Chapter 7, Page 30, Book 09

What is the Secret of Success?

Takes pain, said the window.

Keep cool, said the ice.

Drive hard, said the hammer.

Be up to date, said the calender.

Never be led, said the pencil.

Be sharp, said the knife.

Make light around you, said the fire.

Stick to it, said the glue.

Be bright, said the lamp.

There is no point at which you can say, Well, I'm successful now. I might as well take a nap.

Carrie Fisher

GOOD MORNING !

Do you think you are a successful person? I think that I am still working on it. Just about the time I’ve reached the top, something always happens that lets me know I’ve a long long way to go.

I truly am a work in progress so to speak. I have achieved many milestones on the journey I call my life, but I’m still going strong. Certainly not as strong as I’d like to be yet I’m still on the pathway and many curves and bumps in the road have taken their wear and tear.

We all lead such different lives and have different abilities and purposes. Some are nurses or doctors, some are teachers and lawyers. Some like me are just waiting to retire.

I want to be able to achieve some things I’ve never tried and to enjoy life to the fullest. Opportunities come and go and I’m going to be looking for some new ones coming my way. Oh yes, I am a work in progress for sure.

Tomorrow is a vacation day for me so I’ll be gone now for 3 days. I hope your weekend is one filled with lots of R & R. You’ll all be in my thoughts and prayers.


THOUGHT FOR TODAY

That man is successful
who has lived well, laughed often,
and loved much, who has gained the respect
of the intelligent men and the love of children;
who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
who leaves the world better than he found it,
whether by an improved poppy,
a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty
or failed to express it;
who looked for the best in others
and gave the best he had

Robert Louis Stevenson

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 7, Page 29, Book 09

The only reason for being a bee that I know of is making honey....and the only reason for making honey is so I can eat it
Winnie the Pooh

THE honeybee is known for ceaseless labor. Its hive is a hotbed of activity. No wonder. A single worker bee makes 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime, and a good hive will produce 50 to 60 pounds of honey to survive the winter. The work never ends!
Still, it's a little known fact that even the hard-working honeybee will find a spot on the comb, cease all activity -- and do absolutely nothing for a while!
Many of us discover that our levels of stress and anxiety rise because of the never-ending tasks that fill our days. We worry about whether we can keep up. During these moments I find it best to follow the example of the honeybee and just stop.

GOOD MORNING!

Sometimes I feel like I’m on a merry go round and often think it will never stop. When those times come it also seems as if anything I try to do is fruitless too.

The best thing I can do for me and others around me is just stop and take some time out. If I’m at work a little 5 minute break often works wonders. If I’m at home I can just go for a walk around outside and look at the flowers blooming everywhere or watch the birds at the feeders.

No matter what taking some time just to breathe helps for sure.

We’ve all heard about taking deep breaths when we are overwhelmed. They do help !


Tart words make no friends;
a spoonful or honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar

Benjamin Franklin

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 28, Book 09

I used to spend at least 8 hours every weekend making sure things were just perfect "in case someone came over". Then I realized one day that no one came over; they were all out living life and having fun!

Author Unknown

GOOD MORNING!

So many people run around looking for miracles when they don't realize that they are the miracle. Waking up each day is that start of that miracle

We live moment to moment, living, breathing, hearts beating, each moment a gift from God

Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own

I may be an optimist, but I've had my share of downtimes. Looking for the miracles in each day can lift me out of the darkest of moods.

It's a miracle we're all here. It's a miracle that we can learn something new every day and know we'll never run out of new things to learn.

I thank God for making this coming day the best day of my life ...

And I do hope yours is one too!


THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Each of my days are miracles. I won't waste my day;

I won't throw away miracle

Kelley Vicstrom

‘On Ya’ -ma

Chapter 7, Page 27, Book 09

Happiness is a bowl of cherries and a book of poetry under a shade tree

Astrid Alauda


The tastes of summer

A homegrown tomato is the crown of many gardens, a jewel in sun

Peaches, ripe and juicy

warm sunny days with an abundance of farmers markets

a sweet refreshing watermelon

fresh yellow perch fresh from Lake Erie

an ice-cold popsicle, straight out of the freezer

GOOD MORNING !

