Pray

Light a candle when you next go in to a chruch.   As you focus on the flame, offer up a prayer for the souls of the five police officers who were gunned down.  And while you are on your knees add a prayer or two for all of us in this crazy whacked out world that wants to lead us to hell in a handbasket.

I wonder if he has President Obama in mind.

Yes, I love old trees.  what a story they tell.   This one is really a beauty.   Ancient , gnarled and truly beautiful.

Thursday morning, more calmness to our skies and not even a slight breeze this early in the day.   The workers have all arrived, have parked their cars and are off to another busy day.   We have some very devoted folks in our world who spend their seconds taking care of the ill.   It is not an easy job, and it takes dedication which they seem to have an abundance of.  I get a kick out of their uniforms which are now very colorful.  The pants are bright colors, one going by now is purple and the top is shades of blue with lots of little figures on it.  Far away so I cannot tell what they are.  The next worker has on black slacks with a bright purple top which should catch the eye.The ladies are wide awake, have a good stride as they head for the front door of the hospital wing.  The sad fact is  an ambulance just rode in so that means a new patient.   Take a minute and offer up a little prayer for all of them.   

what did I do yesterday?    Nothing much.   I did work on the puzzle which I thought was going to be horrible but it is going together really fast and is fun to do.  Pat comes over to help and she is very, very good about finding the pieces.   I did finish a book I was reading and enjoyed it.   I also read to Vinnie who was in a funk.  He hates being eighty.  He hates being sickly and most of all he hates not having a big family and friends.  He was feeling all alone and nobody loves me yesterday.  He truly is a good guy and brought me a lovely red flower, the first on his plant on his patio.   So the secret of success is to LISTEN, we all have the capability but some of us just do not or will not use it.    There are times folks need to have an 'ear' and it really doesn't hurt to give them a few minutes of your time to just listen, nod your head and free them from the jaws of loneliness.  We all have our days, some will seek someone to listen, some will sit and sulk, while others 'get over it' and get on with their day.  How we choose to make our day is truly up to us, but it never hurts to have an open ear, an open heart, and a heart full of patience  to just listen.  We cannot solve the problems, but by listening, we help those who are hurting to find an answer and that is what love and friendship is all about.

So today, wash those ears, sit quietly when someone reaches out to you today .  You can make a difference.   You may be the one person who can help your family member or friend over  what they think is an impossible hurdle.   You are unable to solve their problems, but by listening you give them a chance to find a solution.   A good quiet ear is all some need to find their way and you have added one more good deed to your life's page which by now should be half way filled with gold stars for the good deeds you have been doing.     One a day, two if you can, three you'd get a medal ...try it you may find you like it.   Go, be a good deed-er. . . if there such a word?   I doubt it but go and be a life saver.  Take time to listen.

Be good, be kind, be gentle and share a hug or two today.    I could use one;  so send a verbal one.    My telephone rang last evening and a friend called to just chat and it was like a surprise gift that you open and enjoy.  a lovely surprise which added a lot of real joy to my quiet day.    Pick up the telephone and dial someone who loves you enough to smile when they hear your voice on the other end of the line.    A gift....of YOU.....a wow gift.    Get busy.   Hugs to all.

Angel

Mother Teresa had a way with words but oh the deeds she accomplished in life.    No wonder she has become a Saint.  she was one on earth and now I bet if you lifted your thoughts, your words and your deeds she would find a way to make sure you accomplished a little bit of kindness and love in your own backyard.   There are many people we could emulate, but it is hard to find one that was more loving and giving than this woman who practiced what she preached.

One never knows who will take a 'shine' to you.   This elk fell in love with a fire fighter.

One is never bored when one gives of themselves.   I had a lovely note from a friend who has suffered the loss of a loved one and wondered how she would survive without her partner in life.  Like so many who have suffered the same loss, she felt her life was over and the pain was unbearable.   The grieving time would be endless until she found that he had left her a gift of words.  A poet, a man of wisdom and a love of life had gone on to his just rewards, only because it was his time to leave.    His soul would carry on .  In his own way he left her a gift to live by and instead of wasting her precious seconds, she put on her shoes and walked out the door and found that giving of herself to those less fortunate was the answer to loneliness.    She has freed herself up to live and that is just what he wanted for her.    If he were here in body , he would touch her hand and put it over his heart and tell her how proud he is of her strength and beauty.  The light of love fades but it never goes away.   

