My day began as many others do. The morning was a bit cooler. I cannot say I am sorry ,as recently, the hot weather has taken a toll on my energy level.
It was a day of a routine schedule. Nothing exasperating, nothing remarkable , until I saw a statuesque young woman, with blonde hair, walking her dog. He was a fairly large, very black dog. They moved slowly together.
We passed and I said hello . I mentioned her dog limping….thinking perhaps the dog had twisted an ankle.
My Axel Bear, a Rottweiler, often charges across the yard to chase the sounds along the fence-line. In doing so, sometimes he twists his paw. One time he tore both ACL joints and was in severe pain. But that is another story……
She said her boy was eleven and had arthritis. I have some arthritis so I know how painful it is. I can voice my pain All a dog is able to do is limp, or pant, or sometimes voice an occasional whimper. All the owner can do for his or her beloved dog, is attend to the business of caring for the animal, when these things become obvious.
This afternoon I saw this patient and kind – lovely woman, walking her dog again. I watched her for a few minutes.
She was in pace with the animal in pain. She never hurried the dog or got impatient. She just lovingly stood as he looked around, sniffed the air, and decided when it was time to walk a few steps further.
It was genuinely an amazing sight to see. In recent days, I have read about dog owners giving their dog away when they get old…taking them to the dog pound, or trying to sell them saying,“We just moved and we cannot have a dog.” It makes me FUME!
When we accept the unconditional love of the greatest friend human beings have – a dog – we need to not only feed and care for them through out their young and vibrant years; we need to fulfill our commitment, as we would with a child, during those more difficult and painful years. We should not dump them because they need more care and perhaps medical help…or because we are fearful to see them wither on the vine and pass away.
As I watched these “friends” walking past, I could not help but ask what their names are. The young woman said, “This is Diesel and I am Donna.
I asked if I might write a bit about them, and though taken by surprise, she said it was alright.
I wanted to tell this LOVE STORY between a young blonde woman, and a very black older dog. The love was obvious. The patience and care was beautiful, and it touched my heart deeply!
If only everyone who accepted all that a dog has to offer, would fulfill a dog’s life, as this woman is obviously doing, it would be miraculous.
Bless them both. When the time comes for separation, I know, and believe with ALL my heart – God would never give us such a gift only to end the Spirit forever.
I believe Diesel will be playing, pain free, at the Rainbow bridge, and waiting with kisses and love in his heart, for his Donna!
The difference between positive thoughts and negative ones…is simply a word or two.
Rather than mentioning how much I MISS specific things, as an optimist I will say instead, I have WONDERFUL MEMORIES of things. It is so easy, but we get in the habit of using negative words and phrases, and our minds, being brilliant learning machines, places the words used into thoughts and feelings.
Today I would like to share memories of things I treasure. I will hope and pray that the children of today, though perhaps unable to enjoy the exact memories, will have exceptional memories of their own as they grow into adults.
The first thing that comes to mind: sitting in a tree when I was eight or so, and I enjoyed the sound of the birds and the big clouds mixing together before a storm. I ate so many tart green apples it did make me ill for a bit – but worth every moment I had sitting in that tree.
I remember how the sound of a train made me feel warm and think of places in the country and the thrill when the engine operator saw me and tooted his long horn. The sound still makes me stop and think….
I remember laying in the grass and listening to silence, while clouds configured into animals and faces, and wonderful things.
I remember riding my bike with my sister to the high school in the evening. There was no fear, no helmet, and no restriction to be home before dark. We dropped our bikes and changed into swimsuits and jumped into the pool. I loved to do a headstand in the water – legs straight as a board.
I remember walking on a downed tree with my cousin on the end of it, pushing it up and down to see if he could shake me off. We laughed and smiled and then went fishing on the river in Kings Canyon.
I remember seeing so many butterflies when the flowers came into bloom. A butterfly would flutter by…The bees came round too when the flowers were in bloom, another memory of joy.
I remember going to a camp where my brother and sister and I floated candles on little lily pads made of cardboard as a show of our faith in Jesus. The lake was brilliant with the light of so many that night.
I remember being scolded at that camp because I let a boy kiss me lightly on the lips. It is not the scolding that brings a fond memory, but because I liked the boy – it was the kiss!
