Words of Wisdom

If I Had My Life to Live Over

by Erma Bombeck....

(written after she found out she was dying of cancer)

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn! With my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's"; more "I'm sorry's."

Thanks to my friend Debbie in Idaho, who sent this to me!

Ahhh.... Sunshine!

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun

And I say it's all right

Little darlin' the smiles returning to their faces

Little darlin' it seems like years since it's been here

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun

And I say it's all right

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

(Lyrics by George Harrison)

Welcome back, Sunshine. It's been a long, long time!

As the World Turns

I have two teenagers, and two toddlers. I know what you're thinking.... "What were you thinking?!!!!!" Well, that is altogether another story, but let me sum it up as, "When God wants you to have a child, there's no stopping Him!".

So, my experience has given me the wisdom to know the difference between teenagers and toddlers. Size. That's it. The difference between teenagers and toddlers is the size of their bodies; otherwise, it's "Me, Me, It's All About ME!"

I was not prepared for the concept of the world revolving around them to reappear at age 11 or so. I was quite taken aback, in fact. "But no," I reminded my firstborn, "the world does not revolve around you. Don't you remember? I taught you that when you were two!" She didn't remember. Either did my son, and I'm sure memory loss will trickle down to my third and fourth children as well.

I read a little ditty awhile back that is priceless. I must post it in my home. "No, the world does not revolve around you... you're just dizzy."

I have four very dizzy children... that are loved very, very much.

Dropping Faults

Do not think of your faults, still less of other's faults; look for
what is
good and strong, and try to imitate
it. Your faults will drop off, like dead leaves, when their time
comes.

.

~John Ruskin, English Writer, 1819-1900

Schoolmarm

Here are some interesting facts about female teachers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I wonder how many would choose the profession if the rules remained the same...

• teachers were often forbidden to marry



• they were not allowed to be in the company of any man but their father or brother



• were not to wear fewer than two petticoats



• forbidden to smoke cigarettes or dye their hair



• they were not allowed to loiter in ice cream parlors

We've come a long way, baby!

(Information taken from We Americans, published by the National Geographic Society)

Celebrate!

Happy 40th Birthday to my dear friend, Lisa K.!

A Little Bit of History

I read something the other day that astounded me. I don't ever remember learning this in school; that doesn't mean that I wasn't taught it, I just don't recall this information. Unfortunately, there is probably quite a bit I don't recall!

Well, let me give you a bit of history; it has to do with the Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued in January of 1863. Did you know that the Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves that were in states rebelling against the Union? Slaves that were in the Union, and slaves that were in southern states that were already under the Union's control were not freed.

Sad, isn't it?

The following is a letter to President Lincoln, written by Annie Davis. It is taken from A Patriot's Handbook, by Caroline Kennedy.

Belair [Md.]

Mr president It is my Desire to be free. to go to see my people on the eastern shore. my mistress wont let me you will please let me know if we are free. and what i can do. I write to you for advice. please send me word this week. or as soon as possible and oblidge.

Go forth, and enjoy your freedom.

Beautiful

It isn't a matter of

black is beautiful

as much as it is

white is not all

that's beautiful.

~Bill Cosby

Wise Investment

Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough.

~Mary McLeod Bethune

American Educator

1875-1955

Hat of Many Colors

Hmm... maybe I need one of these while I make salsa next time!

(See the next blog... it'll make sense.)

Now You're Cookin'!

Lately, I have been a bit bored with the whole idea of cooking. I tend to go through stages. At one point I can be creative, and think cooking is a lot of fun, and not long after, it becomes a chore that I dread. Now, you may think it is because I have four kids, and the chances of making something everybody likes is about as likely as my husband planning a Phantom of the Opera night out, with costumes and all at the Paris Opera House. (Oops... there I go again on the Phantom of the Opera thing. Did I happen to mention how much I love that movie and soundtrack?)

Anyway, I would like to share an idea I have had lately. It has helped put a bit of pizazz into the daily chore of feeding my family. (Guilt, guilt, guilt... I'm sure Mrs. Cleaver never saw it as a chore!) Well, whenever I can, I tie music into whatever it is that I am cooking. For example, today I made salsa. Now salsa takes a bit of time to make; it could be considered to be a real drag. Not for me! I get everything out, washed, and in its' place, chill the Mexican Beer, and put on some Salsa music, or a Mariachi band. I truly have a great time as I chop away, dancing to the music. Dean Martin works well for Italian nights, along with a glass of red wine. I think I'll look for a red and white checkered tablecloth! I have been know to sit down at the table, and insist that everyone talks with an accent... to match the ethnic food, of course. Personally, I think that is hilarious! I usually have tears from laughing so hard. My teenagers, on the other hand, think I have lost more than a few marbles! I can guarantee you, that some day, while they are eating Kung Pao Chicken with their kids, they will not be able to resist the urge to start talking with an Asian accent!

So ladies, I feel a dare coming on! What's for supper tomorrow? Whatever it is, find some music, a good drink, and work on that accent!

Bon Apetit!

Phantom of the Opera

Okay girls....

I tend to be way behind the times on some things, and this is one of them. I just saw Phantom of the Opera for the first time. I am hooked. What a beautiful story in so many ways... beautiful love story, incredible music, and breathtaking costumes and set designs.

Well done, Warner Bros.; in my opinion, it is one of the most well made movies I have ever seen. If you like musicals, this is a must see.

Mountains Out of Molehills

I have a wonderful pastor. He is by far, the most encouraging, positive person I know. It was his birthday the other day, and I read about his day on his blog. (Check it out... it is posted above under "Blogs I Like to Visit"... Revitalize Your Church.) I smiled throughout the post as I read his excitement and total appreciation over everything from phone calls to beetles. Now, I know I am always appreciative over phone calls on my birthday, especially when it is my father-in-law singing "Happy Birthday" to me; brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. But I don't think I have ever looked at a swarm of beetles as a chorus of birthday greetings before.

So, I have decided to make mountains out of molehills. "What?!," you say? Yes, I will make mountains out of molehills for the good stuff in life. It is so easy to get caught up in the pressures of life, motherhood, jobs, discipline, and the ugliness in the news that we forget to notice really beautiful moments. May I find awe in the simple things in life. May I splash in the rain puddles with my little ones, reclaim the excitement to be found in the perfect ice cream cone, laugh with my teenagers until my stomach hurts, chase butterflies, and realize just how cool those skateboard moves are. I want my breath to be taken away each time my husband walks through the door. I want to give more hugs, and let my friends and family know they are cherished. I want to look at the next sunset as the wonderful thing it is... God's Masterpiece painting just for me and you.

Want to climb the mountain with me?

The Greatest Generation

It is, I believe,

the greatest generation

any society

has ever produced.

~ Tom Brokaw

Let Me See Those Pearly Whites!

As long as you live

keep smiling

because it brightens

everybody's day.

~Vin Scully

Quit Yer Bellyachin'!

Helpful Suggestions
from Joyce Meyer


(Taken from her book, I Dare You.)

• We can complain about what we cannot do, or we can do what we can do.


• We can complain about the conditions in society and wish someone would do something about them, or we can pray.


• We can complain about what we don't have, or we can be thankful for what we do have.


• We can find fault with our friends and family, or we can thank God we are not completely alone in life.


• We can complain about the job we have, or we can thank God we have one.


• We can complain about traffic, or we can thank God we have an automobile when most of the world still walks everywhere they go.


• We can complain about the weather, or we can thank God we are healthy enough to go outside.