Thursday's Thought for the Day....

Source: Pinterest

Wednesday's Wisdom....

The following was printed on a "PARENT PAGE" sent home to me from my daughters' elementary school, many years ago.  I keep it in my copy of Simple Abundance and reread it frequently.

The resolutions suggested are as important today as they were then.

"Seven Resolutions for a Better Life

With the arrival of a new year, resolutions seem to be the order of the month.  Listed below are 7 resolutions to help you experience success in your daily living.  

These ideas are appropriate for the entire family.

Resolution 1

I will begin and end the day with positive thoughts. 

 In the morning I will be encouraged by the day ahead. 

 In the evening I will think about what went right during the day.

Resolution 2

I will take frequent mental and physical breaks to keep from overloading my system. 

 Time out for myself is important.

Resolution 3

I will eat right and not skip meals.  

My body needs good nutrition to fight off illness and stress.

Resolution 4

I will try to take a walk outside at least once a day.  

I will engage in some type of physical activity as often as possible.

Resolution 5

I will choose to associate with supportive friends and will in turn be a supportive friend to others.

Resolution 6

I will try to spend more time reading and helping others and less time watching T.V.

Resolution 7

I will try to become a more positive person.

I will work on the rough edges and polish the whole person."

Tip for a Tuesday....

Keep a gratitude journal.

This is the book I use every year for writing a daily gratitude list.

The Susan Branch "Days" calendar book lists each day of the year, along with beautiful artwork.

Calendar books, blank books, notebooks - all can work.

Colored ink pens can also add a little sparkle to the ritual.

I write down at least five things I am grateful for each and every day.

I've been doing this for many years now and have found it encourages me to look for the good throughout the day. 

"My family are all in good health, wonderful to hear the little ones laugh today, the cardinal appeared at the feeder" - all entries in my book.

 In years gone by, during tough times, being grateful for a roof over our heads, food in the fridge and a sense of hope, were frequently on my list.

I highly recommend the practice.  

New Year's Day is the perfect time to begin!

Friday Fotos....

There's no use in hiding, Christmas is on its way!

Probably the first time I have ever baked cookies for Christmas.  These are Nigella Lawson's Christmas Chocolate Biscuits. Easy Peasy to make and absolutely delicious!

(Well, I had to be sure, didn't I?)

How pretty is this?  I've been looking for a bit of greenery to scent the air inside.  I refused to pay what they are charging at the store, so the Englishman sent me this beautiful basket.

That man's a keeper!

Wishing everyone a very 

Merry Christmas

and a

Happy Hanukkah!

Thursday's Thoughts for the Day....

Source: Country Living magazine:           

                             "17 Christmas Quotes That Perfectly Capture the Spirit of the Season"

Wednesday's Wisdom....

Charity begins at home....

"Thank heaven and democratic progress, charity is one traditional virtue the modern world is willing to applaud.  But what a lot we talk about it these days, and how often we miss its implications.  Charity is not simply a donation to the community chest and a gift to the Hundred Neediest Cases at Christmastime.  It is not merely giving one's hours as a volunteer in a hospital or subscribing to the relief of flood victims a hemisphere away.  It is both larger and smaller than those things, at once easier and harder, and it does, indeed, begin at home.  Charity is graciousness and tact.  Charity is a guarded tongue.  It is picking up one's toys, giving a hand wit the dinner dishes, writing a bread-and-butter letter to one's hostess.  It is turning off television at a respectable hour so one's neighbor can sleep in peace, and being patient with bores.  It is thanking salesladies in shops, forbearing to pass on the bit of malicious gossip so tempting to tell, wielding knife and fork so that we do not aesthetically offend." 

~ Phyllis McGinley

Sixpence in Her Shoe - copyright 1960

(still true today!)

Tips for a Tuesday....

The following tips are from among the 432 suggestions listed in 

The Little Book of Christmas Joys

These are a few of my favorites:

#66 * Take pictures after you've finished decorating your home.  Not only will they be fun to look at later on, but you will have a visual reminder to help you decorate next year.

#163 * Throughout the holiday season, give your family the gift of a sweet disposition.

#265 * Add a note of appreciation to the Christmas card you give your child's teacher.
(As a former teacher, personal notes of thanks were truly precious gifts which I have kept and reread often.)

#323 * Smile at police officers, fire fighters, emergency personnel, and security guards.  Thank them for being on the job during the holidays.
(Same for those who work in hospitals, nursing homes, and public transportation.  Many people work on the holidays.)