I do love summertime and we have been having lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to eat. They do taste so much better when they are right from the garden. I don’t have a garden but the local farmers market has a good selection.

I put a few pictures of the Christmas in July celebration at the campground in the side bar for you all to see. My kids decorated to the hilt this year. Friday evening was nice so they were able to get a lot of it done then. Saturday brought some rain but it cleared up in the late afternoon so they added even more lights to everything they could around our campsite. They do love to decorate and had a lot of fun.

DDIL had shredded a bunch of paper to use as a fire starter but we wound up using it for artificial snow and the grand’babes’ had loads of fun having confetti snowball fights. We sang a few Christmas songs and got to see Santa. That is a highlight for the little ones for sure.

Sunday turned out to be a beautiful day and all the decorations had to be taken down and put away so it was good it wasn’t raining. They said it is easier taking it all down than putting it up. I mostly watched and enjoyed it all.

I hope your weekend was a great one and you are ready Monday. I say ‘Ready or not, Here I come’



THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Vegetables are a must on a diet.
I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie

Jim Davis


‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 24, Book 09

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

In the northern hemisphere during the summer months the weather becomes increasingly warm and many people crave the atmosphere of cooler temperatures, gift giving and holiday spirit. To satisfy this, some people throw parties during the month of July that mimic the holiday of Christmas. The features of Christmas in July include Santa Claus, ice cream and other cold foods and gifts.


My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?

Bob Hope

GOOD MORNING!

Tomorrow we are celebrating Christmas in July at the campground. About the only white stuff we’ll be seeing is those white downy things that float in the air from the Cottonwood trees. It’s supposed to be in the 80’s with a chance of rain this weekend.

Santa always comes on his golf cart sleigh wearing his Hawaiian shirt so we decided we’d do a luau themed Christmas in July. Ham and pineapple kabobs are on the menu. Of course I’ll take lots of pictures to share.

I’ll be remembering you all in thought and prayer though out the weekend and I’ll be back, God willing, on Monday morning!


THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Christmas is not a date. It is a state of mind

Mary Ellen Chase

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 23, Book 09

Realize that true happiness lies within you.
Waste no time and effort searching
for peace and contentment and
joy in the world outside.
Remember that there is no happiness in
having or in getting,
but only in giving.
Reach out share, SMILE, hug.
Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others
without getting a few drops on yourself

motivational speaker Og Mandino

I read an article recently about What Makes you Smile. The idea being that you should focus only on those things that bring a SMILE to your face. If it does not do so, then stay away from it.

Lots of things make me smile. The list is endless. The truth of the matter is that too often is not possible to stay away from the things that we cannot smile about. There are those circumstances in our lives that are here to stay awhile so what can we do about it?

We can choose to SMILE anyway.

We can be involved in a negative situation and still choose not to let it drag us down. It’s not always easy to do that and is something that requires a bit of work for sure. Your smile can exert a positive, powerful force on a lot of dealings with people.

On days when I am not particularly cheerful, I smile as though I was cheerful. It may not make me feel elated, but it does make me feel better

Hopefully, you will have much to smile about. On days when you do not feel like smiling, smile anyway. A smile can alleviate sadness without any side effects.

Smiling or even seeing somebody smile releases endorphins that work in the brain to give an overall feeling of well-being

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Happiness leads to smiling, and smiling leads to happiness. Happiness is your natural immunity, having a profound, positive effect on your health and well-being. If you are happy, smile. If you aren’t happy, smile anyway. It will help you get there


