into every life, but we have hope, the essential ingredient for making it through the dung heap.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marsha Jordan, a disabled grandmother, sought after speaker, and undiscovered shower singer, created The HUGS and HOPE Foundation for Critically Ill Children. Her humorous, inspirational book, Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter is illustrated by sick kids; and profits from the book' sale benefit children around the country. The book earned Parent to Parent’s 2006 "Best of the Best" award, honorable mention in The World’s Funniest Humor Contest, and an endorsement from Phyllis Diller.
She is known as the "Peanut Butter Queen" because she believes hope, joy, and love are "sticky" like peanut butter – when you spread them around, you can't help but get some on yourself.
You may learn more about Jordan, her book, and the charity she founded by visiting her web site at www.hugsandhope.org
Well, I was going to put in a joke as I had such a hard time to get a totd this AM, but I did find one...
totd
The best way to keep one's word is not to give it. ~Napoleon Bonaparte
totd
Everything is something you decide to do, and there is nothing you have to do. ~Denis Waitley
TOTD:
The only opinion about your dream that really counts is yours. The negative comments of others merely reflect their limitations - not yours.
Cynthia Kersey
I hate gardening...
I was trimming the hedges this weekend and if you took a look at my scabs, you'd think the hedge won - and it did...
Peace
Len
Howdy Doody peoples,
Hope a nice weekend was had by all??
Len,
Knowing you, the hedges did win. LOL!!
Tony,
Good Totd's this weekend.
Got one for youze all...
It ain't a TOTD but a QOTD.
Had to share this one.
"When your opponent's sittin' there holdin' all the aces, there's only one thing to do:
Kick over the table."
~Dean Martin~
Gotta love that one!
Have a nice day.
Ciao
xo
PS. If it sounds familiar to all, ya know where I got it from. Hmmmmm.....
Hey y'all!
I've been "gone", in every sense of the word. Still feeling kinda weird in the head, not eating much either.
I'm a little embarassed. I feel as if I've let everyone down by being "gone". Like I said, I'm still not entirely here but as sure as the sun rises I will be.
Sayonara.
Ballad of Serenity
Take my love, take my land,
Take me where I cannot stand.
I don't care, I'm still free.
You can't take the sky from me.
Take me out to the Black
Tell 'em I ain't comin' back.
Burn the land and boil the sea.
You can't take the sky from me.
There's no place I can be
Since I found Serenity.
But you can't take the sky from me.
Music and lyrics by Joss Whedon, performed by Sonny Rhodes.
TOTD:
“It’s not what you are that holds you back. It’s what you think you’re not.”
- Denis Waitley
Luke, you must've loved that series, huh? I never saw it believe it or not but I know that it had (has) a loyal following.
For me, it was Joan of Arcadia. A very pignant look at the life of a teenager who does God's will (whatever He asks of her). This series too was cut short (only 2 seasons) but it has a very loyal following as well.
Luke, come baaaaaaaaack....
Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.
Chinese Proverb
Len:
I really liked your TOTD. Those Chinese proverbs are always short and simple. No offence, Len, but this one sounds a little like Yoda. Which in not bad ... y'know.
People are asking how I'm doing. I think all of you are very kind for doing so. Thanks.
Let's do a check list, shall we? Yes, we shall.
1- Head feels like it's full of concrete + sinus headache ... check!
2- Can't talk because my throat is so sore it's like I swallowed sulfuric acid ... check!
3- Chest feels like Kirstie Alley is sitting on it ... check!
4- Wicked fever that makes me remember the only time I visited Kazakistan - which was never ... check!
5- Coughing up stuff that could served on a cracker ... check!
My gawd! Me thinks me gots da flu!!
Aaaaarrgh! I wanna die! This is REAL bad!
Then again, it is said that women handle the flu better than men. We men just wallow in our misery endlessly complaining.
Maybe calling my Mommy will make me feel better.
TOTD:
Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand -- and melting like a snowflake.
Marie Beyon Ray
Hmmmmmmmmm,
Those symptoms sounds like what my better half has. She is miserable too and in bed.
Maybe you 2 should go online and console each other!
Sound like Yoda I do? Hmmmm, correct you are...
Peace,
LS
Luke,
Ya gotta get better, my friend. This really ain't you.
Yes! Women do handle colds very well amongst other things when we're sick. (and I don't mean in the head either! LOL!!)