#379 * Don't try to do everything yourself.  Remember, even Santa needs helpers.

#425 * On New Year's Day, light three candles and think about the three things that happened the past year for which you are most thankful.

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

*Posted on Facebook by Country Living magazine

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"Adopt the pace 

of nature: 

her secret is 

patience."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tip for a Tuesday....

How do I manage to remember all those important birthdays and anniversaries?  A handy little sheet of paper, downloaded and printed from Susan Branch, which I keep it tucked under my Susan Branch desk calendar.  At the beginning of each month I check it, make note of that month's celebrations, and make a list of cards I need to purchase and send.

This page is available to all on her website.  

Go to susanbranch.com

 Click on the top bar marked "Shopping" 

Scroll down the left hand side to "Free Stuff" 

Scroll down to the bottom and the center page marked "A Year at a Glance" 

 Click and print!

Easy Peasy

A Monday Memory....

Source: Positive Outlooks shared The Humor League's photo

This popped up on my Facebook page late this afternoon and immediately triggered a memory.....

My Dad passed away on December 6th, many years ago.  At the time, daughter #1 was just shy of her third birthday and daughter #2 was but seven weeks old.

His passing was a shock to us all, despite the fact that he had been in declining health for a while.

Christmas seemed to come upon us swiftly that year.  Though she didn't really have the heart for it, my mother felt it was very important for "the little ones" to keep up with family traditions.  So we bought a tree and set about bringing up the decorations from the basement to adorn it.

Now, those of us who knew my mother well will recall 

that she was very particular about her Christmas tree decorating.  

She insisted that the lights be evenly spread around the branches 

and that the ornaments hung just so.

So I held my breath when I noticed that our oldest, as each ornament was handed to her, 

placed them side by side, 

on a single branch, 

and on only that branch.

When my mother noticed what she was doing, she stepped back and declared,

"That looks beautiful!"

And she left it just the way her granddaughter had arranged it.  

Thanks, Mom!

As Linus would say, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!"

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"I wish you a day of ordinary miracles.

 A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself.

An unexpected phone call from an old friend.

Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.

I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in.

    The fastest line at the grocery store.

    A good sing along song on the radio.

    Your keys right where you look.

    I wish you a day of happiness and perfection.

I wish you little bite-size pieces of perfection that give you the funny feeling that God is smiling on you."     - Anonymous

Welcome, December!

Wednesday's Wisdom....

I've been following "The Inspired Room" blog for a while now. 

 The attraction to the site was that it is about organizing and simplifying life.  

Who couldn't use more of that, right?

Recently, I went on Amazon to check out the author's latest book.  

While skimming the pages of the sample offered, I came across the following:

"In order to manage my home and get control of my stuff, I didn't needed to work harder or stay up later.  I didn't necessarily even need a better household organization manual.  I simply needed to start becoming more decisive about everything." ~ Melissa Michaels

Whoa. 

".....becoming more decisive about everything."

And the light went on!!!

I don't know about anyone else, but I've realized lately that a huge source of my stress is the sheer number of decisions I make each and every day.  Think about it.  From the choices about what time to get up, what to wear, what to eat, what to read, what to deal with, what to ignore - the list is endless! And the number of choices for each item seems to be growing daily.

Back in the old days... I think our choices were fewer.  Coke or Pepsi.  Keds or P.F. Flyers.  Wrangler or Lee.   Seven television channels.  Just seven.  I think you get the picture.

The number of choices available to me each day can seem overwhelming.  And like many people, I'm sure, I want to make the right choice.  The perfect choice.  Which also adds to my stress level.

What to do?

Well, I've started by buying Melissa's book.  I'm halfway through and I have found there are "life lessons" sprinkled through her concrete suggestions which I plan to incorporate.  And I've also been working on finding and making note of products that I like and will stick with.  

Fewer decisions. Less stress.

I'm also working hard at simply making decisions and moving on. 

"Good enough" is acceptable to me at this stage of my life. 

 Time spent worrying about and postponing decisions is wasted time.

And now I've decided this post is long enough.  Thanks for listening!

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

Wednesday's Wisdom....

Wednesday's Wisdom....

Tuesday's Tip for the Day....

Continuing the recipe theme for the week....

Growing up, this was a staple on our holiday table.  Probably yours too.

