It occupies my time~

Every morning I go to my special desk where I write articles for the blog. Sometimes I eek out a poem or two. Before you know it I'm looking around the yard, through the window, and my mind becomes occupied by the tasks I want to do. I close my notebook and head to the yard with gloves in hand. Even when it rains I want to be outside.

My blessing is 1.20 acres of land. There's room for a full size garden. There's a large forest and I've been through it; it's wonderful with every tree you can imagine. There's a gazebo where the squirrels climb on top to let me know who's the boss! From the very high pinnacle they shake their bushy tails as if to say: "We've got this covered, move along!"

I've a list that needs doing before winter and I'm working hard to get it done. Most of it is a lot of fun. Keep me in your prayers or meditations.

Thank you, Dixie

Pumpkin spice

Traveling vines across the grounds
Waiting for the sun above
Springing forth without a sound
Pumpkin spice is what I love

And so I wait until they're grown
Golden orbs look mighty fine
I pluck them off to take the home
That pumpkin spice will soon be mine

The house is filled with awesome smell
That lasts for days and feels so nice
Of all the memories I know so well
There's nothing like the pumpkin spice

Before there was you, there was me ~

I was born and all alone
In the world I traveled
Off to places in my head
Then one day I met you

There was freedom everywhere
There was life without a care
Life without a care

You arrived and I was thrilled
Company to travel onward
Off to places in our heads
Then one day a clash

My emotions choked the air
You had none you wished to share
None you wished to share

That is when I turned away
Walked alone but felt content
I took the lesson that I learned
And chose the path of joy



[{Ciao, baby}]

She ain't right, but she's friendly.

A couple of my blog buddies have decided I'm a friendly blogger. The award comes with a sweet little picture. That's definitely me; I love sweet little pictures! More than that – I love my blogging friends – they make me look at my path, via humour or serious input. Without them I might not be the seriously insane, yet friendly blogger you've been exposed to.

David of “A Day in the Life,” blog was very kind in his assessment of my attitude. “Friendly is as friendly does.” Certainly he and I have connected on various subjects that need more attention in the world, beginning at our on doorstep. I admire his writing and the life experiences he brings to the table for our understanding. Thank you, David.

Gary of “klahanie,” blog is the second blogging pal to give me the “Friendly Blogger Award.” His variety in writing styles keeps me gussing: what will he do next? Then ofcourse his smallish dog, Penny, is quite pawsitively he's greatest asset. Stories told from her perspective loom large among the various bloggers. ~And did I mention humour? This one writer brings out the funny bone and beats me with it. Thank you, Gary.

I've never met an ugly blogger. They all seem friendly to me. Even the person that keeps sending advertisements for 'Viagra,' seems friendly enough. Please note, I have nothing for 'viagra' to work on... you're wasting the ad!

I've forgotten how to do links. If you like my blog and you read it, whenever I get around to posting an article, please consider yourself AWARDED. The nicest thing, the friendliest thing is having someone give some attention to your life... especially days when I've forgotten me.

~dcrelief

Goodbye Summer

Here... on the beach... I rest from ocean's waves.
All the noisy people have left and I can sleep... Zzz.

Hey! ... who's that touching my little arm? Number 3 of 5?
What? ... where are you taking me, I'm sleeping can't you see?

Uh-oh, uh-oh, I'm flying through the air!!
The kid thinks I'm a Frisbee; come back and get your kid!!!

Way over here... still upon the beach... the waves a little closer.
Yet life is good and all my arms are here...(yawn) time to go to sleep... Zzz.

I got nothing.

I got nothing. It's a blank page tonight, and we're hoping to find my ink tomorrow.

Life has been like a sound stage and I have no clue what 'exit right' means. Did I tell you, I got nothing?

Count 'em; I got 47 billion brain cells waiting to be used... but the pilot light went out about a week back... and I got nothing!!

On my digital camera there are new photos of the torture we're putting the yard through. If “a picture is worth a thousand words,” that'll be one super blog, huh? But I'm tuckerd out; developing muscles I was never meant to have, I'm pretty sure.

And~ I said all of that to say this: I got nothing.

all that fluff

Hello, my name is Charles. I've sat on the sideline for weeks watching this woman unload box after box. What's the problem with humans? Why can't there be a couple of boxes and they're done?

I used ONE box when I moved. Having two bowls, one for water and one for food, I'm flabbergasted at the multi-sets of glasses and dishes! There's my winter snug-coat and two pairs of little boots. ~And my smallish bed and 'bloop' my favorite stuffed toy.... one box!

