Happy New Year's Eve!

As we say goodbye to 2018 and look forward with hope to 2019, I wanted to share a blog post I recently read and found to be full of wise advice.

Look Fabulous Forever

(click on the link below:)

Happy New Year

https://www.lookfabulousforever.com/us/blog/lifestyle/happy-new-year-2019

I have already applied many of these suggestions to my own life and I can honestly say that doing them makes a difference in the quality of my life.

 Suggestion 2 can be a little unsettling, but is extremely important. These days, it can be as simple as downloading one of number of forms online, then taking it to a Notary Public to have it signed and witnessed. (Just "google" it and you'll find all the information you need.)Then advise a family member or friend where you have the papers located.  For those of you with young children, you should include a document which states who you would wish to care for your children should something happen to you and/or your spouse. A legal document, signed by you, can assure your wishes will be followed. Having all your papers in order can give you absolute peace of mind. 

Wishing you and yours a Happy and Healthy New Year!!

Thursday's Thought for the Day

"Wealth consists not in having great possessions but in having fewer wants."

~ Esther de Waal

(quote found in Peace and Plenty: Finding Your Path to Financial Serenity by Sarah Ban Breathnach)

Wednesday's Wisdom....

This time of year, with the anniversaries of losses of many of my loved ones and friends, as well as the holiday season, can bring difficult moments. I have found the passage below to be helpful. 

I share it in case it helps you too. 

As Queen Elizabeth said, "Grief is the price we pay for love." 

So if we have loved deeply it stands to reason we will grieve deeply. 

I treasure the "scars" (see below) I have earned from the love I have felt for so many.

Found this on Pinterest:

Source: http://m.atchuup.com/advice-on-how-to-deal-with-grief/

Tip for a Tuesday....

Put your name on the gift list!

Many, many years ago a wise woman directed me to always purchase a small gift for myself on my birthday and at Christmas. She said that way, no matter what gifts I received or didn't, I would have one thing I really wanted and would feel content. 

Some years I may have purchased for myself a new sweater or a tiny bottle of fire engine red nail polish. The actual gift itself wasn't as important as the act of doing something just for me.

 Why should we do it? 

 Because as the advertisement used to say...

Because I'm worth it!

Wednesday's Wisdom....

source: Everyday Life Lessons on Facebook

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

The opening monologue of this film always brings tears to my eyes....

Prime Minister: "Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around."
From the film: Love Actually

Wednesday's Wisdom....

A couple of thoughts to keep in mind as the holiday season rolls in....

Tip for a Tuesday....

Buy Stamps!

If you use the US Postal Service to send letters and packages, check out the proposed increases listed on their website for January 2019.

They are proposing raising the cost of a "Forever" stamp from 50 cents to 55 cents!

USPS:

http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2018/pr18_086.htm

I've already purchased my Christmas stamps and will be stocking up on those Forever stamps!!

Wednesday's Wisdom....

source: Facebook - "Action for Happiness"

Tip for a Tuesday....

I LOVE this show!! Highly recommend it!!

A Monday Memory....

"Straighten up and fly right!"

"straighten up and fly right:

Fig. to improve one's behavior or attitude and perform better. (Originally referred to an airplane.) If you want to keep out of trouble, you had better straighten up and fly right. Straighten up and fly right or I will send you to the principal."

c/o the free dictionary by FARLEX

Sound familiar?
I frequently listen to Nat King Cole while working in my kitchen. Hearing this song suddenly brought me back many years - it is an expression my parents would use as my siblings and I were growing up. It was usually their final pronouncement when discussing our unfavorable behavior and was always preceded by the words: 
"You better...."

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

source: Pinterest

Tip for a Tuesday....

Got pets?

 dogs, cats, birds, reptiles... 

Check out Chewy.com

https://www.chewy.com

Their prices are often below what I find in the stores. 

Next day delivery!

Free shipping for orders over $49!

Food, supplements, treats, toys, helpful videos and much more!

I highly recommend them!!

Wednesday's Wisdom....

source: Pinterest

A Monday Memory....

Long story short....

My parents took my sister and I on an extended car trip across the US after I graduated college.

Among our many stops was the suspension bridge, pictured below, in Colorado.

Not the best location for someone with a fear of heights!

