Prayers

Opal needs prayers as does her children. Dad died last night at 11:00 pm. thanks.

interesting words for my new way to think

I think these are my present 'most interesting' words. scintilla...sclaff...oakling...morion...Mormon...felucca...feria...fence time

The fence time was closed on the Mormon,
And they seemed to know,
For they flew at great speed,
To the waters off the coast of France.

It struggle in the wind.
The breeze on shore was stiff for the little oakling,
It struggle in the salty breeze
A far off scent of seaweed filled the shore.

A felucca moved across the water
Dressed in the colors
For the feria of Santa Luccia,
The greatest feast day for no reason.

On board the felucca
A Wizard gazed into his morion
For a vision of the Future,
As she silently moved on the sea.


There in the morion was the smallest
Laziest sclaff, but it was there,
The wizards eyes were sure now
This was to be a long trip with little profit.

Laughs

Belly Laughs

As children, we laugh hundreds of times each day, delighted by the newness of living. When we reach adulthood, however, we tend to not allow ourselves to let go in a good belly laugh. Inviting laughter back into our lives is simply a matter of making the conscious decision to laugh. Though most of us are incited to laugh only when exposed to humor or the unexpected, each of us is capable of laughing at will. A laugh that comes from the belly carries with it the same positive effects whether prompted by a funny joke or consciously willed into existence. When our laughter comes from the core of our being, it permeates every cell in our physical bodies, beginning in the center and radiating outward, until we are not merely belly laughing but rather body laughing.

Laughter has been a part of the human mode of expression since before evolution granted us the art of speech. Through it, we connected with allies while demonstrating our connection with people we didn't know. In the present, laughter allows us to enjoy positive shared experiences with strangers and loved ones alike. Yet solitary laughter carries with it its own slew of benefits. An energetic and enthusiastic bout of whole-body laughter exercises the muscles, the lungs, and the mind in equal measure, leaving us feeling relaxed and content. When we laugh heartily at life's ridiculousness instead of responding irritably, our focus shifts. Anger, stress, guilt, and sadness no longer wield any influence over us, and we are empowered to make light of what we originally feared. Laughter also opens our hearts, letting love and light in, changing our perspective, and enabling us to fix our attention on what is positive in our lives.

It is easy to laugh when we feel good, but it is when the world appears dim that we most need laughter in our lives. Our laughter then resonates through our hearts, filling the empty spaces with pure, unadulterated joy. We regain our footing in the moment and remember that no sorrow is powerful enough to rob us of our inborn happiness. When we understand that uninhibited laughter is the food of the soul, nourishing us from within, we know instinctively that life is worthwhile.


What do you think?

Angels in the P.O.

I have all too often wished there were more angels in the systems everywhere. Here is one that has captured my heart. Rocco...


Subject: One of the sweetest emails you will ever read! And one I just had to post for you.




USPS Story (US Postal Service)


Our dog, Abbey, died Aug. 23. The day after Abbey died, my 4 year old, Meredith, was SO upset. She wanted to write a letter to God so that God would recognize Abbey in heaven. She told me what to write, and I did. Then, she put 2 pictures of Abbey in the envelope. We addressed it to God in Heaven, put two stamps on it (because, as she said, it could be a long way to heaven). We put our return address on it, and I let her put it in the drop box at the post office that afternoon. She was absolutely sure that letter would get to heaven, and I wasn't about to disillusion her.

So today is Labor Day. We took the kids to the museum in Austin; and when we came home, there was a package wrapped in gold on our front porch. It was addressed to Mer. So, she took it inside and opened it.

Inside was a book, "When Your Pet Dies", by Mr. Rogers (Fred Rogers). On the front cover was the letter we had written to God in its envelope (opened). On the opposite page was one of the pictures of Abbey taped on the page. On the back page was the other picture of Abbey, and this handwritten note on pink paper:

"Dear Mer,
I know that you will be happy to find out that Abbey arrived safely and soundly in heaven. Having the pictures you sent to me was a big help! I recognized Abbey right away!

You know, Mer, she isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me (-just like it stays in your heart-) young and running and playing. Abbey loved being your dog, you know. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep things in-- so I am sendingyour beautiful letter back to you with the pictures--so that you will have this little memory book to keep.

One of my angels is taking care of this for me. I hope this little book will help.