It's obscene, I tell you. Thousands of possessions marching through the doors; a never-ending story of 'packaholics'.

It's hard for me to understand... all that fluff... for what?

Are you done?

sometimes

Sometimes I must wait,
for more light,
to understand,
or be at peace.

Humble pie

Many times I've allowed my ego to write checks that my body cannot cash. You know, bragging and going on about the success I exude from every pore... what a bore... right?! Such is the crux of the tale I choose to share.

In humble community I spied this Chevy truck. My-oh-my a 1967, and loaded with 'unapparent' goodies. Though the 'Green' angel sitting on my shoulder was warning me, I thought, “oh c'mon, it's an old Chevy, what's the harm with a test drive?” Eight cyclinders, a 350 under the hood, no automatic steering, three gears on the column, and a hair-trigger clutch; what could go wrong? A friend and I took the plundge, and I really mean that, as they're were no seatbelts! Add leather seats and I was definitely 'going' places!

I cranked that bad boy up, easied the clutch out, barely touching the gas pedal, and was slammed back into the seat. I took a slight right hand turn and heard tires squalling as I fish-tailed out of the parking lot; like so: “ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRKKKKKKKKKKK”... Immediately I was terrified as I fought to regain control. (regain?) Slipped my foot off of the gas and jumped my way to the first traffic light.

The straight steering had left me breathless; I looked over at my friend to see how she was fairing. People react differently to trauma; at least that was what I was feeling – traumatized. But she was laughing. She laughed during the entire test drive. She even felt 'impressed' by the way I handled the huge steering wheel. I didn't have the heart or humility to tell her that 'IT' handled me. I only know that once I parked that truck I was no longer entranced. The good thing is that I think I fixed my spine that had been out of place.(grin)



The next day I test drove this van, bought it, and I'm very happy. If I need a truck I can always remove the seats to haul something around... like my enlarged ego, and a recipe for 'humble pie'.

Campfire Girls

We were all alone in the days of childhood. Though we laughed and played no one ever knew you lived. From the highest tree to the gentle stream, no one ever knew... only me.

We had a favorite basket to gather pretty stones. A sink was filled with water to wash the dirt away. I would see you yawn and know that you'd be leaving. I would watch the sun set in the direction of your home.

Too young to be a campfire girl, we sneaked away to cry. Seems we were the same age, with the same problem, even though Mom says you don't exist. She says I have to let you go... but where to?

Why? How do I answer that question? I began to live within a dark space. Your light no longer shone. I walk out into the yard and knew I was alone.

My parents changed churches, which caused them to drive by a childrens' orphanage. I saw you sitting behind a great wrought iron fence... it was you! Please stop the car, that's her! Yes I'm quite sure.

For three Sundays we stopped at the orphanage so I could speak to you. I heard my Mom and Dad talking of adoption. Wow, I might soon have a sister! Unfortunately my Dad didn't want to follow through. He even changed the driving route.

One Sunday we rode by, and the sad face I saw was my own reflection in the window's glass. You weren't sitting at the fence. 'Terminal' is not a word a six year old would normally know... but I had a gut feeling which was about to be verified. I was glad my Mom met you... sitting in that tiny wheelchair.

They returned a stuffed bear I'd given you, and a card you left me, which I still have. So any time I light a campfire I look for you to be dancing on the wind; those incredible somersaults that no one else could ever do.

We both dreamed of having a friend... and became the other's dream, fulfilled.

My house

On August 8, 2011 I signed formal papers taking possession of my parents' home. These photos are five years old. The yard work is on standby until we empty the house of its contents. By the time we're done it will have taken three weeks to get everything out!! Then I can begin to move my stuff in!!!



I'm so excited ~~~

Creative trash

I'm pretty sure the post title is a statement, and not a question. You know... leaving things a bit open ended creates excitement.

Why is it that my neighbors' trash looks more exciting, inviting, than mine? One sniff and I'm carried away~ with a scent hanging upon the breeze. Oh how I love 'pine sol' too. I must call about this sofa. To me it's recyclable material... creative trash.

My friend Mimi, was handling the bulk trash calls today. "Hi Mimi, how are you?".

"Hey Miss D, how are you? What you got for me today?"

"I've got nothing; just wanted to ask about that green sofa on Elm?"