***BIG SMILE***

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 22, Book 09

Life in the Present: A 10-Step Approach

1. Do one thing at a time. Single-task, don't multi-task. When you're pouring water, just pour water.
2. Do it slowly and deliberately. You can do one task at a time, but also rush that task. Instead, take your time, and move slowly.
3. Do less. If you do less, you can do those things more slowly, more completely and with more concentration. If you fill your day with tasks, you will be rushing from one thing to the next without stopping to think about what you do
4. Put space between things. It's a way of managing your schedule so that you always have time to complete each task. Don't schedule things close together - instead, leave room between things on your schedule
5. Spend at least 5 minutes each day doing nothing. Just sit in silence. Become aware of your thoughts
6. Stop worrying about the future - focus on the present. Just focus on what you're doing, right now. Enjoy the present moment
7. When you're talking to someone, be present. focus on really listening, on really enjoying your time with that person
8. Eat slowly and savor your food. Savor each bite, slowly, and really get the most out of your food. Interestingly, you'll eat less this way, and digest your food better as well
9. Live slowly and savor your life. Just as you would savor your food, do everything this way - slow down and savor each and every moment
10. Make cleaning and cooking become meditation. They are both great ways to practice mindfulness.. Put your entire mind into those tasks and do them slowly and completely. It could change your entire day as well as leave you with a cleaner house

When you get stuck in the past, or consumed by the future, it's easy to lose sight of the pleasures of life in the present.

GOOD MORNING !

I love a clean house and I love to cook. Most of the time though, the house is ignored and very little cooking is done here. Last night I made egg salad as I’d been craving it. That is the kind of cooking I do most of the time.

I love the feeling you get when the house is sparkling and every thing is in it’s place. Mine hasn’t felt like that for a while. The necessities get done and very little else.

By the end of a day at work I’ve done about as much as I can. When I’m no longer camping on the weekends more will get done at home, but til then I will not loose sleep over it for sure.

So according to the list above I have a few things to work on if I’m going to live in the moment. I really do think it is the best way to live. I’m going to start practicing those things on that list today. Nothing is ever as easy as it seems.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow -

but the rainbow may not wait...

Author Unknown

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 21, Book 09

Don't underestimate the value of Doing

Nothing, of just going along,

listening to all the things you can't hear,

and not bothering

Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A.A. Milne

GOOD MORNING!

By now I’m sure that you know how much I value my weekends at the camper. I know that I talk about it often enough. It provides me with companionship, smiles laughter and rest. It is important that we all take some time out. It’s also important to have someone to share a good laugh with too.

Sometimes the stress of our daily lives becomes almost overwhelming and to get away from it all is a blessing and I am thankful for it.

In times past I wasn’t able to get away for the weekend, but I still found ways to take a break and very often that break was reading a good book. I still read a lot but not as much as I used to.

All of us need to find some way to just let go of the troubles of the day and think some good thoughts and smile awhile.

In the middle of a hectic work day I always try to take a short break and get online to read of few of the blogs I like. There is nothing quite as relaxing going out for a ride down a country road on a horse or seeing how the tomatoes are growing, or even taking a walk on the beach. I do all those things through the blogs I read and I love it.

I hope you take some time out too! It makes a world of difference.


Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths

Etty Hillesum

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 20, Book 09

SUMMER PRAYER

Long warm days...

The pace of life slows...

A time for picnics and rest in the shade...

Lord,help me to rest awhile in the cooling shade of your presence.

Slow down my restless heart and fill me with gentle compassion for all your people.
Amen

GOOD MORNING !
As always on a Monday morning I’ll be going off to work once more. The weekend was cool but nice and it seems I did little but eat.

Thursday evening shortly after I arrived at the campground DS#1 and his wife came in and we off to eat dinner out. Two of their children had spent the weekend with DS#5 and his wife so they were down to 1 child at home and felt like going out.

Friday morning came and we decided to go exploring. There is the lovely place not 15 minutes from the camp and we had a delicious luncheon there.
Friday evening came and DD and her hubby came in along with DS#1’s other 2 children. We had a feast of Chili dogs and corn on the cob for our supper.

Saturday DS#1 and his wife made homemade egg rolls and fried rice and one of our neighboring campers brought over a scrumptious cake for dessert so we had another feast.

Sunday we had a hearty breakfast of French toast, bacon and sausage gravy and biscuits. I couldn’t eat everything, but I certainly made a good dent in it. By the time Sunday lunch rolled around we all dined on leftovers from the previous 2 days.

I mean to tell you I ate very well this weekend. Now I know I’ll need to cut back this week.

If anyone has ever made lemon mint tea please let me know how…I just love it.

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 16, Book 09

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans

John Lennon

Stop wishing and fearing the future long enough to be fully present in TODAY. Some great things are happening today that bear no resemblance to what you planned.