I think it's because of all we do, especially women with kids. We don't have time to worry about being sick when there's so much to do, so, we continue, which probably strenghthens our immune system.
Also,if you've noticed, our mothers never had time to be sick. They were always there for us, dad, the house cleaning, the food, the laundry etc... as well as when we were sick. Makes sense??
Ok! Enough of my philosophies. I will be here all day.
Have a good day, y'all and be well.
Later. Gotta go back to stuff.
TOTD:
Well, I was chatting with a friend and looked for something that would help. Of course, this can apply to you...
Peace,
Len
MY FRIDAY STORY
Raindrops on Roses & Whiskers on Kittens?
Maybe that Nun knew what she was singing about after all!
By Carrie Wilkerson
As I was picking up school supplies a few weeks ago (good grief $$), I had to gather some things for my office as well. A binder, ballpoint pens - basics. As I was checking out - it hit me...I was smiling at my new notebook and pens! I was EXCITED to open them and put them to use! WHY?
Because I was anxious to work? NO! Because they make me smile! My binder has 2" pastel polka dots on it and the pens are the chubby, curvy kind (hmmmm, why do I relate to those?)! I could have purchased a solid binder and thin pens...but I gravitated to the things that made me smile! When I got to the car...I grabbed my pink plaid and polka dot (ha! another smile!) spiral journal that I carry for brain downloads and immediately made a list of things that bring a smile to my face! I thought I would share some of those with you:
Polka Dots (again with the chubby, curvy theme - what IS that?)! Big BOWS on Babies! Chunky Writing Pens! ANYTHING ORANGE! Gerber Daisies! Kids singing! Babies laughing! Doors being opened for me! Trumpet fanfare! Marching Bands! New lip gloss! Bumblebees & Ladybugs (not real ones)! Pregnant bellies! Kissing crinkly cheeks and stroking wrinkly hands (I DO love and appreciate our seniors, don't you?) and it always makes me smile when someone SMILES at ME!!
Am I trying to sway you to like the things I like? No, of course not! But what I've noticed is, that I tend to drift towards the people, the things, the music, the environments that make me smile, laugh and remain up-up-up!! I tend to mirror the atmosphere around me. Don't you? Hanging with negative people tends to make you more negative! Agreed?? Hanging with very positive people -- DOES tend to make you see things on the sunnier side!
I challenge you to make a conscious effort to surround yourself with people and things that make you smile and NOTICE things this week.
>> If they drain you - ditch 'em! (That goes for negative friends too! Family? Well - you're stuck with them - but you CAN limit your time with them...that's a whoooole different issue!). <<
I keep my journal and my chubby pen very handy and I've been adding to my page regularly...the one that says at the top, "THINGS THAT MAKE ME SMILE!" Have a list of things that make YOU smile? Send it to me with SMILE in the subject line!
I believe in Incredible YOU and we are limiting our effectiveness and influence if we are not as positive and energized as we can be!
totd
God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest. ~J.G. Holland
all you peoples that are left here continue being you
Tony,
I will, as so do you.
To all,
Have a glorious weekend. Enjoy this magnificent day. I think there is another one ahead for 2morrow.
For those who has a chance to go to the Grand Prix, party hard and have fun.
Be well and be safe.
Hugs
totd
If i Should Fall Behind
We said we'd walk together
Baby come what may
Back from the twilight
Should we lose our way
As we were walking
A hand should slip free
I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind wait for me
Swore we'd travel together
Darlin’ side by side
We'd help each other
Stay in stride
Each lover steps on
So differently
So I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind wait for me
Everyone dreams of
A love lasting and true
You and I know what this world can do
So let's make ourselves be
That the other may see
And I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind wait for me
There's a beautiful river
In the valley ahead
There need be no drought
Soon we will wed
Should we lose each other
In the shadow of the evening dreams
Oh, I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind wait for me
Darlin’ I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind wait for me
Wait for me
If I should fall behind wait for me
Wait for me
music and lyrics Bruce Springsteen
TOTD:
Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you'll help them to become what they are capable of becoming.
TOTD:
Flatter me, and I may not believe you.
Criticize me, and I may not like you.
Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.
Encourage me, and I will not forget you.
William Arthur Ward
TOTD:
It is not the critic that counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement. And at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
President Theodore Roosevelt
Paris 1910
Wow, that was a great quote. It really moved me.