"You and ten others. The truck driver is taking it home for his 'man cave'. His wife, Delores has called all morning, checking and double checking. Then Mr. Taylor fell asleep on it, waiting for the bus...but complained that some women named Delores, got him arrested for loitering. You know, she knows Mr. Taylor's been sleeping on that corner for seventeen years!"

"That's awful; how's Mr. Taylor now?"

"Mr. Taylor took home one of the black plastic bags with him. It was full of over size stuffed animals. He's making hats and gloves for neighborhood children; claims it will be cold before we know it."

No place like home

The rain came down but spared this home. A fellow creature
sheltered under a leaf.
A gentle breeze travelled through and the web sought to dry.
Raindrops glistened as diamonds do; a necklace rarely found.

I'm not so fond of spider webs, nor hairy little creatures.
My eyes did wonder all around in case the friend came home.
Spin today and spawn tomorrow; those little souls live fast.

They've learned to live and take what comes; it's fascinates my mind.
No matter where they go; no matter where I am; there's no place like home.
Time to leave as I see you watching and waiting to crawl upon your web.

Just another fish tale

There was a family fishing hole,
but I never liked to fish.
They cast with wooden fishing poles,
competing for a wish.

But I sat on the rocks and looked,
at gemstones in the stream.
As one by one the fish they hooked;
I chose another a dream.




Rubies sparkled just beneath me,
were scooped up in my hand.
I listened to the shouts of glee
of those fishers near the sand.

So once they caught their fill,
they thought to leave this place.
My treasure gave me such a thrill,
that showed upon my face.

They made their way to where I sat,
inquiring what I'd found.
I let them peek at this and that,
the stones from sandy ground.

We headed home at sunset,
exchanging funny tales.
Me with shiny rubies;
them with slimey scales.

Journey

As people take their journey,
that starts at birth and ends at death

Some feel their footsteps mounting,
refreshed with every breath

When long ago I watched someone
who climbed this blessed stair

I said 'goodbye' and promised that
I'd meet them in the air.

So in my time of earthbound days
this journey I'll complete.

Then take the stairs that carry me
to heaven's holy seat.

Bathed in love

My little tree grove
is a space to contemplate
the secrets of the universe
and how it all relates.

Some things are serious
some only worth a laugh
but all things are put on hold
my little tree grove gets a bath.

The Bride's Tears

I've had many classes in drawing and wood work. I even took drafting in college to improve perception. It was an amazing course, yet my first love lay years ahead in time: painting.

Watercolor was first and then I used acrylics. Ironically I am self-taught. Lately I've begun to study with different artists for tips and techniques. It looks as if I'm ready for black and white oil paint study. We'll see.

The photo above is my last portrait in acrylic paint. I labored greatly but blending is still a technique I work on.

Recently a blog pal,('Bazza') had a great photo of a painting done in oil. I liked the way the artist painted the eyes on a 90 degree plane. So I thought I'd share a close up of the bride.

Sun, rain, song, repeat...

It's warm in Carolina. Humidity makes it even warmer. Then come nightfall the thunder sounds, leaving me wondering 'when' the rain will begin? It has been the exact same cycle for almost three months now. Yet I'm grateful because some places are begging for sunshine; some are begging for rainfall.

No matter how much the lightening flashes or how loud the thunder roars, in the morning the birds awake, and I'm compelled to sing along.

You took your time ~ welcome summer!

Celebrating hope

We used to be a colony; today we're just a crowd.
We party on the fourth, and do it very loud.

The rockets glare and light the night; the huddled masses swoon.
A tummy full of yummy treats will have some yawning soon.

As day and night begin to fade, we say goodnight to friends.
Return to homes remembering, the hope this freedom brings.

shelling out a memory

When I was small we went to the beach. I found a lovely shell, but one of my pesky brothers chose to fling my shell into a small pond. It skimmed the water creating ripples that eventually reached me, crying, by the pond's side.

Everyone tried to console me, saying, "one day you'll find another shell like this one." Years went by but no shell took it's place. Yet when I saw this photo from space I realized my shell had gone to heaven! Well, thinking that way, it seems to have satisfied the child within me.

Hey, look at those ripples! As they come closer I smile, as my heart is shelling out a memory. Closure is sweet.

What if...

Is it true that we are stars
come down to earth
upon our birth?

Is it true that we are dust
traveling light
with sacred plight?

Is it true that we are seeds
upon the wind
never to end?

Then make it true that we are nice
and we are fair
and that we care.

What if we cared?