We walk through life and use up our seconds without a thought to how we should be using them.   We waste them endlessly and there comes a day we realize just how wasteful we are.   There are deeds to be done.   You and I have a duty to live and in that living there is a list of deeds that need our attention, not later, but right now.    We need to be first and foremost loving to our own family members.  Where there is a rift, close it.   Send out a little life raft and show you are willing to do your share of mending fences.    Cast off the chains of jealousy and hatred and remember the old adage . . . 'there but the grace of God go I ', not one of us is perfect . . . more like imperfect would be an honest assumption.    We are our own 'best enemy' so it is time for a change.    Time to give of oneself.   Time to do good deeds.   Time to emulate those who have shown the best way to live life is to share YOU with those you love and like.   Volunteer and help lift the load.

Speaking of volunteers, our artist photographer , Louis King, or King Louie as we call him, did wonders in changing the Gallery around yesterday.  It was his volunteer day and rather than just sit around, he got busy and from what I hear, he has done wonders.  I can hardly wait to visit the Gallery and see just what changes he made.   It always needs a sprucing up and change makes it more interesting as some of the hidden art comes to life.   The latest floral hanging was a big success.  A lot of folks stopped in Sunday and enjoyed the views and the goodies.    It was nice to see the folks mingle and enjoy themselves.

So today mingle.    Visit a friend who is ill and, or, housebound.    Stop off and buy a little treat , bring a tea bag along and fire up the kettle.  Spend an hour or so visiting, catch up with each other and know you have brought some sunshine to one who is at a low ebb.  Illness is never fun.  Most of the time 'it' is not catching so it is safe to visit.    Be a volunteer, a harbinger of good deeds that say out loud . . I love you.     

And I do.    I'll be back.     Have yourself a day to remember.    Be good, be kind, be gentle  and be a volunteer.  Hugs to all.

 

And I said

I cannot imagine that those in authority would even think of taking away cursive writing.  I know the latest interest is in electronic gadgets and that is all well and good, but writing should never go out of style.  One should always be able to sign their own name, write a love note, send a written word to those they like and love.   It is the personal touch that should never be lost.  It is a sign that you care.  It is beautiful to see , even if printed.   

We cannot get enough of that...good words, good deeds, good thoughts.

this is a picture of the camp children granddaughter Erin put together this summer.    It started small last year and grew;  oh my how it grew and it was a huge success.  The children loved it and even the bullies came around.   Erin and her helper did a great job and had fun as well.   The  hard core kids gave it up and had a good time.;   We are so proud of Erin and the work she does.  She is a born leader and it shows.

I would love to be walking the beach this morning, or any morning, yes, I miss Brookings, friends, and Lone Ranch beach.

A quiet day yesterday and it was fun to relax and read and do the big puzzle on the puzzle board.   It looks like a giant mess and it is as it is signs of all kinds.   It is not an easy puzzle but it is a fun one.    The last one proved to be a little more difficult after it was more than half way done.  The last ;pieces were all alike and almost all the same shape so it never did get finished.  When they cease to be fun , then it is time to put it back in the box.    I thank son John for his gift of the puzzle board, it is such fun to use .  it spins, so if you do not have one and you do ;puzzles, be sure you look into buying one.   

My blinds are open.  The cars are coming in slowly this morning.   The workers must have a different time shift.   Maybe there is a different crew on and they park elsewhere.   The blinds of the hospital wing are closed and there is little movement in the parking lot this morning.   It is early and just because I get up in the wee hours does not mean everyone else has to.   I wonder what it would be like to sleep in;  something I have never been able to do.   Four or Five a.m. seems to be a good time to rise, coffee always taste good and that nap in the chair a bit later doesn't hurt at all.    

I am babbling as there really is nothing new and different to tell you about.    At the Sunday affair our King Louie, the photographer was telling me he is kitchens and that is good news as he has been a chef more than once in his lifetime.  We can use someone who is acquainted with good diets and not afraid to add a bit of color to the meals.    Imagine me writing about having dinner and not complaining.    That old adage of "Will wonders never cease" comes to mind.   