GOOD MORNING !

Each and every day is a new beginning. A new day that might not be all we planned. I know I make plans and hope to see them completed, but very often those plans just never get done. Life does have a way of changing moment by moment. In just one tiny second so many things can change.

It is good to make plans because without them nothing would get done. We just have to adapt a positive attitude that will carry us over when things don’t turn out as anticipated.

So you stepped on a banana peel and slipped yesterday, does that mean it will happen again tomorrow? There's always tomorrow - a tomorrow that can shine so long as you don't project yesterday's shadow upon it.

Too often we focus on the negative and forget about our countless blessings - health, friends, family, beauty, nature, our body, our mind, and life itself

The guiding principle for a joyful life is planning and preparing for the future, while at the same time accepting that you hold next to no control over future events. By placing no demands on the future, you can enjoy whatever it brings

I plan to have a peace filled restful weekend and I hope you all do too. As always you are in my thoughts and prayers.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
I Asked For...
I asked for strength... and God gave me difficulties to make me strong

I asked for wisdom... and God gave me problems to solve

I asked for prosperity... and God gave me brawn and brain to work

I asked for courage... and God gave me dangers to overcome

I asked for patience... and God placed me in situations where I was forced to wait

I asked for love... and God gave me troubled people to help

I asked for favors... and God gave me opportunities

I received nothing I wanted. I received everything I needed.

MY PRAYER HAS BEEN ANSWERED!


There are many wonderful things that will never be done

if you do not do them


Charles D. Gill

Chapter 7, Page 15, Book 09

If a Dog Were the Teacher
If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind

in your face to be pure ecstasy.

When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.

Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you’re scolded,

don’t buy into the guilt thing andpout.

run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

Stop when you have had enough.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you’re not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent,

sit close by and nuzzle

them gently.

GOOD MORNING!

I am a dog lover and even though I am now dogless, I have had dogs around me for the better part of my life. Sometimes just one and sometimes 2 or 3 at a time. I can really relate to the list about dogs teaching us things.

Sometimes when I’d be upset and in a rush, all they wanted was to play awhile or just get some lovin’ in. I had to give in and was always glad I did. Many nursing homes and hospitals have what they call pet therapy because they have found that taking the time to pet a dog or cat really does benefit the patients.

Dogs are good teachers and we could all benefit from following their advice.

A Little Summer time thought for today…

Benefits of Iced Tea

Iced tea may be the quintessential summer drink, but a glass is more than just a delicious refreshment on a hot day

All black and green teas, iced or hot, contain antioxidants called polyphenols. Research suggests that polyphenols work to track down free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cell structure. By combating free radicals, antioxidants may be able to prevent widespread cell damage and, therefore, decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer. Green tea gets more hype because it contains the highest concentration of polyphenols, but all teas, with the exception of herbal teas, contain some polyphenols

To get the most from a glass of iced tea, brew it from loose leaves or a tea bag using boiling water. You can add sliced lemon to perk up the flavor or, even better, fiber-rich crushed raspberries

MMMMMM…good!

Every day is a day to celebrate
Come along relax
and CELEBRATE with me

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 14. Book 09

BEND IN THE ROAD
When we feel we have nothing left to give

And we are sure that the song has ended

When our day seems over and the shadows fall

And the darkness of night has descended,

Where can we go to find the strength

To valiantly keep on trying,

Where can we find the hand that will dry

The tears that the heart is crying?

There's but one place to go and that is to God

And, dropping all pretense and pride,

We can pour out our problems without restrain

tAnd gain strength from Him at our side

,And together we stand at life's crossroads

And view what we think is the end

But God has a much bigger vision

And He tells us it's only a bend

For the road goes on and is smoother

And the "pause in the song" is a rest

And the part that's unsung and unfinished

Is the sweetest and richest and best

So rest and relax and grow stronger

Let go and let God share your load

Your work is not finished or ended,

You've just come to a bend in the road.

Author Unknown


GOOD MORNING !

I’ve been at that bend in the road several times in my life. I like to think about life being a journey and the road is what we travel on as we grow older. Bumps and potholes are there too and we must some how avoid them or repair the damage they cause.