I remember always, with my family, sharing laughter and song. Often we broke into song for no particular reason. We still do. I remember holding each of my children close to me, and thanking God for them.
I am joyful and grateful I was born with something inside my heart than always finds a way to smile and be positive. I believe I was born to love, and in turn, I have been given love by so many people along the way.
I remember as a young adult someone told me “I have the cracklings of a healer” – which to me is wonderful. I want others to feel their hearts almost explode with joy, and their bodies and minds to heal..I want them to KNOW and use the power of the Spirit within.
I am grateful for living, thirty years now, with a man who kept his promises…and still does.
Fireflies, bonfires, a church bell ringing, children giggling, the feel of a baby laying on your chest-your heartbeat and the infants heartbeat, the dog laying upside down, sleeping and snoring, the unity of loved ones when Spirit leaves a body, the faith that keeps you going even when it seems impossible, the movement of the foot when a piece of music begins and that rhythm awakens the body and prods it to get up and dance just for fun, a sunset on the beach with sand sifting between your toes, the sunrise in the pines when the smell of coffee and the sound of crackling bacon awakens you, the colors as leaves turn from green to red and drop off of the trees, the dogs jumping in a pile of leaves you just raked up, a child’s eyes as he sits up in a bathtub, after showing you he can put his head under water, the parents gathered together to watch the soccer game with the young children beginning to hone skills in physical challenges, the bravery of a young soldier when he comes home with only one leg and works to begin again, holding hands, a good movie that leaves you smiling and feeling elated, the smile of someone you don’t know sitting next to you in stopped traffic, the look someone you love gives you when they shine eyes upon you, and you know they love you, and oh so very much more……all the miracles of the moments, the days, the months, the years.
THIS IS my year of GRATITUDE for all the memories, and all the wonderful moments of life to come – NO MATTER WHAT!
I pray this will be the beginning of a new and beautiful year for you too! REMEMBER there are a few ways to make it happen.
No matter what happens keep in mind you ALWAYS have a choice in how you respond; make it a positive response.
Prayer works so use it. (Even if you question this, try one prayer a day and see what happens!)
Wake up and say, “This is going to be a very good day.” Turn around potentially bad incidents into a learning scenario, and move forward.
Think before you speak. As ye think, so shall ye become.
Be a better listener.
Love one another – and FORGIVE. We all make mistakes.
I am really sick and tired of all this talk about racism in the United States. I do not see how we can have a Mulatto president (no one ever says this but he is as much white as black, and that is called a Mulatto), a billionaire hostess for television (Oprah), sports and newscasters, movie stars, scientists,athletes, musicians, educators, mayors and other politicians, etc. etc. etc. and be such a racist country! I am not just talking about black – but Mexican, Asian and all other people originally from a different culture.
When you are born an American or become an American, or strive to become an American – then you are AMERICAN first, with individual “heritage” next = American African, American Mexican, American whatever!
We are a nation of mixed cultures, and if I do say so, whatever combination mixed seems to be quite nice combinations!
KEEP THE PEASANTS divided! That is what this is all about. If a people is divided it makes them powerless to have an uprising, or be any real problem for those “in charge” (politicians, bankers, and the fast growing monopolies).
They become just workers. You don’t have to stand united as a people to work 70 to 90 hours a week!
The PROBLEM, as I see it, IS AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN poverty and lack of REAL education. Poverty causes a multitude of problems.
Do I have answers? Not really. Prayers, anything I am able to do within the realm of my world, and perhaps sharing my thoughts with those of you who enjoy my blogs.
I don’t care for Oprah myself, and I have strong reasons for that – but truth be told – I don’t KNOW Oprah and I am no one’s judge! She did rise from poverty and sexual abuse, to a woman with power and money. It can be done.
Lastly for today, FYI, I am tired of being blamed for everything. I was born white (actually I am a mutt) and have a mixed heritage. I look white. I had NOTHING to do with what happened over 100 years ago. I believe in loving and kindness. I am no man or woman’s judge, and when I “select” people to hang with (and I am particular) – it has NOTHING, ZIP, NADA to do with culture or heritage. I want to spend my time with people who are loving, kind, curious, intelligent (that doesn’t always mean educated), funny, and very spiritual!