We are thinking about a trip to the lavender fields now that Pat has had the car brakes done.   The responsibility and upkeep of an automobile is always with us.    There is always something that needs doing.   The fields are quite a distance but it is a nice ride.    It is fun to go into the shops and have lavender ice cream and shop for some of the cremes and lotions.   We bring home a small bunch of the lavender as well and it brightens up a room.   We are thinking of a beach trip too, but that is summer planning, as to whether or not we can fit some side trips in only time will tell.   One gets wrapped up in the business of the day and making plans to vacation takes time and effort and expense.    The thing is to stop talking about it and do it...go and enjoy a break.   

So if you do vacation, send pictures and words and tell me all about your good rest time.   Everyone deserves one.   In fact it is good for the body and the mind.    We all need to have some down time, so don't be bashful, make plans and go for it.   

Be good, be kind, be gentle and as Teddy Roosevelt once said "and carry a big stick".    Make it a walking stick and give it a good workout.    Head for a beach or a mountain trail and get yourself in shape.   Exercise the body and the mind.   Be healthy and happy.  YOU can do it.  GO!!  Enjoy your summer .  Hugs to all.

Weekend

The Floral Show and Reception at the Sydney Gallery

The treats

Angie Smith a real sweetheart taking time out in the lavender fields

 Angie saw a mother and daughter enjoying the lavender fields and asked to take their picture.    They seemed so happy and content with their  tour of the fields.    Hopefully we will be making a trip to the lavender fields soon.   

We spent Sunday at the Gallery for the Floral Show and we surprised and pleased at the turnout.   It was a lovely day to be out and about, an occasional spritz from the heavens but not enough to call a shower.   The Gallery door was open and in walked some interesting folks who showed their appreciation of the wonderful floral show, and their chance to meet the artists.   You can see the spread we had for them, in the picture above, and  know there was not much left at the end of the day.    It is nice to see the young families  come through and see how the youngsters are being taught good manners.   There was no grabbing  or pushing, each waited for a parent to give the signal that it was alright to fill a little plate with some goodies.    The children are so cute to watch as their eyes get bigger and bigger knowing they can have a cookie in each hand and one for the mouth.    The adults seem to go for the cheese cake, one of those assorted ones when you cannot make up your mind which one you would like to devour.   All I can tell you is there was not many crumbs to clean up.   

Several of the artists came and spent some time with their fans.   One lady bought three paintings and was so happy to meet the artist in person.    She had a talk about the paintings and found out a bit of the history of where the artist was when he set up his easel and recreated a beautiful scene at one of the beaches.   He loves to do water and waves and his pictures show his love for the ocean.   When things quieted down, Pat and one of our favorite visitors, Fred, spent some time hanging , or should I say filling in a few spaces with new pictures.    They started off with some seascapes, but it didn't take them long to find some of their favorites and make the art wall a wonderland of beautiful pictures.    A lot of love and a lot of work goes into this gallery.  The folks here are very proud of their gallery and it shows.

We start of a brand new week and I wonder what we will plan to do with our seconds.    There are several places we would like to go but maybe not on a Monday.  Monday seems to be a catch up day, or I should say a day to relax after a hectic weekend.    It is so much fun to take part in preparing a show at the gallery , but it is a lot of hard work.    It is fun and we wouldn't do it over and over again if we didn't enjoy it.    There are many helping hands, willing members who are happy to share themselves with kitchen work as well as entertaining the public.    A few mothers have set their caps on introducing their daughters to the world of art.   The children seem to take it seriously and love it.  

Now if we could capture the thief who has taken the days receipts twice now, it would give us all a little peace.   It is hard to believe we have a thief in our midst, but we do and it is maddening but also sad.  

 So today offer up a little prayer that this culprit develops a conscience.   Why it is anyone thinks that stealing of thing, a word, a deed is a good thing is beyond me.   It shows a lack of love within themselves and their fellow man.    Our world is an imperfect place as we find out more every day.   The ten commandments show the way to peace and serenity but for one reason or another folks do not want to follow the rules of life.   We continue to break a commandment, one at a time, and then we wonder why life is so hard.    Look to yourself, make changes that are necessary and start your day with an uplifting thought or deed.    Make your today the beginning of a week of being good to yourself and then share some of your seconds with those you like and love.    You can be a harbinger of good will or one of doom and gloom;  choices. . . they come to you second by second . . . be wise . . be a leader of good will and share you with those you like and love.   Hugs to all.

Sunday all Day

Words of Wisdom

What a cutie.

Looking for a new bonnet?