One thing to remember is that as we go down that road we are never alone. We don’t have to be afraid of the unknown or worry about tomorrow. The good Lord is there always.

Being able to hang on and enjoy the ride is the trick. If we let little road blocks stop us from enjoying life, then we are letting the air out of our own tires. We need to keep on going. Life is an amazingly awesome thing. It’s so full of wonder and beauty that we often over look. I’m trying to take in each and every moment as it comes.

I hope you all do too.


THOUGHT FOR TODAY


St. Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly

where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities

that are born of faith in yourself and others.
May you use the gifts that you have received,

and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.
Let this knowledge settle into your bones,

and allow your soul the freedom

to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

This day and your life ... are God's gift to you,

so give thanks and be joyful always!
Author Unknown

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 13, Book 09

The wonders and fun of paper and plastic

Just sharing a fun thing I did at lunch time on my day off Friday.

Now on today’s entry:


Something happens to me when I witness someone's courage. They may not know I'm watching and I might not let them know. But something happens to me that will last me for a lifetime. To fill me when I'm empty, and rock me when I'm low

Holly Near

Some of the most wonderful things about people will never be seen by others: the secret generosity, the forgiveness for hurts that will never be named, the brave acceptance of illness and coming to terms with death. Remembering the courage everyone must summon — sometimes moment to moment — to face the difficulties of life, we take this day to celebrate the humble courage of the human spirit

From one of my daily meditations

GOOD MORNING !

We may not realize it but every day there are courageous people all around us. I know quite of few myself. Difficulties come to all of us in one form or another, but we don’t all handle them in the same way.

One of the best things we can do for ourselves is to take life one day at a time and moment by moment too if need be. This enables us to forget the past and focus on the now. It also helps us to stop worrying about the future.

Today is Monday and I go back to work once more. I am going to do the best I can to make it a great day. I hope you do too.


THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same

Anonymous

'On Ya'- ma

Chapter 7, Page 9, Book 09

We older women who know we aren't heroines can offer our younger sisters, at the very least, an honest report of what we have learned and how we have grown

Elizabeth Janeway

GOOD MORNING !

I still, on occasion, do some unwise things. I know that it requires making an effort to reach out, grab the opportunities and get the most out of them that we possibly can. Age can bring wisdom if we really work for it. Every day changes do occur and every day it seems I learn something new too.

We cannot remain stagnant in this world of ours. And if we are learning new things all the time it stands to reason that we’ll also find that the way we used to do things isn’t always the best way either.

Still somethings that I’ve learned over the years are things that just are…and will not change. I’ve found that putting your trust in God sure beats worrying your way through a lot of sleepless nights.

I’ve learned that prayers do work and that miracles do happen.

I’ve learned that with God all things are really possible.

Some things just don’t change at all.

I’ll be off to the camper after work so I’m wishing you all a great weekend and as always you will be in my thoughts and in my prayers.


THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Wisdom doesn't automatically come with old age. Nothing does - except wrinkles. It's true, some wines improve with age. But only if the grapes were good in the first place

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 8, Book 09

Characteristics of a healthy family
If your family doesn't already possess this list of characteristics, you now know what to work on!
Commitment to one another & a sense of connectedness
Adequate time together, which is spent effectively in meeting family needs, working together, and enjoying recreation.
Effective communication and conflict management.
Sufficient expression of appreciation and encouragement.
Agreement on and competence in the fulfillment of the roles and responsibilities of family life.
Shared spiritual life that gives meaning and purpose.
Involvement in, support from and contribution to their community and larger world.
Positive family identity and shared life story.
Ability to cope with crises and developmental changes

GOOD MORNING !

As you all know I truly value family life. It always warms my heart when I have my children and their children together. As they’ve all grown and have families of their own I know that some of the values that were developed in their childhood have carried on to adulthood and they are being passed on to their children too.

They don’t do every thing the way I did it that is for certain, but the basic values have carried through. All of them are very much their own individuals and not a carbon copy of mom and dad.

