Happy Valentine's Day! He's here and resting. I am thankful. Praying the rest of the treatments are gentler on him. Praying for healing, strength and peace.

ok, burst hot water tank and chemo

I think I am done for one day. Dear God, I am sorry. Please make me a lot stronger and understanding.
Thank you. Amen,

New Year, New Hope!

And we are off. Praying, hoping and thinking all good, positive thoughts.

Prayers and blessings family

I am so thankful for all of my life's blessings. I am surrounded by a loving family and am so grateful for them. I am praying for continued health and happiness for them all. During the day I stop to send out prayers, white light and positive energy to so many.  I pray our life's blessings continue  and at this time of year and always, I am  thankful for my life and all of its experiences.

Autumn, anniversaries and understanding

So many years ago close to this date was a day of sadness and yet peace when I lost my dear sister/mother figure Jeanette. What used to be a wonderful and exciting time turned sad and heavy for me. Over the years I have realized that she would never have wanted that to be! She loved, loved, loved Halloween and had a sweet tooth a mile long. So, today this season is one of celebration!!!

Our first granddaughter Nora Jane is three years old. I remember holding her as a newborn, sigh, quickest three years. Now we have 5 grand kiddos and they always make us smile. It really is true what they say, with grandkids you realize the importance of little favors. Its easier to love them unconditionally and experience the pure joy of their development without having to worry about every little thing that they do. The little things that might cause a parent concern are so unimportant to us. A wise man once told me, small favors and its true. Ignore the small stuff, let them be kids, they'll have the weight and worries of the world on their shoulders soon enough and won't always have me around to spoil them.  I'm not quite ready for the sweatshirt that states it as yet  but I sure do love my grandkids.

I can say the same about my kids, adults in their own right,  but always babes in our hearts. They know so much, are talented, educated and caring people. I  try and give them little snippets of wisdom that I have garnered over the years and though I try to make them sound like simple conversations,  insights from our experiences, it's not always possible to keep them simple. In the end, it really is theirs to find out. So for now, I'll be content in knowing they are enjoying their passage through this amazing journey and pray for their happiness, health and safety.

Now off to watch this hurricane Sandy roll over us, "waiting for the storm"and hoping for some new clarity and peace for us all as a nation when the storm subsides.

autumn fall get up go on

Autumn is approaching. I say autumn because fall is such an ominous word. Lots of changes, travels, growth, new friends, visits with old ones this year. So a big birthday is approaching and I got to chose where ever I wanted to go, well, within reason and budgetary constraints. We leave soon and I am excited. Favorite spots are favorite spots and if I can't live there I can at least visit every chance I get.

Watching from afar, I see two of my babies just venturing out into the world of school, sports, social obligations with new friends. They are happy and their little ones are the same. They are with men they love who are helpmates and that is good.  My two youngest are working, productive and establishing themselves in areas they have chosen.  I pray they surround themselves with good and positive people. I think they have for the most part. Happy, healthy and safe is what I always wished for for them. Love, adventure and fun will come along but I hope they all have a sense of purpose and enough financial freedom to live a good life.

We have had a good life, financially there have been ups and downs, sacrifices and very few regrets. We have always worked hard and put our family first. No regrets. As you sow, so shall you reap. My soulmate pointed out the other day a long list of what  we have done, spent and focused on over theses 40 years. It is amazing when you look back and see what you have accomplished. The titles and retirement funds may not be as impressive as others who went down a different path, but all in all we have a strong balance sheet of goodness, love and family experiences. Friendships and family have added significantly to our blessings. I've come a long way baby and hopefully have a good way yet to travel.

Happy, healthy and safe is what I pray for, for all of us. And hopefully much more time along the way to hug my loved ones.

On the eve of a new season

Watched the DNC last night. I was inspired  and that does not happen very often. Don't get me wrong, I am encouraged and inspired by my family. I am encouraged by my husband and the gift of waking up each day with a new open canvas before me, but I worry. I worry that many won't look past the ignorance and lies of the Rep. party. They hear "God, family, love, marriage" and think "yes, that's for me, the Dems don't know me."  I know the political arena is never perfect but having listened and watched and felt the power of the speeches I realize the Dems are for me and everyone. That's the thing, they are inclusive. I pray that the majority wins out and gives Pres Obama and the first lady another 4 years. A few extra seats in the senate would be great as well. 25 more are needed Yikes. I believe.