Growing pains

A vegetable
a vegetable
a vegetable I grew.

I thought it was
I thought it was
A favorite of yours too.

But you said 'red'?
and I heard 'green'?
Will be the strangest
will be the strangest
will be the strangest vegetable I've seen.

Two vegetables
two vegetables
two vegetables I grew.

A nice green one for me
a nice green one for me
and a nice red one for you!


~silly gardener

Wringing in the new

I work with me
and hope to change
the things that sadly linger.

But what I see
as changing fast
did not escape the wringer!

And oh the joy
I find inside
which makes me quite the singer.

For I have peace
with life as such
that everyone has their wringer.

I do miss you

As I grew I realized my Dad had little time for me. It wasn't personal, as it was the same for my brothers. The man was simply, always gone somewhere. He was one of those people who could not stop; in constant motion as he investigated the world he lived in. There were some good moments and I hang onto those, hoping his life was what he wanted it to be. So I can only guess that the little angels wave goodbye to him every day as he's off to explore another plane.

Yes, I do miss you.

a favorite spot

It's that time of the year when I start dreaming... which wave will knock me down? Well it doesn't really matter as I can already taste the salt. Um, lovely salt air in my nostrils, bathing my face, and tangled with my hair. I want to be there. So, please beach fairy, send me a sign. Thanks.

Hall of mirrors

I came upon a hall of mirrors
where every fault was plain to see.
I found myself repulsed by actions
that were actually caused by me.

Who would dare to prick my heart,
finding fault within my reason?
Chiding me for what I'd wrought,
my faults to bear in open season?

My ego cracked the mirror.
How dare this hall reflect
the outragious words I lived by
and my careless acts without regret.

The meek stood in the mirror
with tears that welled and overflowed.
I noted their compassion,
and love for life in new abode.

Don't just stand there and look at me,
a hall of women in remorse.
I watched them turn to walk away,
their action changed my course.

I now looked outward from the mirror
to the woman who gently smiled.
She moved in grace with hallowed journey
her love unfolding every mile.

Her fractured heart with many faces
was melding slowly into one.
She stepped quietly from the hall
transporting me into the morning sun.

my solitary path

A path I've always walked without a burdened care.
Alone or with someone I rarely gave a thought.
Whatever challenge made it's way into my lair,
I simply lived and tackled every thing life brought.

So now the path would bring me changes to accept.
Was I complacent to ignore the atmosphere?
I thought to travel and make peace with my regrets,
Enjoy my solitary path with love, not fear.

sick leave?

Sometimes it takes everything you've got to get up and move. With this intestinal virus I've had, going on for three weeks, I've been told to stay down. Just rest as much as I can. The emergency room doctor wasn't kidding when he said, “This is one nasty virus.” I've been to see my regular doctor too; received additional medications. Wow, but I'm almost out of those and need to see him again.

I have been trying to write but this strongly influences what I do. Let me say that I know this will pass; everything does eventually. Just thought I'd share and let you know why I'm not truly present. Medications for nausea always make me sleepy. That in turn makes my head feel thick... what's that you say? Nothing new??? LOL.

It's a good thing I like liquid diets! All my favorite soups are brought home and devoured, but slowly. I have a perfect cup to hold my soups. I might even soak a saltine cracker or two in the yummy liquid. The medicine distorts my taste buds, so today's celery soup tasted like clam chowder. It's like an added bonus, really, as I like clam chowder (hahaha). Indeed I'm curious to know what tomato soup will taste like, but that's tomorrow's agenda.

Okay, that's all. Hope all of you are healthy. I'll be back soon.

Ready

I watched the rain fall from the sky
A million drops to make a puddle.
The birds don't sing and they don't fly,
But sit on limbs bunched in a huddle.

The clouds are soft and disappearing.
Is that golden light a ray of sun?
Could it be the storm is clearing?
Are the rain clouds on the run?

I cross my heart and fingers too,
And hope that sunshine fills the earth.
I long to see a sky of blue
display the joy of rainbow's birth.

The New Door

Often I read about the lives of others with a couragious journey. I glean what I can from what they've gone through. It adds strength, understanding, and helps me combat my own fear. Until I find myself standing in front of the new door. I've learned to take in a long breath, let it out slowly as I turn the door knob, and then step through.

~dc

Audrey

I was only six years old and you were twenty-nine.
We sailed along a happy sea, with waves that marked our time.
You became my godmother and I was thrilled to be
A part of life that gave you joy; the same you gave to me.