Many times things I’ve forgotten about are brought up in our discussions and I’m amazed at the things that they remember. I hear people say that they can see the love and caring that is evident in my family. I can only say that my husband and I loved them all so much that if anything else that had to have been absorbed. Not one of them could ever even doubt that at all.

If I was giving advice I would say that you can never love a child too much. A parent’s job, and I do look at it as a vocation, is to teach their children the values that will carry them through life.

It’s a good feeling knowing that with the good Lord’s help, I know they can take care of themselves and their families too.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Every child begins the world again.

Henry David Thoreau

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 7, Book 09

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world

Ada Louise Huxtable


GOOD MORNING!

I know that while I’m at my camper for the weekend it seems I am in a different world. Rarely do we even hear about what is going on in the rest of the world. The few days of peace and quiet are a blessing.

Last weekend however we did have a bit of campground drama and I hope it doesn’t become a habit as the peacefulness of the place will become a thing of the past.

Maybe it was just that there were a lot of people there for the holiday weekend. I do hope so. I really don’t want to see my relaxation spot shattered. I don’t like the bickering or back biting that can happen when folks are dissatisfied.

The drama had nothing to do with my immediate family so I’m thankful for that. We really do enjoy the peace and quiet and just get pleasure from our time together.

For the most part I feel like I add quality to my work days just because I take some time out on the weekends.


THOUGHT FOR TODAY

It amazes me that most people spend more time planning next summer's vacation than they do planning the rest of their lives

Patricia Fripp

‘On Ya’- ma

Chapter 7, Page 6, Book 09

Hollie over at www.lifeinasmalltown.blogspot.com gave me an award last week
for the Honest Blogger Award

Now the rules state that I need to post 10 honest things about me and then pass the award on to 7 other people.......well......here goes.....
1. I am 65 and looking forward to retiring next year.
2. I work for a contractor and am the only secretarial worker/office manager they have.
3. I am devoted to my family
4.I am a Christain and love the Lord.
5.The only pet I have left at my house is a very old Quaker parrot that is the same age as my youngest son
6. I enjoy camping and do it every weekend April through October.
7. I have 7 children. 6 boys and 1 girl.
8. I drive a 2000 Ford Taurus that I call the Silver Streak

9. I rarely watch tv and enjoy reading.
10. I enjoy the outdoors and all the beauty of nature

Thanks again Hollie......

I am not good at passing on awards but if you would like to list your 7 truthful things please pick up the award and follow the rules by posting your TRUTHFUL things on your blog.

GOOD MORNING!

I had a great weekend and am going to work again this Monday after having 3 nice relaxing wonderful days off. I have a vacation day again on Friday so I really am looking forward to another 4 day work week. The days always fly by but we had a great time. The pictures on the side bar reflect only a little of what we did. I can tell you we ate a lot and relaxed a lot and did little of anything else.

The babes all went to the local fireworks display on Saturday evening but I sat at the campground and relaxed some more.

Hope your weekend was a great one and you are refreshed and renewed for another brand new week.

‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 2, Book 09

Hot July brings cooling showers,

apricots and yellow flowers,

firecrackers, flags, picnics and parties

that help us herald the birthday

of our country.
Author Unknown
GOOD MORNING !
I love it when my 5 day work week becomes a 4 day one. Tomorrow is a vacation day and I’ll be off to my camper now til Sunday evening.
I do miss my computer when I’m gone, but there is just no connection there for me. Of course I keep busy with many other things anyway and there would be very little computer time to use even if I could connect.
Hopefully I’ll remember to take pictures for you all to see. It should be a good weekend weatherwise and peoplewise too. Last year at this time we were able to have my entire family together. It was one of the rare occasions that everything worked out and they all made it together at the same time.
I’ll miss having them together this year though. Out of my 7 children there will be only 3 of them and their families there. The other 4 have other plans and that is fine. Fine for them but not for me for sure.
As they’ve grown apart, scattered here and there, home doesn’t always have the draw that it used to. That saddens me but you know, I look at it this way, they are all healthy and working, and have lovely homes and a good life. There is always lots to be thankful for.
Have a great weekend and remember you’ll all be in my thoughts and prayers.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Slow down; God is still in heaven.

You are not responsible for doing

it all yourself, right now.
Remember a happy, peaceful time in your past.

