Writer’s Quote Wednesday, 2015

Thank you Silver Threading for hosting this event. This week, I selected a quote by author, Sarah Ban Breathnach.

A close friend gifted me Breathnach’s book, “Simple Abundance” in the 1990s. This was during a period in my life when I was in the throes of dealing with a newly diagnosed condition of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Depressed and devastated about having to leave a career that I had devoted tireless hours to building; I wasn’t open to embracing her theory. Back then, I saw Breathnach and her book only as a popular read within my circle of friends.

Years later, I finally got it; and, since then, I read and re-read the essays in her book to remind myself how important it is to live simply and authentically. Today, It is my go-to inspirational uplift.

Gratitude Sunday: “Hearts As One Dream Beat Award”

Gratitude

I believe everyday there is something to express gratitude for. Acknowledging and expressing thankfulness, on a daily basis, is one of the most used tools in my Healthy Living War Chest.

Through the world of Blogosphere, I have found many, many bloggers who have given me a reason to express gratitude; and because of them I add new tools to my War Chest daily.

Grateful for Award

And, today, I am grateful to Beverly at My Wonky Donkey Life for nominating me to receive the “Heart As One Drum Beat Award.”

The rules for passing this award along is for the recipient —

“Within their posts whether if be through Poem or Word caring for others if a must for this award. Be through laughter or humor, photograph or story, love and compassion are mandatory.”

I say with the highest level of confidence the five nominees I have selected meet the must requirements for this award –

Caring for Others
Love and Compassion.

For me, their

Humor has generated laughter,
Words have raised awareness, and
Photographs have served to bring new people, places and things into my space.

And, without further ado, my nominees for the “Hearts And One Dream Beat Award” are:

Nominees, I leave you with the words of the Award’s creator:

“Together let us beat our drums for harmony, peace, unity and equality. Let the beat of your thoughts ripple out as we share our hearts in one beat of unity. (Sue Dreamwalker)

Gratitude Sunday – September 28, 2014

My Rocking Chair

Yesterday, Fed Ex delivered the cushion for my recently purchased rocking chair.

Soon lower temperatures will arrive in Florida. And, I look forward to the upcoming days of rocking in STILLNESS and QUIET as I look within for peace, love, and happiness. And, I AM GRATEFUL.

More and more, my life is expanding toward showing respect, expressing love, and performing acts of kindness to those whose path I cross. And, I AM GRATEFUL.

Thankful Thursday – September 18, 2014

Today, I Am Thankful for:

What Occurred on Wednesday:

My first-time visit to a dermatologist.
The diagnosis of Acne.
The newest side-effect of a medication prescribed in June to treat my Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Acne waiting until I reached the age of 72 to enter my life.
The topical treatment recommended, by the dermatologist, to correct this problem.

After leaving the dermatologist, I went to the local lawn and garden center to buy new plants.

What I Plan To Do Today:

Pot and add these beautiful plants to My Healing Container Garden.

“Be thankful for the morning light and the moonlight, for it reminds us that the beginning of everyday we are given the gift to shine bright but it is up to you to reflect from that gift and continue to shine through the darkness. Be the Sun and the Moon of your life. Please use it wisely.” (Unknown Quote)

Thought for Today: Tuesday, September 16, 2014

A Humongous Thank You to the People who have Liked, Commented and/or Followed this Blog

Gratitude Sunday – September 7, 2014

For almost five years, I have lived 2000 miles away from my children and grandchildren. While I love spending this season of my life in Florida with Hubby, I miss the times our family came together to support one another.

Yesterday was one of those times. It was the first soccer game of the season for our youngest granddaughter, Cupcake.

I am grateful to her cousin, CJ, our family’s “soccer superstar,” and the other family members who came out to support Cupcake.

Also, I am grateful to my son (Cupcake’s father) and youngest daughter (CJs mother) for the photos and their blow-by-blow report on the game. Cupcake scored a goal, WHOOPEE!!

Toy I Wanted For Christmas — Out of MAMA’s Reach

Toy I Wanted

More than sixty years ago, for months leading up to Christmas; I, along with three of my best girlfriends, imagined, dreamed and talked about getting a kid-sized doll on Christmas Day.

Out of MAMA’s Reach

I still recall the tears shed those many years ago when MAMA said I wouldn’t get anything for Christmas. Instead Kris Kringle was bringing my presents on New Year’s Day. She explained the money set aside for Christmas gifts would buy things for the new baby on the way. Mind you, it wasn’t her new baby.

Earlier in the year MAMA extended a helping hand to a niece who had recently separated from her husband. Pregnant with two toddlers, she moved into our four-room apartment. Our family of two increased to five. And, on December 11, the new baby boy arrived. Now, we were a family of six. The sole source of income for the entire household was MAMA’s salary. MAMA and I, a family of two, had struggled for years to survive on the meager wages she earned. But, she found ways to stretch the money to provide room and board for family members in need of help.

On Christmas Day my three girlfriends got kid-sized dolls. I was a little jealous and my friends tried to cheer ME up saying, “Kris Kringle will bring your doll next week.”

The Greatest Gift

On January 1, New Year’s Day, Kris Kringle arrived with a small-sized baby doll and other toys. While I didn’t get the kid-sized doll, I was gifted with two toddlers to play with and a new baby boy to hug and cuddle.

MY friends after a while tired of the kid-sized dolls. They visited almost everyday to play with ME and MY three little cousins,

I am grateful to MAMA for teaching ME at an early age to value the “Gift of Giving.” The quality of MY life is enhanced when I can make a difference in the lives of others.

Five of MY Favorite Gift of Giving Quotes

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” (Anne Frank)
“Happiness. …consists in giving, and in serving others.” (Henry Drummond)
“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” (Maya Angelou)
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” (Charles Dickens)
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” (Winston Churchill)