As a little additional factoid – it was the Portuguese who first used slaves from Africa. The people in America were the last to use humans for slaves. Did you know their own countrymen (Africans) sold the first slaves and many thereafter! The black man was the first to sell black men!
So lighten up everyone. The deal is to love the heart and spirit- and that comes in many colors!
I could have given up as my keyboard has been turning off and it is kind of distracting – HOWEVER, this has been such a strange day thus far, I need to share it. There will be two posts today.
The first one was my dream last night:
I saw the large pool and it was so clear I could see how deep it was. No one was swimming in the pool, no one near except a man and a woman who stood near the side of the pool in the shallow area. They spoke softly. As I walked the far edge of the pool I could hear his voice, now gruff and much louder. I could also hear the shrill and obvious displeasure in her voice. Both were talking at the same time.
I walked to the concert area and the group of women who had been practicing for weeks were arguing with four members of another group. I understood after all the practice they dedicated, they wanted to present their interpretation of the play.
I also knew the members of the other group, far more experienced and professional, and they were simply trying to offer suggestions to refine and excite the performances. Everyone was chattering loudly and defensively at the same time.
No one understood the others motives, really, they were just trying to hold on to what was so important it wound up in an arguement.
As I left the hall one frail girl asked a man of questionable character, if he could score any drugs. I walked by them quietly.
I entered the door to the left and saw the group that had been in the concert hall. Don’t know how they had gotten there without passing me in the hallway. The experienced and really good group were discouraged. They were talking about how they had spent years on the road working hard and still were left with a pittance and no place to go at the moment.
Somehow I knew the person who usually occupied the opulent and airy room. The bedroom had been neat, but once I spoke to the owner, and asked him if they could stay the night, and they knew it was okay, they began to drop their bags and instruments and sit or relax, one by one on a bed or chair.
The once attractive woman, now worn and exhausted, began to sing softly. Her sweet voice sent chills through my body as I recognized the words, “how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me…”
The words faded into silence as she wearily closed her eyes and her constantly wringing hands and body relaxed into a deep sleep. She was oblivious to the world around her. I could see her as a beautiful young woman. She still was beautiful in an ethereal way.
I knew they needed money and I opened my bag to find lots of money. There were rolled bills, a stack of flat bills – topped with a hundred dollar bill. There were several rolls of money and a heavy bag of change. I peeked in it and there were only quarters and half dollars. I had no idea where the money came from but felt pressed to count it.
I looked around and everyone else was either resting on a bed (or sitting) with a laptop near by, or one form or another of the almighty iphone. Each donned tiny earphones placed carefully at the lobe of their own ears. One man both looked and listened at two different electrical appliances at once, with the seriousness of someone trying to do the impossible “perhaps unboil an egg” I thought.
I remembered going to an enormous “event” earlier. The top of the building looked like the striped and vibrant design of an old time circus. Everyone had prepaid to enter.
I looked around and thought, “I am in the midst of so many things that mean absolutely nothing. Everyone works so hard and pay with the hours of their lives, and then they pay to enter this place and spend all of their money on things that mean NOTHING.”
It seemed preposterous to me.
I came back to the present moment began to count the cash. The bound stacks of money were different. Some lighter in tones and some quite a bit darker. I thought it might be counterfeit. Then I thought, it’s all counterfeit anyway…bills made of paper that purchase things that mean nothing. I thought of my home. Modest, sturdy, a place to sleep and be tied to day after day. – I paid almost $700.00 in interest alone. Everything seems to be counterfeit. “You pay to live and it’s all meaningless,” I thought.
$5,500 thus far. I knew it all was placed before our eyes (technology, things and money) to snare us into the trap. The almighty we dedicated our lives to brought distance and arguing between peoples. It took without return, except what “appeared” to be a fleeting moment of worth.
I thought all the beauty and things of actual value given to us freely, and how we all seemed to push these things aside for the shiny gold coin. I thought of God and opened my eyes and realized I had been dreaming.
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The second post will be after I grab something to eat. I felt my stomach hurt. God bless all those who find themselves hungry with nothing to eat.