Thank you for your beautiful letter. Thank your mother for sending it. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.

God blesses you every day and remember, I love you very much. By the way, I am in heaven and I'm everywhere there is love.

Signed,
God, and one of his special angels
(who wrote this letter after God told HER the words)."


How wonderful is that! I never knew there were angels working the post office!

Talking about subsidies.

Taking the subsidies away from the Tobacco industry would surely stop subsidies the farm industry. It would create food more expensive to the public. This would decrease the amount of extra monies available to purchase new cars every couple of years. We would not be able to take those expensive vacations to Disney World or Cabo San Lucas, or the Bahamas. We would need to live with-in our means.
We live a life style that is subsidized to the hilt. Our economy is held up by credit and an ever more increase in credit to those who are least able to afford off. Farmers get a credit increase on the speculation of next seasons crops. People are given an increase in credit to purchase those “necessary goods” to make their lives a better. One example is the new long term credit line to purchase a new car. WOW! 96 months to pay your new car off. Never mind it will cost you double to have that new car and that you will be top heavy and not be able to sell or trade your car for 5 of those 9 years or 8 years or even 7 years. You have your NEW CAR for now at least. Purchase a home? The cost of home could become something that your debt will be inherited you’re your children to finish paying, if you could ever find a home you could qualify for. Now 50 year loans are being available.

If we are to be a part of the worlds “People” and we must be a part of the worlds paying. The price of gas is subsidized, the price of food is subsidized, the Auto industry is subsidized. Practically everything we use, eat and otherwise pay a lower price for is subsidized. We have been sold a bill of goods that says we DESERVE these things, We have a right to them. We are the strongest and the biggest guys on the world, so we aught to be able to spend and use at the rest of the worlds expense. I wonder?

Love is Here to Stay

THIS IS WHAT LOVE IS ALL ABOUT!
It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 A.M., when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated thathe was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took hisvital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hourbefore someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at hiswatch and decided, since I was not busy with anotherpatient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it waswell healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the neededsupplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation. I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursinghome to eat breakfast with his wife. I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if shewould be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longerknew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. Iwas surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, eventhough she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is." I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life." True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and willnot be.

On the road again

Sounds like a great song title. I have had my share of travels these past months. This week I am in Utah and doing a service by performing a wedding for a bloodbrother and his younga bit longer est son. As I do NOT fly, the travel is slow but then I do stay on the ground. My concern is the lack of comfortable land transportation. The car is way to expensive and not as earth friendly as I would like. The Bus system is a disaster, both in accomidations and friendliness of the staff in general. I have given up on trying to find a bus with a comfortable seat. The last but not least is the rail system. Because the owners of he different rail services have yet to grow up and realize they have a role to fill as movers of PEOPLE (as well as merchandise), and that people are the major priority, the ability to reach any destination is poor at best. The only line I have found to be of any effective way to reach places, is the norther routes. Then with the decreace in destinations, even that is very selective. What has happened to the priority of service and safety for the public? Why is there nolonger a pride in being a member of the FAMILY of America? Afre we to be set as just another piece of merchandise to be stamped and herded from here to there?

If you are in the least disabled...watchout! Our overall view by the merchant and the government is just a large bit of lip service. i have found the general view is that I am an inconvience and a source of more money by the general public and the travel systems. The bus makes it clear that to travel with them I must be able to manover the steps onto the bus w/o driver of attendant aid. If that cannot be accomplished...tough. after all it is the cheapest way to travel and those who are on fixed income (low to lower middle class) ARE JUST S.O.L..

The trainer are a bit better, there is a small section down in the lower level to aid the disabled to travel. It IS in the wheelwell of the trains. sights are the bottom of boxcars as you pass or the other passenger train wheelwell passangers on the passing trains. Never mind the diner ot the observation areas, the lap top electrical outlets, or the idea of a hot cup of coffee easily available. OH NO!!!!!! Heaven forbid. Don't let anyone see they carry us on the train. It takes special measures to get into that wheelwell from the get-go. Why????? is our money less worthy of the cash box than others. Try a sleeper. If you cannot get to the upper level you arfe not considered a 1st class passenger. Whoa, I just paid the extra 400 plus dollars for my little not see berth, why not 1st class.