If you want to "kick it up a notch" this year, I highly recommend the following recipe:

Cranberry Sauce

Source: AUTUMN

 by Susan Branch

From the Heart of the Home

                  zest and fruit of 2 oranges                                                1 cup sugar

                  1/2 cup water                                                                    2 - 3 sticks of cinnamon

                  1 lb. fresh cranberries                                                       3 whole cloves

Zest oranges, remove and discard peel, chop fruit and 

combine with all other ingredients in a heavy saucepan.  

Cover and cook over very low heat for 3 or 4 hours.  

Stir occasionally.  

Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves. 

Chill.

Easy Peasy and absolutely delicious!!

A Monday Memory....

B *I *N*G *O.....B *I *N *G* O....B* I *N *G* O...
(Admit it, you're singing the song now.  Me too.)
Quick story.  So, daughter #1 has started kindergarten in the local Catholic school.  Daughter #2 is quite happy to be with me all day long, while I recover from severe morning sickness which has just started to ease ever so slightly with daughter #3's pregnancy.
One night in late September the phone rings. The woman on the other end of the line introduces herself as "The Class Mother" and inquires if I'm coming to Bingo.

Um, excuse me? Bingo?
I sweetly replied, "No thank you."

I think my reply stunned her for a moment.  Once she had recovered, she went on to explain that as a parent of a child in the school I was required to work the Thursday night Bingo fundraiser several times a year.

News to me!!!

I  explained to her that I was now 7 months pregnant and could not possibly work Bingo. She informed me that many women worked bingo while pregnant. (Not me, I thought.)

As an alternative, she then suggested my husband could do it.  I pointed out that he left for work before 5 am and generally returned around 8 pm.  So no, he wouldn't be working bingo either. 

In the interest of shortening the story.... Fast forward to March and I'm now officially a Bingo Worker.
It is a job I hope never to repeat.  I was run off my feet as I used to be as a waitress. We began before 7 pm and by the time we finished up around 11, the cafeteria was a solid haze of smoke, necessitating a shower as soon as I got home.

Trust me, bingo players take their game very seriously.  Many arrived early in order to get the same seat each week, while others had lucky charms lined up on the table in front of them. And some of the players could be down right mean.  I admit, while close to tears one night, I did point out somewhat loudly to one particularly vocal woman that I was simply a volunteer. 

While rumor had it that this weekly event was a solid fundraiser for the school, they did eventually stop running it.  To my dismay, they traded it in for a yearly Carnival.  But that's another story.

The one positive from this whole experience was "The Crumb Cake."  In addition to working the game, each family was responsible for baking and wrapping up a large tray of squares of crumb cake.  The recipe was provided to us, so that they could sell uniform pieces to the bingo players.

I can honestly say it is the best crumb cake I have ever eaten in my life.

I used to make it for my extended family when they came for Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit.
I've decided it's now time to revive this tradition and to also share the recipe!

Bingo Crumb Cake Recipe
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cake:
Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil  
3 large eggs

Grease and lightly flour sides and bottom of a 9x12 pan. 
Blend cake mix, water, oil and eggs in large bowl at low speed until moistened (about 30 seconds). Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour batter in pans and bake immediately for 25 minutes.

Crumb:
3 sticks butter
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
Melt butter, let cool.  Add vanilla and set aside.

3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Mix together, then add butter and vanilla mixture. 
Continue to mix together with your hands until crumbs form.
Spread on top of cooled yellow cake.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Cool completely, then dust with confectioner's sugar.  
Cut into squares. 

Wednesday's Wisdom....

The passage below was a "forward" I received from a family member on New Year's Day, way back in 2001.  The chain seemed to have started with someone called "Serial Quilter" on December 2, 2000.  Today seems a good time to pass it along.  "Food for thought", as they say.

"The following is something to make us stop and think.  Take this quiz:

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.  There are no second-rate achievers. they are the best in their fields.  But the applause dies.  Awards (?).  Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are often buried with their owners.  

Here's another quiz.  See how you do on this one:

1.  List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2.  Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3.  Name five people who taught you something worthwhile.

4.  Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5.  Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6.  Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? The lesson? The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.  They are the ones who care.

Facts of Life:

 1.  At least 5 people in this world love  you so much they would die for you.

 2.  At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

 3.  The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

 4.  A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

 5.  Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

 6.  You mean the world to someone.

 7.  If not for you, someone may not be living.

 8.  You are special and unique.

 9.  Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

11. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you must likely turned your             back on the world.

12. When you think  you have no chance of getting what you want, your probably won't get it. But if         you believe in yourself, you probably, sooner or later, will get it.