Now off you go to higher plane, while I remain on ground.
When morning birds begin their day I'll listen to their sound.
Your voice will call reminding me of our endearing love,
Or was that just the lowing coo of beauty's morning dove ~


I love you ~ rest now.

a butterfly philosophy

Here today, gone tomorrow

An old phrase yet so descriptive of issues that float through my mind. What is here, that can be gone tomorrow? We all could go with an outstanding blow... we don't know, do we?

An often posed question: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” I've heard this question many times over the years. It's not like I know something and want to brag. It's more like a revelation that, when remembered, brings me peace and a measure of faith.

A verse from the Christian Bible states that God causes the rain to fall on the wicked and the righteous. Whether or not you enjoy rain is not even a consideration... you get it just the same. With the verse in mind I thought, well, so car accidents, cancer diagnosises, airplane crashes, falling buildings, earthquakes, and everything else might be shared as well. How can that be? Isn't that stuff only for the wicked?

There's an abdominal spirit that arises in extreme crisis. Call it what you will but once I read about “The Comforter” who would teach me all things... life changed for me. I ventured to think, maybe bad things happen to good people, so bad people can observe something they need; or good people receive a piece of faith that they needed. For me only God has the right to judge anyway. So, really none of this matters; it's all vanity. Men and women deciding who is being 'punished' with an earthquake, etc. Presumptous?

I look at the state of the world, the USA, my own home state, and wonder how much longer will humanity exist. Humanity as in freedoms bestowed by God. How far we've allowed governments to stomp all of that into the ground. We've had a lot of help being distracted from important issues.

The wonderful thing about this is... you can completely disagree. You are under no obligation to think, speak, feel, act, or write as I do. I only offer a lesson from the dandelion. “I may be here today, gone tomorrow, but somewhere there's a seed that keeps going. A seed of hope, love, charity, and immeasurable faith.” Just think of how difficult it is to rid your yard of dandelions!

I'm through shaking cobwebs from my mind. Thank you.

Just a test...

Basically I'm investigating why my blog will not load in my post.
It keeps saying, ~javascript:void(0)~

Great... just when I decided to try IE 9...


We'll see.

Living Fragile (a repost)

Sometimes when life seems so fragile
A beginning feeling of peace arrives
From a source within and without
We bow our head
Acknowledge kindness
Receive the gift that helps us heal

We wrap the peace around our bodies
Longing for immediate relief
And find instead temporary solace
We bend our knees
Capture completeness
And let it work through all our days

Discover being fragile is not a curse
For peace will come and peace will go
From everything we are to what we will become
We praise the Creator
As everlasting love
Relieves our fear of living fragile

In celebration for Mother's Day

The innocence I knew is difficult to imagine. Fresh from heavens' domain I arrived and began wailing; should have been a clue! But my Mom was right there, smiling and all embracing of the little girl she'd waited to have. Need I say... it was love at first sight.

Of course I miss her terribly; gone for fourteen years now. After a lot of thinking I think it happened the way it was supposed to. I know she would have been more miserable if I had died first.

Her favorite holiday was Easter; mine was Mother's Day. She liked the music, rabbits, and candy; I liked the hats. So in celebration this year I'm going to buy a hat.

Love you, Mom!

~ this too, shall pass ~

The devastation is alarming. Over 200 tornadoes in a 24 hour period. Six states are now under a 'declaration of emergency'.

The photo, above, is from a beach that is three hours from my home. That tornado tail is really kicking. I understand it acts like a whip... one lash and your building is gone. Have you ever played "Tiddly-winks"?

Watching a news update, I could not figure out what I was looking at. The camera was in a helicopter flying over a city (??). Yes, a city; I was looking at concrete foundations that resembled kitchen tiles.

Like any event that brings devastation and loss of life, we hope for comfort and a return to daily tasks. We try to try. If you cannot 'try' what is yours to handle, reach out your hand to another and help them try.

Sometimes the only thing left standing is the soul of humanity. "Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it, come the issues of life." (a proverb)

Fairy Tale Girls

~And today is the wedding...

Four o' clock A.M. will find me in front of my television.
Hot tea, crumpets, and other similar snacks are waiting.

My sister-in-law will call around the same time.
We'll gab about the guests, the groom, the MUM, and on... & on.

Why?
Because we're 'Fairy Tale Girls'.

Every good fairy tale girl knows 'they lived happily ever after.'