Now for late trains! when a train is late say 9 hours, people say...Oh!, that's not too bad, last month I was 12 hours late and had to wait two day for the next trian as the run everyother day. What 12 hours late! Two day wait! Come on folks... if you want better service and more travel destinations AND better service...stop being so understanding and accepting the all too many EXCUSES for BAD service. If your trip is a round trip, you gwet to do it all over again. Remeber that bad service or lack of care of wheelwell passage, you think it has changed? They peoiple change not the service accessability.

You may notice I have not started on Air Travel in those cattle cars. Nor the lack of assurance at the airports you will be safe on this plane. HOMELAND SECURITY will see to you feeling you are atleast due to be threatened by some terrorist from iraq, no wait ireland, no wait china (oops prefered trade nation), no wait MARS,... for the crying out loud. We have more to fear from the homeland security than any one group of people traveling by air. Who's fault was the "9-11" tragity anyway. Moneymakers who didn't care to be more aware of who they taught than how much their 'tills" would ring. So now we have a small form of the Nazi S.S. working well in the USA. Thanks to Mr President and the panic congress fearful they would be seen as cowards not to be leaders and clear thinkers i n taht time of crisis.

Well, it is now 7:14 and the day here is due to begin. See you later.
Peace

To run or not to run

Facing Problems
There are times when change is the right thing at the right time. There are also times when the urge for change is really just a desire to run away from problems that need to be faced rather than avoided. These are the kinds of problems that recur over and over again in your lives. A couple of example, issues with co-workers that seem to arise at every job we take, repeatedly getting into unhealthy relationships. A move might temporarily distract you, and even cure the problem for a time, simply by taking you out of the situation in which the problem fully manifested itself. However, the problem will eventually appear again in your new situation.
One way to make sure you aren’t running away from your problems is to notice whether you are moving towards something that is exciting in its own right, as opposed to something that is appealing only because it is not where you are now. For example, if you are leaving a city because you feel you can’t afford it, you could be reinforcing poverty consciousness, and you might find that you are unable to make ends meet in your new city as well. It would ultimately be less of an effort to stay where you are and look more deeply into your beliefs about money. You may discover that as you address these issues, you are able to make more money simply by changing your mindset. You may still decide to move, but it will be an act with a positive intention behind it and not an escape, which could make all the difference.
Any pain involved in facing your issues is well worth the effort in the end. When you face your problems instead of avoiding them, you free your energy and transform yourselves from people who run away into people who move enthusiastically forward.

Boiled Chestnuts in Dulce de Leche

Boiled Chestnuts in Dulce de Leche

Cooks.com - Guide - Chestnuts

Cooks.com - Guide - Chestnuts

Family

We Are Family
When it comes to our families, we sometimes see only our differences. We see the way our parents cling to ideas we don’t believe, or act in ways we try not to act. We see how practical one of our siblings is and wonder how we can be from the same gene pool. Similarly, within the human family we see how different we are from each other, in ways ranging from gender and race to geographical location and religious beliefs. It is almost as if we think we are a different species sometimes. But the truth is, in our personal families as well as the human family, we really are the same. A single mother of four living in Africa looks up at the same stars and moon that shine down on an elderly Frenchman in Paris. A Tibetan monk living in India, a newborn infant in China, and a young couple saying their marriage vows in Indiana all breathe the same air, by the same process. We have all been hurt and we have all cried. Each one of us knows how it feels to love someone dearly. No matter what our political views are, we all love to laugh. Regardless of how much or how little money we have, our hearts pump blood through our bodies in the same way. With all this in common, it is clear we are each individual members of the same family. We are human. Acknowledging how close we all are, instead of clinging to what separates us, enables us to feel less alone in the world. Every person we meet, see, hear, or read about, is a member of our family. We are truly not alone. We also begin to see that we are perfectly capable of understanding and relating to people who, on the surface, may seem very different from us. This awareness prevents us from disconnecting from people on the other side of the tracks, and the other side of the world. We begin to understand that we must treat all people for what they are—family.