13. Always remember compliments you received.  Forget about the rude remarks.

14. Always tell someone who you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know.

15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they're great!!"

Tip for a Tuesday....

Get out there and VOTE!



My mother frequently said this.

Boy, was she right.

I'm voting today.

Are you?

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"If we don't change, we don't grow.  

If we don't grow, then we aren't really living."

Chicken Soup for the Soul

A Tribute to Moms by Gail Sheehy

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"If we don't change, we don't grow.  

If we don't grow, then we aren't really living."

Gail Sheehy

Chicken Soup for the Soul

A Tribute to Moms

Wednesday's Wisdom....

I apologize for the small type.  Can't seem to get it larger.   

For the larger version: 

http://www.blog.daydesigner.com/fifty-best-practices-for-living-a-well-designed-life/ 

Great suggestions! Especially love #48.

source: DAYDESIGNER.COM Blog

Thursday's Thought for the Day...

"Those wearing tolerance for a label 

call other views intolerable."

~ Phyllis McGinley

Wednesday's Wisdom....

While trying to maintain my footing in the midst of the tiny storms that seem to be swelling around me these days,  I've gone back to an old and reliable source of comfort - my well worn edition of Simple Abundance.

The entry for October 17th struck a particular chord with me.  Like most of my posts, I pass it on in hopes it is of help to others.

The title? "The Habit of Being" - Sarah Ban Breathnach

I highlighted in yellow the following passages from that entry, when I first read it in 1995.  
Obviously still working on this....

     "The habit of being - the exultation in the present moment - is an exquisite concept, one that could enrich our lives beyond measure. We're all habitual creatures, but usually we practice the habits of doing: getting up, making breakfast, getting the kids off to school and getting ourselves off to work.  Then there are the habits of brooding: projecting into the future, dwelling on the past, nursing old wounds, holding imaginary conversations, indulging in comparisons, conducting endless mental calculations about money, gnawing on regrets, second-guessing inspiration, ruminating on problems at work, anticipating the worst.  Habits of brooding are rooted in the past or the future, and they can rob the present moment of all harmony, beauty, and joy.

     But what if, as curators of our own contentment, we deliberately cultivated the habit of being: a heightened awareness of Real Life's abundance?  The habit of being is a grateful appreciation for the good surrounding us, no matter what our circumstances might be today.  What if you knew there was always going to be a simple pleasure to look forward to every few hours? What if you made sure there was? How do you think you would greet the day?"

I've learned that I absolutely do have a choice -  about the conversations I have in my head, the memories I replay, or the fears I feed.

Today I choose being!

Wishing a very Happy Birthday - to daughter #2!!

Outstanding daughter, wife, mother, and author!

Tip for a Tuesday....

Tip for a Tuesday....

A Monday Memory....

This photo recently popped up on Facebook, triggering a memory.

One of my nephews attended West Point.  

The first time I went to pick him up, he introduced me to his roommate.  

The young man called me, "Ma'am".

I immediately liked him. 

Then the conversation went like this:

"Aunt Patty? Would you mind giving my friend Booker a ride to the train station?"

"Certainly," I replied without hesitation. 

"I'll take him anywhere he wants to go 

as long as I don't have to drive over the Bear Mountain Bridge."

My nephew hesitated for a moment, then said:

"Um, Aunt Patty.  

You have to go across the bridge to get to the train station."

People who know me well, know I have a real fear of heights.  

I will go out of my way to avoid mountainous roadways and bridges.

And if forced to take a frightening route, I pray.

Out loud.

But I knew that in this case I needed to make an exception.

My mother frequently drove home the idea, based on her experiences during World War II, 

that we needed to always do things "for the boys."

So I simply smiled and said, "No problem."

Duffle bags were tossed in the back of the car

 and the polite young cadet was deposited safely on the other side of the Hudson River.

 My prayers were simply silent ones that day.

Friday Fotos....

"It's a dog's life...."

Barney

                                                                   

Bentley and Dudley

Talk about a late bloomer.....

Praying for all those that will be affected 

by Hurricane Matthew.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"Things do not change;

we change."

~ Henry David Thoreau

Wednesday's Wisdom....

Several weeks ago, I was reaching for something in the closet when out of the corner of my eye I spotted this arm with long, streaked wrinkles.  

That looks just like Mom's arms, was my first thought.  

My second thought was one of shock and horror as I realized it was my arm!  

"Good Lord," I said aloud, "when the hell did that happen?"