Rest there. Each moment has richnessthat takes a lifetime to savor.
Set your own pace.When someone is pushing you,

it's OK to tell them they're pushing.
Take nothing for granted:watch water flow,

the corn grow, the leaves blow, your neighbor mow.
Taste your food.God gives it to delight

as well as to nourish.
Notice the sun and the moon as they rise and set.

They are remarkable for their steady pattern

of movement, not their speed
Quit planning how you're going to use

what you know, learn, or possess.

God's gifts just are; be grateful

and their purpose will be clear.
When you talk with someone,

don't think about what you'll say next.

Thoughts will spring up naturally

if you let them.
Talk and play with children.It will bring out the unhurried

little person inside you.
Create a place in your home...at your work...in your heart...where you can go for quiet and recollection.You deserve it.
Allow yourself time to be

lazy and unproductive.Rest isn't luxury; it's a necessity.
Listen to the wind blow.It carries a message of yesterday & tomorrow- and now. NOW counts
Rest on your laurels.They bring comfort whatever their size,age, or condition.
Talk slower. Talk less.Don't talk. Communication isn't

measured by words.
Give yourself permission

to be late sometimes.Life is for living, not scheduling
Listen to the song of a bird;the complete song.

Music and nature are gifts,but only if you are willing to receive them.
Take time just to think.Action is good and necessary,but it's fruitful only if we

muse, ponder, and mull.
Make time for play - the things you like to do.Whatever your age, your inner childneeds recreation.
Watch and listen to the night sky.It speaks.
Listen to the words you speak,especially in prayer.
Learn to stand back and let others

take their turn as leaders.

There will always be new opportunitiesfor you to step out in front again.

Divide big jobs into little jobs.If God took six days to create the universe,can you hope to do any better?
When you find yourself rushing& anxious, stop. Ask yourself "WHY?"you are rushing and anxious.The reasons may improve

your self-understanding.
Take time to read.Thoughtful reading

is enriching reading
Direct your life with purposeful choices,not with speed and efficiency.The best musician is one who

plays with expression and meaning,not the one who finishes first.
Take a day off alone; make a retreat.You can learn from monks and hermits

without becoming one.
Pet a furry friend.You will give and get the gift of now
Work with your hands.It frees the mind.
Take time to wonder.Without wonder,life is merely existence.
Sit in the dark.It will teach you to see

and hear, taste and smell.
Once in a while, turn down the lights,the volume, the throttle, the invitations.

Less really can be more.
Let go. Nothing is usually the hardest

thing to do - but often it is the best.
Take a walk-but don't go anywhere.If you walk just to get somewhere,you sacrifice the walking.
Count your friends.If you have one, you are lucky.If you have more, you are blessed.

Bless them in return.
Count your blessings -one at a time and slowly
Author Unknown
‘On Ya’-ma

Chapter 7, Page 1, Book 09

The angel of July brings a season of leisure, a time to play and replenish our energy.
The projects we began in the spring should be well underway and growing stronger on their own. July's angel urges us to take the time, now, to step back and observe what we have planted. The July angel encourages us to tend to the garden of our life, to care for what we have started, and to be objective enough to weed out the unhealthy or unproductive elements.
This angel of summer reminds us to nurture the people and things that bring us happiness, so we can produce for ourselves a crop of joy and fulfillment

GOOD MORNING !
There are so many nice things to celebrate in July. The birthday of our country is of course July 4th and there are usually plenty of nice warm days to enjoy the beach and picnics and campfires too.
I’ll be sharing plenty of quotes and stories on R & R – taking time out to refresh and renew ourselves and how to care for ourselves so that life can be more enjoyable and less of a burden.
One thing I’ve learned is that all work and no play makes for a very dull life. The good Lord gave us so much to enjoy that we do need to take the time to do so and in doing so also show our appreciation for it.
Each new month brings us some wonderful things to celebrate and I do try to do just that. Each new day is such a wonderful gift that we just cannot take those precious moments we have for granted.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

At five minutes and six seconds after 4 AM on the 8th of July this year,

the time and date will be

04:05:06 07/08/09.

This will never happen again


‘On Ya’-ma