Sigh ~ past the tissue please... here comes the bride!





Image credit:
free-vintage-valentines-clip-art-doves-red-hearts-pink-flowers-key-wedding-ring1

~and now it's spring

Cool mornings, and a freshness fills my lungs...
with the urgent need of spring.

A pale light casting across the garden...
I wait for warmth, the sun will bring.

The morning doves gather for their calling...
and cooing, for the urgent need of spring.

A path of dampness invites a journey...
with bare feet, the grass begins to cling.

Sheltered in this early morning beauty...
a grateful voice within me, begins to sing...

~and now it's spring...

Our Lotus Life

Our life is like the lotus flower,
Waiting for the birthing hour
We float in water, in joyous mirth,
To share our beauty in the earth

While in the womb, we often sing,
Then popping out with leaves of green
Such tender buds point to the sky
To drink in light as we float by

We're given years to equal petals.
Our hearts grow up among the nettles.
But we survive to seize the day,
Allowing love its joyous way

Our years pass by and as we fade,
The lotus once so gently made,
Is traveling through the thick of night,
Arriving in a different light

A different light of golden measure
Our faded petals are now a treasure
We stand in awe of light we see
And dwell with love’s eternity

sung to the tune of "Oklahoma!"

OHHHHH~the daffodils are growing up around my ears,
and they smell so sweet, it's a springtime treat
and I hope they never disappear.

OHHHH~the daffodils are swaying gently in the breeze,
and I'm loving this, most alluring bliss,
but I feel as if I have to sneeze!

Thanks, that's it.(sniff, sniff).

there's always a camera... smile

From what I can tell of history we're not learning to negotiate. Or maybe the heads of states decide how many airplanes to give up, to keep it going. We've shared a bunch of planes, weapons and things, so both sides of a battle can fight.

Over here, we're being told that the biggest concern is internet addiction to games and connections? Really, that's it?

What if heads of state had to play games to determine the outcome of negotiations? Ha ha, sorry, you're right; they already do that. Of course none of them are addicted to internet so it's okay.

Well whether or not you're dying in a war zone or playing 'Blitz' on "Facebook", please remember... there's always a camera... smile.

:(

Sunday funny

Comic Source:
http://xkcd.com/

storms and inspirations

There was a time when I hated storms. The morning walk from car to workplace, in heels, made no sense at all. Couldn't we simply cancel work or have a personal taxi pick us up? My poor water-dirt spattered legs. Rubber booties weren't available unless you were nine years old. Cutting out the toe area of the boot would have 'defeated' the purpose. No, not for the purpose of staying dry, but to make that long, stupid walk to work! Alas I was much too young to feel inspired; too old to appreciate a 'class A' mud puddle. But then I became disabled and could no longer work. You don't know how many times I watched the morning lineup of cars heading to work in the rain... and wished I could join them. I'd take that walk, smiling, thankful, for the joy of working.

Fast forward to today, some eleven years later. Life is so different because I've grown in understanding of God, self, others... and storms. There are things I call 'my work' that give me peace and happiness. I'm inspired by those who face this dilemma and find their treasure. Without their inspiration I might have kept watching storms in vain. (I used to hear a song in the back of my mind: “Rainy days and Mondays, always get me down.”)

Recently my home state experienced a horrible storm. I listened to 30mph winds race around and over my house. Thunder rumbled, and it was hard to tell that from the limbs falling onto the roof. My first reaction was to grab the safety candles in case the power went out. This went on for hours and I hoped, hoped for others. I thought about those people without homes and their long walk to find shelter. How would they stand up against the wind? I felt inspired to hold positive thoughts... although I wavered a bit in the beginning. Ironically I was reading, “Never Ever Give Up!,” when the storm arrived. In my own fear I found strength for other people. No... I think God took my fear and made it a positive. I cannot explain this conclusion; most might say it's a matter of personal choice. I believe that “God within me” gives the ability to make that choice. (No... there's a scripture that comes to mind: “I can do all things, through Christ, which strengthens me.”) So when, out of fear, I asked for the safety of others, I received strength to hold them in positive thoughts. This doesn't mean no lives will be lost, no houses damaged, or no limbs piled high in the yard. This is what I see that helps me. Just a thought, but how often are we inspired by the storm in someone else life? Answers are not required, but welcomed, here.

The storm passed over and I 'returned' to my work. Chapter one of “Never Ever Give Up,” seems to be moving right along. Thank you :)