Thanks
totd:
Children pay little attention to their parents’ teachings, but reproduce their characters faithfully.
Mason Cooley
MY FRIDAY STORY
MY DAD
By Kevin Spalding
My dad was one of the wisest, most compassionate and giving men I’ve ever known. Although not a man of great means, he endowed many lives with his encouragement, strength and hope. But then, Dad didn’t preach, he just did.
One chilly fall evening in the late 1950’s, Dad drove my visiting uncle across the Hudson River to the train station in Albany, NY for his return home. I didn’t go with them because I was busy getting my diaper changed. As Dad said goodbye to my uncle, a bum approached him (yes, that’s what panhandling, homeless men were called back then). The man was disheveled, with stubble beard and an ill fitting, dirty overcoat.
“Can you spare some change, bud?”
Dad didn’t need his PhD in organic chemistry to determine from the man’s odor what that change would be purchasing.
“No,” he responded, “I won’t give you any money, but I’ll gladly buy you a sandwich and coffee.”
As the two men sat in the snack bar nearby and talked, Dad asked, “So, do you have any family?”
“Yea, I got a brother in Boston.”
“Really, tell me about him.”
“He’s a priest. So what?”
“A priest, what church is he with and what’s his name?”
After paying the bill and bidding the man farewell, Dad returned home armed with answers to those and a few more questions.
He then looked up the church in Boston and called long distance…back when “long distance calling” took more than small pocket change.
Dad gave the priest all the information he could about his brother.
A couple weeks later, Dad received a heartfelt, grateful letter from the man’s sister thanking him for his saintly intervention. “Because of what you did,” the letter said, “we have been reconnected with our brother from whom we had not heard in a long time. Thank you.”
I have no idea what happened after that, but because Dad gave without expecting any repayment, one family had a real chance to heal.
My uncle who got the ride to the train station shared this story with me a few years back. But when I asked Dad about it he responded, "Kevin, I don't recall it."
Dad just gave expecting nothing in return. Because that’s just who he was. He taught me again; in hindsight, that true giving is not a transaction. But, if given freely, one receives in return riches that money cannot buy.
Dad is no longer here in body. But in spirit, yes. When I reflect on this lesson occasionally, I look up and whisper, "Dad, I hope I can remember now."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kevin F. Spalding is a dynamic, personable and thought provoking speaker who challenges his audiences to rethink the way they have always done things to improve their productivity and the quality of their lives.
Kevin’s broad, eclectic background has given him the opportunity to learn from the rigors of the military, the discipline of program management, the depth of spirituality and the challenges of parenthood. He brings lessons and principles from these and other domains in to “make sense,” everyday tools and techniques that listeners can use to improve their perspectives and thus the quality of their lives.
Kevin can be reached at kevin@kevinspalding.com
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It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend. ~William Blake, Jerusalem
Tony,
You shouldn't have to forgive a friend. Friends shouldn't be doing anything that needs forgiving. But your TOTD is so true !!!
Adios !
quite true anonymous...
totd well i'll take one off Len and make it a story ..
What My Father Means To Me
An emotional tribute to an incredible and inspirational Dad, from his equally incredible and inspirational son.
By Richard Hoyt Jr., My name is Richard E. Hoyt Jr., and I have cerebral palsy. I cannot speak or walk. To write this story, I'm using a computer with special software. When I move my head slightly, the cursor moves across an alphabet. When it gets to the letter I want, I press a switch at the side of my head.
I am half of Team Hoyt. We are a father-and-son team, and we compete in marathons and triathlons around the world. Our goal is to educate people about how the disabled can lead normal lives. We started racing in 1979. My high school was having a road race to raise money for a lacrosse player who was paralyzed in an accident. I wanted to show this athlete that life can go on, so I asked my dad if he would push me. My wheelchair was not built for racing, but Dad managed to push me the entire 5 miles. We came in next to last, but in the photos of us crossing the finish line, I was smiling from ear to ear!
When we got home, I used my computer to tell Dad, "When I'm running, I feel like my disability disappears!" So we joined a running club, had a special running chair built, and entered our first official race. Many of the athletes didn't want us to participate, but the executive director of the event gave us permission. Soon we were running three races a weekend, and we even did our first double event a 3-mile run and a half-mile swim.
Dad held me by the back of the neck and did the sidestroke for the entire swim. We wanted to run in the Boston Marathon, but we were not allowed to enter because we had not done a qualifying run. So in late 1980, we competed in the Marine Corps Marathon, in Washington, D.C., finishing in 2 hours, 45 minutes. That qualified us for Boston!