Brad Culpepper, an Ex-NFL player has been accused of insurance fraud!
His case is really a complex one.
I HAVE to take strong pain medication for my injuries and two neurosurgeries that followed – JUST TO allow me to FUNCTION “almost normally”.
Because you can look at someone and see him or her act normally – at least in your visual perception – it does NOT me that person is without injuries or pain! If you saw his intrview he did take off his shirt and show two of the injuries.
I think most insurance companies are a total rip-off anyway. You have homeowners IN CASE something horrible happens and you need help. You have car insurance IN CASE you are in an accident. You have medical and dental insurance IN CASE you need work done on your body or teeth. You have life insurance for years, JUST IN CASE you die unexpectedly. It’s all pretty morbid.
Something many people don’t know is that most term life insurance policies (ones you think will leave your loved ones monetarily set) raise their premiums after ten years of you paying premiums. Most people don’t pay too much attention to paperwork, and my friend didn’t either. After ten years of paying a policy on her husband they upped the payments so high she could not afford to pay premiums, so she cancelled. Her husband died from a heart attack shortly thereafter.
There is a way to keep that from happening. IF YOUR COMPANY WILL DO IT, change that term life policy / or whole life, to “universal life policy” and you may pay a bit more each premium, but the payments will NEVER go up, and the payout is guaranteed the same!
Back to the subject matter! If I had published this yesterday I would have said the insurance company is full of garbage. Now I am sitting on the fence.
I do know when severely injured, pain and even some disabilites can be OVERWHELMNG. I am a Christian so suicide is out of the question – but there were more times than a “few” I really thought I wished I could kill myself. I am over that now with lots of prayers, ( a wonderful God), TIME (an inordinant amount of time), AND pain meds to get managing my pain so I can function and have a little life.
Even with pain meds I still deal with severe nerve pain and “other invisible problems.” I taught fitness for years, but I never thought of the nerves in the body until mine were damaged and some even killed!
As I wrote, some of my disabilities are visible. I have to use a cane. MANY more are invisible to the naked eye. I understand people looking at someone with those invisible disabilities and on pain meds, and think “they aren’t disabled at all!” BS.
DO NOT JUDGE SOMEONE because they are strong enough mentally and physically to “look” like they are fully functional and capable. Would you rather have them whine and cry and be intrusive to YOUR feeling good. You have a right to feel good. I am not going to wear a sign with specifics about my disability and pain.
Good for Brad in continuing his life. That being said, I read that he began mixed martial arts before receiving a settlement of $175,000.00. That is a difficult sport, unless perhaps, he was participating in a very modified program. That is possible. Perhaps in being active and accepting “limits” he helped his body to heal even more in time. That is possible too.
Here is where I stand on this particular subject. I am no one’s judge. No one can jump in my body and feel my pain, nor my motivation to work through constant pain.
Although a part of me says, I am glad he got a settlement. I saw his visible injuries, and he was obviously disabled in some ways, maybe many. I personally know MENTAL injury can take a constant toll on one’s life!
Insurance companies get their money regardless – unless the horrific happens. If he were taking a monthly disability year after year after year, like SO MANY FLAKES and FAKERS do, it would be different. He took a settlement. Perhaps then his tenacious spirit healed him further mentally and physically. I like to think in positive terms. Good for him! At least someone with a history of working and real injuries got something!!!
I find it disgusting that a man with REAL and PERMANENT injuries takes a settlement, agreed upon by the insurance company and himself. and then in their eyes- he should not get better. If he heals any more he is a faker. The healing must stop. Certainly if he is able to participate, working through the incredible pain, and taking heavy duty pain pills, it means he wasn’t really hurt. Come on.
I hope I am right, but again, I am no one’s judge on this planet earth. It is up to each individual how he or she lives life! If you are truthful then you cannot be caught in a lie. If you are honorable your character will excel and the person you are will blossom into something wonderful! If you LOVE, you cannot go wrong!
Have a stellar day. We all have the power to choose how our day unwinds. We have, at least, the power to respond to each thing that happens to us, and that is 100% all the time. I choose onward and upward!
I am not normally fond of what I used to call old time country, some might call it twangy….but the first time I heard this piece of music I couldn’t get it off of my mind. I really love the song! Check it out-listen all the way through and see if you feel the same way.