Winter

A Season Of Slumber
In times past, the bare-limbed trees, long nights, and biting chill of winter signified to all that the time had come to slow down. Humanity emulated the animals, retreating into cozy dwellings where they sustained themselves on foods harvested late in autumn and passed the time in peaceful reflection. Today, most people proceed ruddy-cheeked through winter’s frosts, ignoring the profound effects cold weather has on their bodies and their minds. Yet the beauty and significance of wintertime cannot be so easily overlooked. As the temperature plummets, leaving the air crisp and the landscape bare, we tend to crave warmth and relish rich foods. The presence of loved ones seems more comforting when blustery winds rattle window panes and we feel compelled to conserve our energy by engaging in only the most soothing of activities. Though your daily schedule may remain more or less the same no matter what time of year it is, you will find in winter many opportunities to honor the way in which you are impacted by this most magical of seasons. At first glance, the world may seem desolate during the coldest months. Yet there are many unique and stimulating sensory experiences to be had—in the intricate beauty of individual snowflakes, the patterns of frost that form on your windows, the tang of smoke from wood-fueled fireplaces, the crunch of freshly fallen snow under your feet, and the briskness of the air. Do not be afraid to venture joyfully out into the cold and the snow as you may have when you were a child. A tingling and reddened nose is a small price to pay for a clear mind and invigorated soul. If your body articulates a desire to rest, give yourself permission to spend your free time reading, writing in your journal, daydreaming, engaging in artistic pursuits, playing board games, working a puzz! le or meditating. Many plants, like the tulip and the apple tree, would not blossom in the springtime were it not for the period of dormancy that is the gift of winter’s chill. Their example can inspire us to use this season of slumber to cleanse ourselves of spiritual and emotional detritus like flora shedding lifeless foliage so that we, too, may emerge from under the frost refreshed and renewed when spring arrives.

Merry Christmas

Rediscovering Your JoyfulnessHoliday Blues
The holidays can trigger the blues for a lot of people. We all have associations with the music, the decorations, and the foods that are so pervasive at this time of year. We may look back on a happy childhood and feel that our present situation doesn’t measure up. On the other hand, we may be reminded of what we wanted but didn’t get as children. Either way, our real lives are unfolding in the here and now. This is a new holiday season altogether, and we can find joy in the fact that we can make it our own and let it be new. One key way to reinvigorate your holiday is to let go of feeling obligated to engage in rituals or situations that make you feel unhappy. It is easy to get lost in the trance of tradition and lose track of who you really are and what serves you as you are now. But there is a wonderful payoff if you take the time to touch base with what you really want and give it to yourself. When you take care of yourself, your capacity to give to others expands exponentially, and so does your innate joyfulness. The first step is taking time to sort through any baggage that’s nagging you. If sad memories present themselves, know that you are not alone. It is well-documented that many people suffer from depression at this time of year. The key is to face these feelings, hear them out, and fully process them so that you can be free again. Try giving yourself the space and time to consider what will be truly healing for you this year. Perhaps you’d rather go on vacation to a tropical island with friends than go back home to a dysfunctional family. Maybe you’d prefer not to exchange gifts. Maybe you want to change-up the traditional dinner fare and make something profoundly healthy or exotic. As you infuse this holiday with new energy, you will feel your blues lightening and your joyfulness steadily on the rise. Try to make this holiday season about who you are now, not what you were in the past. Enjoy.

10 solutions for the holidays

Holiday Eating Tips
-------------------

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single- malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano.
Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do.
This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each.
Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin.
Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have SOME standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, totally worn out and screaming,

"WOO HOO what a ride!"

GROWING IN CONFLICT

Meeting Conflict With An Open Heart

Conflict is part of our lives because our beliefs and modes of being often differ powerfully with those of our loved ones, acquaintances, and associates. For all the grief these disagreements can cause, we can learn much from them. How we handle ourselves when confronted with anger or argument demonstrates our patience and the quality of our energy status. To resolve conflict we need to approach our adversary with an open heart filled with compassion. Judgments and blame must be replaced with mutual respect. Conflict is frequently motivated by unspoken needs masked by confrontational attitudes or aggressive behavior. When we greet conflict with love and acceptance in our hearts, we empower ourselves to discover a means to attaining collective resolution. The key to finding the wisdom in conflict ask yourself why you clash with a particular person or situation. Your inner self may be trying to point you to a specific life lesson, so try to keep your eyes and ears open. Once you have explored the internal and external roots of your disagreement, make the conscious effort to release any anger or resentment you feel. As you do so, the energy between you and your adversary with change perceptibly, even if they are still operating from a more limited energy state. Consider that each of you has compelling reasons for thinking and feeling as you do. Accept that you have no power to change your adversary's mind. This can help you approach your disagreement rationally, with a steady voice and a willingness to compromise. If you listen thoughtfully and with an empathetic ear during conflict, you can transform conflict into compromise. Examine your thoughts and feelings carefully and you may discover stubbornness within yourself that is causing resistance or that you are unwittingly feeding yourself negative messages about your adversary. As your part in a disagreement becomes more clear, new conflicts become another chance to further your learning in empathy, compassion, and tolerance.