A few years later, after a road race in Falmouth, Massachusetts, a man came up to my dad and said, "You are quite an athlete. You should consider a triathlon." Dad said, "Sure, as long as I can do it with Rick." The man just walked away. The next year, the same man said the same thing. Again, Dad said he'd do it, but only with me. This time the man said, "Okay, let's figure out what special equipment you'll need."
So on Father's Day in 1985, we competed in our first triathlon. It included a 10-mile run, during which Dad pushed me; a 1-mile swim, during which Dad pulled me in a life raft with a rope tied around his chest; and a 50-mile bike ride, during which he towed me in a cart behind him. We finished next to last, but we both loved it. Soon after, we did our first Ironman Triathlon. We've now competed in more than 950 races, including 25 Boston Marathons and six Ironmans. During every event, I feel like my disability has disappeared.
People often ask me, "What would you do if you were not disabled?" When I was first asked, I said I'd probably play baseball or hockey. But when I thought about it some more, I realized that I'd tell my father to sit down in my wheelchair so I could push him. If it weren't for him, I'd probably be living in a home for people with disabilities. He is not just my arms and legs. He's my inspiration, the person who allows me to live my life to the fullest and inspire others to do the same.
Happy Father's Day, Dad. And thank you.
TOTD:
Conditions are never just right. People who delay action until all factors are favorable are the kind who do nothing.
William Feather
TOTD:
Most of us are pretty good at keeping promises to others and pretty bad at keeping promises to ourselves.
Lawrence LeShan
Sooooooo true...
totd sorry len didn't see had not seen one yet
Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race. ~H.G. Wells
Yeah, sorry about that but I was a we bit under the weather, but I'm back today...
TOTD:
Risk! Risk anything! Care no more for the opinions of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth.
Katherine Mansfield
Have a good loooooooooooooooooooong weekend everyone!!
Peace,
LS
FRIDAY STORY
Life is a Bag of Frozen Peas
by Michael T. Smith
A few weeks after my first wife, Georgia, was called to heaven, I was cooking dinner for my son and myself. For a vegetable, I decided on frozen peas. As I was cutting open the bag, it slipped from my hands and crashed to the floor. The peas, like marbles, rolled everywhere. I tried to use a broom, but with each swipe the peas rolled across the kitchen, bounced off the wall on the other side and rolled in another direction.
My mental state at the time was fragile. Losing a spouse is an unbearable pain.
I got on my hands and knees and pulled them into a pile to dispose of. I was half laughing and half crying as I collected them. I could see the humor in what happened, but it doesn’t take much for a person dealing with grief to break down.
For the next week, every time I was in the kitchen, I would find a pea that had escaped my first cleanup. In a corner, behind a table leg, in the frays at the end of a mat, or hidden under a heater, they kept turning up. Eight months later I pulled out the refrigerator to clean, and found a dozen or so petrified peas hidden underneath.
At the time I found those few remaining peas, I was in a new relationship with a
wonderful woman I met in a widow/widower support group. After we married, I was
reminded of those peas under the refrigerator. I realized my life had been like that bag of frozen peas. It had shattered. My wife was gone. I was in a new city with a busy job and a son having trouble adjusting to his new surroundings and the loss of his mother. I was a wreck. I was a bag of spilled, frozen peas. My life had come apart and scattered.
When life gets you down; when everything you know comes apart; when you think you can never get through the tough times, remember, it is just a bag of scattered, frozen peas. The peas can be collected and life will move on. You will find all the peas. First the easy peas come together in a pile. You pick them up and start to move on. Later you will find the bigger and harder to find peas. When you pull all the peas together, life will be whole again.
The life you know can be scattered at any time. You will move on, but how fast you collect your peas depends on you. Will you keep scattering them around with a broom, or will you pick them up one-by-one and put your life back together?
How will you collect your peas?
About the Author:
Michael lives in Fort Lee, New Jersey, with his lovely wife Ginny and his son. Ginny is the light of his life and the inspiration for many of his stories. Michael works in telecommunications and writes for a hobby. He is currently working on a collection of his stories to be called, "From My Heart to Yours." If you would like to email Michael, he can be reached at: mtsmith@qwestonline.com
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A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent
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o not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there. ~Author Unknown
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