Good Sunday morning.   Looks bright out my window this morning.    We had a tiny bit of sprinkle yesterday, it tried to rain but passed us by.   I did some inventory work at the gallery and it is a slow tedious job but it has to be done.   It keeps me busy and I am grateful for that as I get to meet some nice folks who stop in to see the latest work of the local artists.    The new floral reception is today, so I get to go back over to the gallery and help set up all those goodies and fix a little lunch for me too.  The ladies did a great job hanging the new florals and each one is truly a work of art.  My favorite, if I were to vote, is a beautiful picture of daisies, Although there is one of a tiny Hummingbird that hovers over a lovely rose that would be hard to pass up.  All in all, I'd say this is one of the better shows and hopefully a lot of folks will come out and enjoy it.  An open door is always an invitation to come in and yesterday we had several folks stop in.   Two ladies from North Dakota  enjoyed their visit and stopped to chat awhile.  

I have mentioned the theft of funds from the gallery boxes.   Another theft occurred and this time the thief left the money bag in the bathroom toilet bowl empty of bills but left the coins.   The ladies have a good idea of who this thief is and are taking steps to end the budding career.They are reluctant to turn this person over to the police  but I think a good scare might be the cure.    If  they turn the other eye it could lead to a much larger scenario down the line.  they really would be doing a favor and restitution is painful.

It is time to make my coffee and get ready for a new day.    The reception should be fun today and I get to meet and greet some of the folks who stop in to view the new art work.   Patricia is in charge of the kitchen so she will keep me busy.  I get to be one of the chief tasters and make sure those cookies and cup cakes are up to standard.   Of course a sandwich would help keep up my spirits and a cup of coffee would keep me awake.   These are the prices we pay  for being helpers at the gallery..smile.

So today might be a good day for you to make a plan to visit your local gallery and see what the local artists are doing.    There is so much talent in our world.    Some are born with miracle fingers that bring nature to life in their work.    it helps them to continue when you show an interest in their work.
Be good, be kind, be grateful for all the good in your life.    If you are bogged down with negative thoughts, get up and get out and smell the roses.   Find reasons to be bright and cheerful.   You can hunker down in a flunk and be miserable or you can get up and get on with your business for the day. Take time to call a shut in.  Take time to be a friend.   Take time to donate to a just cause.  Take time to be alive and fruitful and thankful for all you do have.  Some folks have little or nothing at all.  Share YOU with those you like and love.    Share  is a word that encompasses love and laughter as it invited YOU to join with those you like and love.   Hugs to all.

Bridge

Sydney Art Gallery and the new Flower Power Show has been hung.

In Hunan Province there is a 68 foot long bridge, 718 feet above ground.   Israeli  architect Haim Dotan takes credit for the glass bridge.  Imagine what it feels like taking a walk over that chasm.

How well we know life is not perfect.  I'd vote for sweat pants to be the normal wear for a daily outing.   You have to admit they do not do a lot for the fashion world, but oh the comfort world, now that is something else again.  As for 'junk food, you know we couldn't exist without it.  Imagine having to give up your favorite brownie or a big fattening doughnut....heaven forbid.  Guys will remain confusing, but they say the same thing about us gals.   Isn't there an old adage about never the twain shall meet. . . it is fun to keep trying.   As for goodbyes. . . I think I like Hello better.

A weekend already, wow, this past week went bye in a hurry.   The weather stayed comfortable, a few short drizzles but not enough to get your hair-do wet.   Vinne showed up for a reading and we finished the Navy book.   Now on to some murder and mayhem.   He had gone down and picked up his mail, another package, I think he buys everything and anything and this time it was a tiny car that was really well made to add to his collection.    He has airplane models in his bedroom and automobiles in his living room.   Soon he will run out of space.   He hasn't invited us to see his collection as yet.  I think he said something about having to spruce things up before he can have company.    We had one of those dinners that promote a gas effect on the body so he was at my door looking for something to ease his problem.   He has money for everything but the necessities of life;  I guess that is what friends are for..smile.  

The blinds are open, the day is a soft one, grey skies and no wind, a usual Northwest day.   The workers are coming in for the day shift , moving slowly;  fixing hairdos; walking slowly into the building as they prepare for another shift with the folks who are ill and confined to a hospital bed.  It is a blatant reminder that one of these days anyone of us could be a guest over there.  They will be very surprised we know them already as we see them each morning walking pass the windows here at Ridgemont.  

I am going off to the Gallery today as both of my daughters are on duty.  I have some inventory work to finish up.   Did I tell you there was another bout with a thief who stole the money bag this time.   It is sad to think there is someone so low they would steal the little token given to the up keep of the gallery.    First a picture, then the cash box, and now the daily receipts.   It is so sad to know there is a thief among us.  

It is time for a refill then off to get dressed and out the door.    I hope you are doing just that; preparing for a new day filled with challenges.   If you choose to have a down day, that is fine, but if you have some extra pep and energy, call a friend and go shopping, stop for a bite of lunch and do a little catch up.  Share you with those you like and love.    Be good, be kind, be gentle and be a blessing instead of a pain in the "arse" .   Be a 'show off' and let every one know how truly wonderful you really are.    Hugs to all.

A strange

A Strange flag as to the colors of the stars and stripes.    A symbol of  of death.  A banner to honor those who gave up their lives for our freedom.   We cannot bring the brave fighters back but we can pray for their souls and honor them for the gift they gave us. . . the horrid news of more inner city deaths is not what they fought and died for.

Ben Carson says it all.

A city found by a farmer in 1850;  older than the pyramids.  it was found in the Orkney Islands of Scotland and it is thought the Picts resided here. There is so much to learn.  So much we do not know about.   Each new find is a treasure trove of our past history and geography.    Our curiosity is peeked and we want to know more about the history of the people who came before us and spread out over out little globe.    The older I get the more I realize how little I know.

Friday has arrived and most will be happy to see the weekend and rest time for some, work time for others who have to catch up on all the chores they couldn't or wouldn't do all week.    Chores just do not do themselves;   about time someone found a 'cure' for that.    Eating out is not the answer as that is expensive and last evening when Patricia, and I waited for Christine to join us at the Lighthouse, our waitress came over with the menu,then left giving us time to study the menu.  I already had my heart set on some of their ribs which they are famous for.   Christine was to join us so we sat perusing the menu when the waitress came back and told us that the dinner prices were going up thirty percent as the workers wanted to make the fifteen dollar an hour wage and that still had a fifteen percent tip to add;  my, are we not getting to emulate the big cities....so we opted to leave and go to Moon Doggie Two.   We left the restaurant and met Christine in the parking lot and flagged her down to follow us.    she did agree with our stand on the raised prices without any warning.   You would think they would have waited and put out a new menu with the new prices.   So we will cross of The Lighthouse and find our ribs elsewhere....Pat's grill is a better place and the price is right.  We can shop for the ribs and she can fire up the grill.

Moon Doggie Two was crowded , as usual, and the owner , a very personable fellow, waited on us.  We told him about the Lighthouse and the new prices and warned him he would be getting a lot of new customers.   He said he was not increasing his prices and would welcome new folks.    They have a nightly special and last night was steak night.  I ordered the burger with mushrooms and it was delicious.   The girls had the steaks and left no crumbs behind.    Going out to eat is sometimes cheaper than buying food in.   The steaks in the meat counters are high priced , while the restaurants have always been able to buy a good cut of beef and add delicious sides at a reasonable price.   Sometimes it is best to go out.   I don't mind that at all.  I think I have reached the " I don't want to cook any more stage"...I know I have, been on that road for some time.   I do miss cooking and baking as I loved to do it.  But time has a way of changing ones mind.

So today, Friday all day, what we used to call 'fish day' , think about fish and chips, a favorite of mine.   Think about chowder, clam chowder or fish chowder, yum.   Some will turn their noses up but we old New England folks have a hankering for those fish dishes.     I grew up on corn chowder for Friday fare for years, yetch.....I'll go for the clams every time.   Talking about food reminds me that it is time for breakfast.  I have a bagel waiting to be toasted and even have the cream cheese and jelly to ;put on it.  So off I go, I'll add a cup of hot coffee and my day will be off to a good start.   So up you go, set the coffee pot and look and see what you have. to make getting out of bed worthwhile.    Greet your day with enthusiasm;  wake up with a smile, stretch your mind and think about what you want to do with your seconds today.    Be sure you share YOU with those you like and love.   Don't be bashful, be brave and hug as many folks as you meet today.  

Be good, be kind, be someone everyone wants to share time with. . . be You .  Hugs to all.