Yes, that's me - in the photo above - desperately clutching the hand rails of the bridge. 

I only got as far as a few of the bridge's wooden planks.

 My Dad had to literally pry my fingers from the railing and walk me off.

A friend and I were discussing fears recently. Their fear of public speaking and mine of heights.

I shared that I had recently read that the best way to overcome a fear is to meet it head on - go and do the thing you fear and after a time the fear will go away.

I said that after much thought, 

I've decided I'm ok with my fear of heights. 

I have no intention of ever crossing the bridge above or any other on foot.

My daughters will testify that it's difficult enough for me to drive across them!

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

source: Pinterest

Wednesday's Wisdom....

"You can't predict but you can plan."

This phrase was on the tail end of a recording I listened to while on hold waiting to speak to our vet about our dog. They were advising how to prepare in case of an emergency and needing to evacuate with your pets. 

Actually, I thought,
 that's a great message overall for everyone.

I often say to friends that, unfortunately, God does not send down a detailed list to me of either the next crisis or joyous event that will be happening in the future. So I find that I cope better when I plan for the worst and hope for the best. 

 I have a "go" bag in the hall closet and a rough idea of what I need to take from my bedroom should we need to leave at a moment's notice. We live near the coast and have had to evacuate.

I also keep a written list of my family's phone numbers in my wallet in case I don't have access to my phone and need to contact them.

During the winter months, we stock up on essential items in case the weather keeps us from the store for a period of time. It's also nice to limit our trips out when the bitter winds blow!

I've also shared on this blog that I keep a large bright pink post it note on the side of our refrigerator which lists the Englishman and I by name, who our doctors are and any medications we take.

This is in case we have a medical emergency in our home. It gives vital information straight away to first responders.

Some spare cash, folded up and tucked in my wallet, as well as money stashed in the house, gives peace of mind should I be unable to get to the bank.

What's your plan?

Tip for a Tuesday....

This article popped up on my twitter feed this morning. Useful information!!

"Does negativity dominate your thinking? If the thoughts in your head about people, situations — and even yourself — are on the harsh side, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Scott Bea, PsyD, answers questions about why so many people struggle with negative thinking and explains how to adopt a more positive outlook on life."

"How to Turn Around Your Negative Thinking - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic"

(click on link below:)

Cleveland Clinic

A Monday Memory....

Many years ago, when we still had a house on LBI, daughter #1 was trying to build up the stamina to be able to "run the mile" at her high school, which was a gym requirement. The Englishman would ride alongside her on his bike urging her on down the boulevard. I worried for her since her asthma and allergies were quite bad in those days and I wasn't certain she would be able to do it. She struggled to get even half a mile back then.

Yesterday I had the absolute joy to watch that same young woman, come down that same long boulevard and cross the finish line of the LBI 18 mile run! 

Yes - 18 miles!!!!

Talk about an accomplishment! 

Talk about "never give up"! 

Talk about stamina and overcoming obstacles!

Talk about taking the word "can't" out of my vocabulary.

The love and support of her family and friends also made it possible. 

May we all be cheering squads 

for those we care about.

"Yes - you CAN!!"

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

Source: Pinterest

Wednesday's Wisdom....

Tip for a Tuesday....

Footwear from England

I first saw an ad for this company in Victoria magazine

I have since ordered two pairs - 

lace up shoes and lace up boots

I love them!!!

I receive many compliments whenever I wear them

Two things to recommend them:

great sale prices

wide widths!!

Check them out below:

https://www.hotter.com/us/en

A Monday Memory....

Oh, so true.

But even earlier....

The giant movie projector -

 used to show a full movie to the entire school population in the gym. 

I can still recall watching "Dumbo" when I was in either first or second grade. I quietly sat there sobbing in the dark when they separated the mother and Dumbo.

But a Friday afternoon at the movies was always 

a welcome distraction.

No doubt the teachers enjoyed it too!!

Friday Fotos....

"It's the most wonderful time of the year...."

Autumn is my favorite season and my autumnal decor is out and about.

A blogger I follow offers free downloadable images like this one, "Fall is calling" on her website: onsuttonplace.com
This image and many others are available free to members. (You can become a member by submitting your email address.)