You know that phrase mothers hurl at you when you're a teen - something like:

 "Someday, you'll ......"

Yup. 

It happened. 

"Someday" has arrived.

Now I'm sure I am not the first person to have had an experience like that.  

One minute I'm a young mother, trying to juggle all the balls in air so to speak. 

And the next?  I'm a Grandmother of three and a "senior citizen"  

They are not kidding when they say "Time flies!"

It most certainly does.

But I am heeding the advice of James Taylor, from the lyrics of the song: Secret o' Life

"Nobody knows how we got to the top of the hill.

But since we're on our way down, we might as well enjoy the ride."

I plan on continuing to enjoy every minute of this ride called life, no matter how I look.

Well, that and wear long-sleeved shirts from now on.

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

The book I read and loved most at around age ten was 

Little House in the Big Woods

I've read it several times as an adult.

Still brings me great pleasure and warm memories.

What was your favorite childhood book?

Wednesday's Wisdom....

The arrival of granddaughter #3, 
as well as the recent sale of our former home, 
have necessitated a few changes to my blog. 

Life is no longer completely "Between the two...."

One house, 
which we are organizing more and more every day, 
makes life so much simpler.

Having to spread the love among three little angels,
 instead of two, 
is an absolute blessing!

I started this blog several years ago as a means of documenting 
my thoughts
 for my daughters and granddaughters.  

If they bring pleasure to anyone else, I consider that a true bonus.  

I believe we all benefit when we can pass on that which has been freely given to us, whether through words or deeds.

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

Wednesday's Wisdom....

"You can start your day over at any time...."

I've heard that expression numerous times, from numerous sources.

Gonna put it into practice right now.

Day started well - coffee, then oatmeal. Caught up on the news.

Made a point of checking to see that the neighborhood cat was not in the front yard 

before letting the basset boys out.

Forgot to check for dead birds.

Thankfully, Dudley dropped it when it became too difficult to....

Got into the Englishman's truck to head to the shops.

Windows must have been open a slight crack - damp inside. Seat quite damp.

Went to Kohl's.  Tried on, no lie, about 45 bras.  We all know how that can cheer you up.

Finally gave up and just purchased the least problematic one.

Caught a break at the Supermarket.  Cashier let me check out my 21 items in the "20 items or less" line, after trying out 4 other registers where the line was simply not moving.  

Seniors doing a month's worth of shopping. Seriously.

Smashed my knee on the door of the truck after loading up my purchases.

You see where this has been going?

So I've decided to follow that sage advice and "start my day over."

 Drank another coffee and am listening to Nat King Cole.

It's a brand new day! 

Tip for a Tuesday....

It would appear that gaining wisdom is not the only advantage to growing older:

Did you know that customers "of a certain age,"

actually those of us 55 and older,

can get an extra 15% off on Wednesdays at Kohl's?

Welcome news to me!

It may be worth your time to check out other stores which offer similar discounts.

A Monday Memory....

Funny story.
So, I'm pregnant with my third child, and it's "comin on Christmas," and the baby is now six days past her due date. (Clearly, not the funny part.)

Finally, early on a Sunday evening, labor starts. I called my mother to alert her to the latest developments, as she has graciously offered to stay with daughters #1 and #2 when I go to the hospital, and I wanted to give her time to come over and get settled in calmly before the Englishman and I depart.

Now comes the funny part.

Either Mom didn't hear me when I said I still had plenty of time before I had to leave or she was just too anxious for the arrival of another grandchild, but within minutes she was behind the wheel of her Cadillac and speeding towards my house.

Yup, speeding.

Which explains the police car following her.

All the way into my driveway.

Upon reaching her destination, my mother quickly exited her vehicle and hastily headed for our front door.  That's when she heard a loud male voice call out "Um, ma'am, ma'am!"

Without missing a step, "Grandma on a mission" waved her arm and emphatically shouted back, "Get away from me! I don't have time to talk to you. My daughter's having a baby!"

So shocked must have been the poor policeman's reaction that he quickly did as he was told, got back in his vehicle and departed.

Daughter #3 is expecting to deliver "Little Girl" any day now.  Unlike my mother, I won't need to go and take care of little ones for her when she departs.  The females currently residing in her house are of the four legged variety.  But if granddaughter #3 doesn't arrive soon, before her Grandad and Aunt depart for a week's business trip in Europe, Grandmom will be flying her way up the Garden State Parkway, basset hounds in tow!  

Take note, State Troopers.  I won't "have time to talk to you."