Decisions of Life

Decisions of Life

The decisions we make each day shapes who we are and what we are composed of. When we choose one option over another, we shape our lives. The decision making process allows us to enjoy the benefits of self-determination. It can also be a source of anxiety. Decision making forces us to face the possibility of dissatisfaction. As a result, many of us choose to avoid making decisions and allow others to make them for us. We turn our power over to others; spouses, relatives, friends, and colleagues, granting them the power to shape our lives that is ours by right. Though the decisions we make are often difficult, we grow more self-sufficient and secure each time we trust ourselves enough to choose. Ultimately, only we can know how the options before us will impact our daily life and our long-term well-being. Within us lies the power to competently weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each decision. Even if we feel incapable of making a decision, our inner wisdom and our intuitive mind will give us sound counsel if we have faith in ourselves. Try to come to our own conclusions before seeking the guidance of others, and even then, treat their suggestions as suggestions rather than votes pro or con to our own conclusions. Before making our choice, release the fear of wrong decisions. Perceived mistakes can lead us down wonderful and unexpected paths that expose us to life-changing insights. If we can let go of the notion that choices are utterly right or entirely wrong, we will be less tempted to invite others to take the reigns of our destiny. When our choices are our own, we will be more likely to accept and be satisfied with the outcome of those choices. Our decisions will be a pure reflection of our desires, our creativity, our awareness, and our power. Since we understand that we must live with and take responsibility for our own decisions, we will likely exercise greater care when coming to conclusions. As we learn to make autonomous choices, secure in the knowledge that it is our information and not others opinions guiding us, we will gain the freedom to consciously direct the flow of your life without interference.

Season's Change

Season’s Change

Today's marketplace has made it possible to provide for ourselves and our families irregardless of nature's season’s. While most of us no longer depend directly on the seasons for our livelihood, our internal clocks still know deep down that a change of season means a change in us too. We may feel out of sync, if we don't acknowledge this, as though we have lost our natural rhythm. Autumn brings thoughts of harvesting by going back to school to collect knowledge or crop preserving… in both cases, the chill in the air tells us it's time to move inside and prepare for the future. We can consciously celebrate the change of season and shift our energy to setting some time aside to make the same changes we see in nature. We can change colors by putting away our bright summer colors and filling our wardrobes and living areas with the warm hues of yellows, reds, and browns. Plants concentrate their energy deep in their roots and seeds, we can retreat to the more quiet pursuits, nurturing the seeds of new endeavors, which need quiet concentration to grow. We can stoke our fires of life with our favorite coffees, teas, ciders, or cocoa while savoring the rich, comfort foods that the season brings with an array of fall colors: potatoes, apple pies, pumpkin, squash, and corn. As animals begin growing their winter coats and preparing their dens for hibernation, we can air out our favorite sweaters and jackets and bring blankets out of storage, creating a coziness with throw rugs or pillow covers. We can also light candles , lanterns or fireplaces to bring a remnant of summer's warmth and glow indoors. The muted light sends a hint of a softness and the promised quiet of winter to come.By being a conscious celebrator of the change, we usher in the new season in a way that allows us to transform our lives with the warm glow of the promised season. We set ourselves up to the rhythm of nature and carry ourselves forward, being nurtured, as we prepare for our future.

Living with pain

I have been struggling with some issues of medications and pain. I have become ever so much tired of taking the amount of pain and other medications to keep my in a reasonable state of mind and body. With the changing weather and the aging process, I am looking for a way to be a bit more comfortable and yet decrease needing to take the 13+ medications and 7+ supplements in ingest daily. I have the desire to take less and yet function. There are times when I look at he meds and my wonderful wife has to make up the weeks pill box.