When I was growing up, my mother used to fill this bowl above with gourds purchased from one of the local farms each Autumn. I carry on the tradition, with her very much in mind, each year.

Wishing everyone a sunny and cool weekend!

Looking forward to celebrating the Christening of granddaughter#4 on Sunday!

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"My business is not to remake myself,
But make the absolute best of what God made."

~ Robert Browning

Wednesday's Wisdom....

source: pinterest

Tip for a Tuesday....

This series has just come out on Netflix.

We watched episode one last night and enjoyed it.

Tony Danza is perfect in his role and Josh Groban is quite good.

Yes, that Josh Groban!

Recommend!!

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

Wednesday's Wisdom....

"Stop 'shoulding' on yourself."

Dr. H

Tip for a Tuesday....

good suggestion from one of our local garden centers

A Monday Memory....

Remember pay toilets? And how no one paid any attention to signs such as this? 

In fact, I can remember women would yell at you if let the door close without holding it open for the next person.

And being chosen to scoot under the door to save money. Ugh.

When I first went to England, I noticed that the doors to the public toilets were but a couple of inches off the floor and thought that would certainly have stopped us in the US from slipping under.  

The phrase "spend a penny" in Britain referred to the use of coin operated boxes on public toilets.  Thankfully we no longer need to do that on either side of the Atlantic.

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

I need to repeat this.

And believe it. 

(source: via Facebook)

Wednesday's Wisdom....

Tip for a Tuesday....

A Monday Memory.....

I remember.....

A crisp clear morning with the bluest skies.
The look on the school secretary's face when she told me the Englishman had called and to tell me that a small plane had hit one of the World Trade Towers. And that she should alert the Principal and get together a list of the parents who worked at the Trade Center.
Having to pretend nothing was happening in front of 27 Third Grade students.
Desperately wanting to be with the Englishman, as he sat and watched friends and former colleagues perish.
Wanting to run and scoop up our daughters - two away at college and the youngest at her high school.
The kindness and support of the women I worked with, especially Barbara T.
The numbness we all felt for days and weeks after.

What do you remember?

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

courtesy of Power of Positivity via Facebook

Wednesday's Wisdom....

“Please remember that people are more than their genes, they are also the product of their environment and the attitude of the people who care for them.”

Exceptional In Old Age

by Tricia Cusden

LFF Founder

https://www.lookfabulousforever.com/us/blog/challenging-ageism/exceptional-in-old-age

I recently recommended a website, Look Fabulous Forever, for its makeup tutorials and general attitude toward aging. The founder of the company also writes a weekly blog post and the quote above is from her most recent.
Take a few moments to read it. I feel sure that "maturing" women, as well as mothers, will find it extremely insightful.

Tip for a Tuesday....

The Englishman and I watched the film "Dad's Army" last night 

and thoroughly enjoyed it!

The film is based on a popular sitcom in Great Britain which ran on the BBC from 1968 to 1977.

This series follows the unlikely heroes of the volunteer British

Home Guard as they prepare for German invasion in World War II.

Ten seasons of the original series are available on Netflix

If you are looking for some light comedy, I highly recommend it!

A Monday Memory....

Back to school....

Do they still have students, actually their parents, cover books? My Dad was an expert, having started his career at the Book of the Month Club in the shipping department. No brown grocery bags for him - he had an enormous roll of brown paper in the basement which he drew from. Let's see, so three kids times probably a minimum of 7 books each...Oh, and he didn't just cover the soft workbooks. He measured and inserted a piece of cardboard front and back to keep it in shape.



Remember these?

Before there were ballpoint pens allowed for writing, we had a choice of Sheaffer or Wearever pens. My Dad bought us the later, mainly because it came with more cartridges than Sheaffer. But I would have preferred the Sheaffer - it had a nicer point.

And these? Before "baggies" we had wax paper bags for sandwiches. Stuffed into brown bags.

Thinking of those who are headed back to the classroom this week, either as students or teachers. May you create fond and lasting memories this school year!

Friday Fotos....

 Last Friday....

Fun times at Fantasy Island - 

followed by pizza and fries at Panzones. 

Simply the best!!

Mums are in!!!

Wishing everyone a cooler and safe Labor Day Weekend!