I’ve got a different version without the harmony vocalists..also a couple of other pieces of music I’d like to share soon.
I opted to model in this beret a “few” years ago – at least more than 25! Yikes.
Mine was angora. Ha ha. I just think this is very funny. “They say” every style that is old will come back again! Proven here. I do have some bell bottom slacks that I have had since the 60’s. Wide bell bottoms to dance in. Of course they are a tad tighter now!
Sometimes things are just funny to me. Humor is healing, you know – and for me that is necessary! Actually humor is very important for all of us to remember these days!
I believe it is a beautiful day. Even if I didn’t, I would talk myself into it by creating new brain cell impressions: It’s a beautiful day. It’s a beautiful day. It’s a beautiful day.
It works. Thoughts become your life. That’s kind of general, but it is true. Also the creating of new brain cells is true! We are a precision and wonderful human machine. Far better than any mechanical thing! Believe it!
Someone ask me if I would republish one of my posts, so that is what I am doing today. If you haven’t read it, I hope you enjoy it. I have published over six hundred and fifty posts! Yikes – I must love to write! Yes, I do.
So here it is. Enjoy and CREATE a beautiful day for yourself and those in your circle of life. Time is fleeting so take advantage of every single moment.
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Rambling from the heart
Beautiful is a friend who always there for you, even if she should be taking care of herself.
Beautiful is kindness that comes directly from the heart, and is unending for those in need.
Beautiful is a smile that doesn’t have to be pasted on, but one that reflects joy and sincerity.
Beautiful is character that molds itself from life’s experiences, and grows in quality and positive traits.
Beautiful is being able to face someone and look them in the eyes and know they love you too.
Beautiful is faith that is recognized, and credit given to He that paid the highest sacrifice.
Beautiful is genuine motivation to give something in life that shares healing with others.
Beautiful is a word that cannot be fully described, yet you know when you see real beauty because there is a vibrance, and a shining glow that can only be captured with the word beautiful!
Be beautiful – it’s possible for all – for beauty lies within the heart, so open yours and let your light shine. When you love, love will come to you bountifully.
Learn to give, and you learn to live!
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This photograph may have you wondering. I will explain. One day my daughter said her two children were bored. She got creative. She let them make a tent from moving a few things, using a few blankets, and a flashlight. They had a blast and when done invited her to join them. You can’t see the kiddos, but you can see my daughter’s leg. Have fun with your children. As I have said before, time is fleeting. To finish – at some point, they all pitched in to clean things up. What a great afternoon!
And to honor all our military who have paid the ultimate price protecting citizens- either with the critical loss of body and/or mind quality, and those who have given their lives in the service of all of us in the United States of America. God bless them, and God bless us all.
Photo taken during only one “conflict” – these were boys and girls we lost in ONE DAY.
In case you haven’t heard, KRAFT SINGLES AMERICAN CHEESE (date 2/20, 2/21 2015) – is being recalled. I know this is something lots of kiddos like, so wanted to let you know ASAP.
Do you know what the biggest killer of man is each year? You are going to hate this (at least I do) – mosquitoes! 2.7 million deaths a year attributed to mosquito bites.
Please get out the “deet” or whatever you KNOW will keep them away, and protect the children and yourself!
Lastly for this short post – serious research has shown that employers do discriminate against people who have been unemployed long-term. They believe the talent and skills atrophy. If you are one of these people get that resume out, refresh it, and start hitting the pavement.
Among the long term unemployed there are higher numbers of depressed people, divorce rates are higher, and so are suicide rates!
Even if you have to take a position that is “less” than you have gotten in the past, just remember working is good for the Spirit, and any money earned is more honorable than money “taken” because of lack of effort.
God bless you and your loved ones. These are tough times around the world, and we need to love one another and practice peace (as best we can)!
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“The bulk of the world’s knowledge is an imaginary construction.”
Helen Keller
“I wish I had time for eventually.”
A line from the new Batman
(Which, by the way, I really enjoyed. Lots of action and special effects – good diversion.)
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CREATE each moment as in individual piece of artwork! Love vigorously. Laugh.
Relax, it's just Life! 