What a way to live... What a way to see the future...

I know all the reasons for taking my meds as prescribed and in a timely manner. The daily routine has been going on now for some 25+ years. As my body fails to respond to my wishes, I find there are new pains and restrictions to what I can do. I also see there are more "wish-list goals" I am forced to relinquish. At the age of 68+, I feel as though I must find a way to do the traveling and the renewal of friends I have lost track of. I have tried to see what may be instore for me as I age more.

I am blessed with several friends that want me to visit with them. The problem for me, as is the usual case of many the elderly, is funding. I have been graced by a generous gift to travel by train to the east coast to visit an old friend. My Wife says I can stay as long as I wish. I have chosen to travel the last of October and return the last of November. There is a series of trains to transport me to my destinations. It has been more years than I care to remember since he and I had a good chat and some general loosening of our cares. While there, we may be able to travel to Canada for a visit with other friends we both share. If not, then maybe a short trip to Williamsburg for a short sojourn to the past. Then again, we may be just content enough to sit on the porch and listen to the loving sounds of nature.

This Blog is a way for me to vent my feelings on the many topics I am confronted with. Today I am bit scattered in my thoughts and it seems to show here.

I have a question to ask of anyone who wishes to answer. What do I do when it is painful to sit, stand or lay down. What will I do about the many little things I enjoyed yesterday that are being dimmed by my slowly loss of sight. How can I really be at least content what my hearing is dimmed and my mind has lost a bit of its concentration. Then there is the big question... At what point is it ok to be done with living and what could be done to find peace.

I work with several people to find the ways and answers I am asking about and to share my experiences with them to help them cope. All too often what they are going through I have or am doing the same. If I listen to what I am suggesting, I can hear the answer I most need to hear. I've been told that is the case all too often.

I suggest they dwell on the little positive things in their lives and slowly let those thoughts overtake the negative thoughts they are experiencing. Well, just a thought and a few things to put down for now.

Peace and Harmony.

Against The Grain

Going Against What Is Popular does no longer seem the status quo. I am appalled at the ease with which the citizens of the U. S. are willing to give up their freedoms because of some contrived threats from the government. Yes there was a disaster on Sept. 11, some years back. That does not mean there is a disaster gojng to happen on 9/11 everyh year... There has not been a Pearl Harbor since 1942. Of course thered has not been a Victory dasy since V J day in 1946. Since then we havve just been lead down the primrose lane with a judasgoat as a leader.

Just because an idea or way of doing things is popular doesn't mean it's right for everyone. However, part of the way that something becomes popular is that many of us don't take the time to determine what's right for us; we simply do what most of the people we know are doing. In this way, our decisions about life are made by default, which means they aren't what we call conscious decisions. There may be many other options available, but we don't always take the time to explore them. This may be the result of feeling overwhelmed or pressured by family, peers, and humanity at large, to do things their way, the way things have always been done. Regardless of the cause, it is important that, as often as we can, we decide for ourselves what to do with our lives rather than just drift along on the current of popular opinion.

It is not always easy to make decisions that go against the grain. Many people feel threatened when those close to them make choices divergent from the ones they are making. Parents and grandparents may be confused and defensive when we choose to raise our children differently from the way they raised us. Friends may feel abandoned if we decide to change our habits or behavior. Meanwhile, on our side of the fence, it's easy to feel frustrated and defensive when we feel unsupported and misunderstood simply because we are thinking for ourselves. It can be exhausting to have to explain and re-explain our points of view and our reasons.

This is where gentleness, openness, and tolerance come into play. It helps if we are calmly persistent, consistent, and clear as we communicate to those around us why we are making the choices we are making. At the same time, we have the right to say that we are tired of talking about it and simply need our choices to be respected. Our lives belong to us and so do our decisions. Those who truly love us will stand by us and support our choices, never mind what's popular.

Heaven or Hell

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, "Lord,
I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like." The Lord led the holy
man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.
In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the
table was a large pot of stew which smelled delicious and made the holy
man's mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly.
They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long
handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach
into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer
than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.
The
holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord
said, "You have seen Hell."

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as
the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew
which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the
same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump,
laughing and talking. The holy man said, "I don't understand."

"It is simple" said the Lord, "it requires but one skill. You see, they
have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves."