COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

2012-09-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

THE MUSTARD SEED NECKLACE

by Janet Paradee 9/28/12

What kind of adornment around my neck do I bear?

Is it a millstone, an anvil, or a mustard seed that I choose to wear? Will the weight of my unforgiveness and prideful sin

entice the deepest ocean to engulf me and pull me in?

OR Can I truly have faith as big as the tiny mustard seed

and trust that God will surely meet my every need?

Am I in a hurry to always do things my way?

Do I stop, look, and listen before, during and after I pray?

Am I willing to be compassionate and kind?

Do I fend for me only, leaving everyone else behind?

OR do I have a clear conscience before God and man

knowing that for others, daily, I have helped wherever I can?

The choice, for me, is certainly very clear...

I choose to wear the mustard seed necklace without doubt or fear. It will be my constant reminder and a "refreshing fountain"

for with it I know and trust that God will move any mountain.

AND Since His forgiveness from that refreshing fountain freely does flow;

I, too, must forgive others and His love always show.

SO What kind of adornment around your neck will you wear?

Will it be the tiny mustard seed or a large millstone that you bear?

Thank you ever so much. Your presence blesses us daily.

WIND OF GOD

2012-09-20T20:02:00.000-07:00

WIND OF GOD

Contrary to popular belief

to keep on sinning brings no relief

from the guilt and shame I possess,

from the transgressions in my life I refuse to confess.

Reveal to me, O Lord I humbly now pray,

those iniquities I cling to that have led me astray.

Wind of God revive me with Your fresh air;

Breath of Life flow o'er me for I know You are there.

Why should I die? Can I avoid this certain death

that would eternally separate me into the lowest depth?

Compromise, disobedience, even dishonesty had,

for a season, overshadowed me.

But, Holy God, I choose to repent of it all,

and, now on Your name I sincerely call.

Wind of God revive me with Your fresh air;

Breath of Life flow o'er me

for I know You are there.

Empty me of all that to You has been an offense.

Display in me the works worthy of my repentance.

Refreshing Spirit, energize me with a new vibrant walk,

with a new way of thinking, a new way to talk.

I surrender to You Lord, for only in You can I find

this new heart, this new spirit, this brand new mind.

Wind of God revive me with Your fresh air; Breath of Life flow o'er me for I know You are there.

Janet Parradee

9/20/12

This is another poem from Janet. She writes at least one peom a day. We, her sisters, are trying to get her published.

A NEW POEM FROM JANET

2012-09-12T22:11:00.000-07:00

The Separating Wall

Is there a separating wall that divides the intimacy between
The Creator of All and little ol' me?
Has sin crept in in the form of selfishness or pride?
To whom have I given the contorl of my life to guide?

How did this separating wall begin to take shape,
And from it now can I fully escape?
One brick at a time is all that it takes,
With mortar of willful sin the sun it will bake.

A brick of anger, one of lying or of greed
Is all it requires, that's all this wall needs.
Gossip, unkindness to others are bricks too
That can be piled on, it's easy enought to do!

This separating wall towers over me,
I fear; Can I climb it now, can it's height I clear?
I want to chip away at this separating wall no
Matter how deep, how wide, how tall.

So, incline Your ear, dear Lord, I pray;
Search my heart and know me today.
If there be any evil that separates You and me,
Show me today Lord, that's my desperate plea.

The bricks of unforgiveness and anger I see collapse
As I cling to You and Your promises I clasp.
Now, instead of a separating wall betweenYou and me
A frame, a hedge of protection under construction I see.

Bricks of love, honesty, obedience now surround me;
Lord, will You add bricks of confession, repentance, and humility?
Expose my sin, bury it deep under this frame...
This, my prayer Lord, I pray in Your Name.

This is the group I belong to of believers, Sisters Who Pray. They are pretty special to me.
We spend most of our time praying. If you have a prayer request make a comment below.
God Bless

HOTTER THAN A PISTOL

2012-08-28T13:18:00.001-07:00

As my Nanny would say,"Hotter than a pistol"! Which means it is pretty darned hot! 102 degrees as I write. The best thing you can do is lay down, put some ice on ya and forget it all. Cool drinks help too!

My arm is on the mend. I did some crafts yesterday. And yea my hand was all cramped up. I started on another book-book shelf, worked on some of my homemade beads, and deco-paged hymnal pages onto a end table. They all look great!

Nix the crochet for now. It takes too much wrist action. I am going to try my hand at para cord macrame bracelets. They are pretty popular. And Macrame is back in style. Who knew?

My puppy, Riri, is crashed out. It is too hot for him too. And this computer is pretty hot right now. I have been surfing and you know how it is, you loose track of time.

News Alert, I turn 61 on August 29th.

Happy Birthday to me.

DISCOVERY OF A LUCET

2012-08-23T00:07:00.002-07:00

Last night while I was scooting around online I found a very interesting video on youtube. It was on how you use a lucet to make cording. It is a lyre shaped wooden lucet. I did not have one so I improvised today and made a workable one from a two pronged fork (for turning bacon or meat). It took me a while to get the hang of it. After about two tries I sort of have it sort of figured out. You can use these as ties, shoe laces or weave them together to make bracelets.

I made a small cord and then I beaded it. Not bad for a first time. I tried to download a picture, but it won't cooperate.

I also watched how to use a knook and a 2 ended 2 hooked crochet hook. I love discovering new things and then trying them. I have been experiementing with altered book art also.

I made a book shelf out of a book for my GGrandaughter's first birthday. It looks like a ferriswheel and I put tiny little cardboard books at the bottom. Not sure what glues to use, it warped when I used decopage medium. Then I painted it white because the book was so dark. Next one I make I am going to use a spray on fabric stiffener used in millinary. I then glued little things that girls like: a puppy, a tuffet, a picture of her in a cute little frame, buttons and bowes, ribbons and lace, rabbits etc.

You never know what I will be up to next. As soon as my right arm fully recovers from the break, watch out.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO SEE THROUGH GOD'S EYES?

2012-08-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a poem my Sunday School Sisters put together. I just kept coming up blank. You will enjoy this one too.

What Does It Take To See Through God's Eyes? August 9, 2012

(Janet) What does it take to see through God's eyes?
I must not hide behind a mask or disguise.
I must live in the Truth, not deceptive lies.
I must see the heart of others when I hear their cries.
I must love and forgive, not despise.
I must use time wisely, it too quickly flies.
I must serve others completely for I know not my last "goodbyes".
I must remember that to God I am no surprise!
I must live in the Light even under darkened skies.

(Nancy) What does it take to see through God's eyes,
I must not perch myself up on high, and simply let hurt people pass by.
God please give me the heart that tries.
And when my work on earth is nigh
I will lift up my arms to You on high
Your love surrounds me as I close my eyes
My weary soul to Jesus begins to fly.

(Sharon) My Eye Is Upon You
He waits for me to meditate and pray
He teaches me the way to go
But, sometimes I am guilty and look away.
He shows me the needs of people
He counsels me, He instructs me
But, I get busy and do I really see?
Or, do I use the excuse that I am human and have human eyes?
Lord, forgive me and help me to draw nearer.
Help me to be a faithful servant in your sight.

(Verna) As God looks down on man,
from the skies He sees all the evil, man can devise.
Yet, He hears, and forgives their heart cries.
Oh the great love that fills God's eyes!
Though I can't see as God can see,
He knows what lies in the depth of me
Yielded to His Power, He can foresee
He knows the truth of what I could be.

I am humbled.

A BROKEN HEART

2012-08-15T13:26:00.001-07:00

The following is a poem by Janet Parradee a friend of mine. She has an amazing gift.
I pray you will enjoy it as much as I do.

A Broken Heart August 12, 2012

A broken heart tatters and shatters when it breaks.
Sometimes it seems more than just one person can take.
A childhood friend moves away; That last “Goodbye!” is so hard to say.
A teenager’s crush that very first date,
It’s not meant to be, but reality we don’t equate.
At twenty or thirty-something it’s marriage, home, work…
Too many failures hit and we don’t know where to look.
At midlife we should be all set, But closer to retirement is all we get!
Who can sustain us when brokenhearted is all we feel?
There’s One who knows, He’s the One that will heal.
No matter the brokenness, He knows our heart.
He’s always been willing to allow us a fresh start.
Turn crying and weeping into dancing and singing,
Because of forgiveness and love the Savior is bringing…
For every situation, the pain or the loss,
He took upon Himself as He hung on the cross.
Beauty for ashes He promises, dear child.
Take off the sackcloth, stay no longer beguiled.
The shattered pieces of your broken heart
Can be mended, made whole, put back into one part! By Janet Parradee

Muselums in North America

2012-08-13T16:45:00.002-07:00

I got an email last week about a book written by Nonie Darwish. It seamed like a Hate Mail, so I decided to investigate it my self. Here is what I learned:

Well I did my research on Nonie Darwish, she did not write that email. Doesn't mean there isn't any truth in it. There is no book named Joys of Muslim Women. But she did write several other books: "Cruel and Unsual Punishment" About her experiences in Egypt, mostly about sharia law. I read a lot of the book online (they only have excerpts). The other one was "Now they call me Infidel" and "The Devil We Don't Know: The Dark Side of Revolutions in the Middle East". I am going to check out Salman Rushdie's book "The Satanic Verses" too. Then I picked up the "Portraits" July-Aug issue on Sunday. Coincidence? I don't think so.

There are some very good articles in it about refugees that have been sent here from refugee camps around the world. Some have been there for as long as 20 years. What a wonderful way to have an impact on all peoples & religions around the world. So I looked up refugee rescue programs. The most extensive one is in Tucson where the SBCA are very invloved and they will do training. The closest program here is an interfaith one in Phoenix. Too far for me to go to become apart of that one. So what are we willing to do for God and Country? Are we willing to give up our time to teach english to Muselum women and children; find them a home; help them to find a job; teach them to drive; show them how to understand American society (how to flush a toilet because they have never seen one)? Are we willing to sacrifice our lives to start our own program here in AJ and Mesa?

Education is a powerful tool. If you educate the women and show them the way to the truth, they will teach their children. When we fear sharia law and the men who will wield that power how better to help all of us than by giving the victims of these barbarians the faith and tools to free themselves?

So what are you afraid of?

Back in the swing of things, missed ya!

2012-08-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

I can not believe that it has almost been a year since I was on here. Here is an update:

I had a stroke in January and many seizures since last I wrote. I also fell and broke my right arm.

The good news is I am teaching myself the fine art of jewelry making. I have been making beads, wrapping beads with wire, Crocheting with wire and made a hoard of earrings.

I took some of my crochet hats, purses and many other things down to the old Swap Meet and sold nothing. When I had my stroke I had to quit sitting around and selling nothing.

Now I am going to sell my many wares on line at Etsy. I need to get a camera first, because that is key to bring people into your shop. Fun, fun, fun!

My little dog Baby had to be put to sleep, she was probably about 112 years old we figured. She was so ready to go on over. I love her dearly. Riley, my little dog misses her very much.

This last week we are just trying to keep cool. My cast was removed last Wednesday. So I am getting it back up to par so I can start painting and jewelry making again.

I also turned my living room into my craft and art shop. I was tired of looking for things all the time. As you can see, no wool gathers at my feet.

Father bless you all,
Barbara

THE MIRACLE TREE

2011-09-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

Long time no see. LOL I know I have been remiss about the blog. But I am making up for it today by writing about all that is going on. First, the title, The Miracle Tree, Moringa truly is just that. No this is not an advertisement. Most of the people propagating it do much non-profit work. I just read a testimonial about someone who took over 400 seeds to Africa to help the people start growing. Go to YouTube and see some videos on this. You will see the changes taking place, especially for the babies and children.

Let me go back, my discovery of Moringa came from one of the blogs. This tree is so potent with vitamins, amino acids, nutrients on such a huge scale that nothing even comes close to it. You can use the entire plant, roots, seeds, tree limbs, leaves and the small branches. One example, you can press the seeds to recover the oil, them use them to purify your water. Very important in most places on the planet. Go check it out for yourself. I am purchasing the leaves that are shed dried then pounded into a powder. I make tea from it.

My recipe for the tea: 1/4 tsp, 1 tsp honey, mix these two together well. Pour hot water over this and stir. I then put almond milk in it and ice cubes during the winter. It is wonderful. I also put it into soups, sauces, salad dressings, etc.

I gave some to my daughter when she was very tired and dragging herself around. Within a few days she was smiling, happy and energetic (there is no caffeine in Moringa). We shopped all day and she still wasn't tired. Her appetite was good, where as before she would pick.

I have been getting things ready for the state fair in October. I have two quilts, 5 purses (again), and whatever I can whip up. Can't wait. The dogs are in fine fashion. I am well. My children bought me a golf car for my 60's birthday. And I now weigh 121 lbs and looking awesome.
God Bless you all.

JUICING FOR LIFE

2011-07-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, Great Saturday to you. When I worked 9 to 5, Saturday am was the best. You had the whole weekend to look forward to.

Now I am sick and disabled. Not for long, I am going to turn it around by first, juicing organic vegies and fruits. Then I will eat fresh organic produce.

Here was my first experience with my daughter's juicing machine.
I quickly looked at it after going to the market, I only bought organic produce. $72 worth. So I began washing up the vegies, chopping and deciding what to make for lunch. I was tired as it was 1:00pm already. I had also decided to walk with a cart instead of taking the electric chair (LOL).

I juiced, beets, honey dew melon, kale and apple. Turning on the machine was next (having juiced off and on my whole life, whew a cinch) then put the vegies into the machine's top portion. I went with the beets first. Nothing came out except pulp. I turned it off. Then I notice there is red juice all over the counter going into the sink, under everything on the counter and onto the floor. Anyone who has seen my kitchen knows this would be an improvement.

Quickly grabbing towels I mopped up the counters, etc. I thought I had better look over the machine a little first and knew I needed nourishment fast. Duh, I had the machine backwards. When I finally got it made it was wonderful. Then I looked down and my right pants leg and my left foot was pink...

Later that day with dinner looming I needed to juice some more and decided on:
carrot, spinach, parsley, tomatoes, broccoli, apricot and mango.
Everything went ok, but the spinach went through whole, the apricot and mango just made mush. It was good as well. But I woke up in the middle of the night and my palms and bottoms of my feet were itching, no hives or rashes just itching. When I awoke this am, again with the itching. I jumped into the shower and I am still itching with purple died finger tips. You gotta laugh about it!

Health and Life

2011-07-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

Hello, I just watched the movie, 'Fat, Sick and nearly dead.com' . It was awesome. You need to go see this if you value your heal and a long life with no illness or pains. Many people have changed their lives from just existing to embracing live. I have start a juice fast of 5 days, at first. Joe Cross, the gentleman that made and stared in the movie, fasted on juices (fresh only) for 60 days. You have to see it to believe it. No he isn't doing this to make money.

I will keep you posted about my results. Since January 2011 I have lost from 155 to 124. I have hit a plato and can't get past it. I am going to juice until I get to my ideal weight 107lbs. I also have some major diseased to deal with. I had a seizure and when I fell I sustained a brain injury. I have a heart murmur and arithema. All kinds of skin problems, acne, eczema, hives, etc. Aches and pains all over my body, balance, memory, and stamina problems.

Join me and go to fat,sickandnearly dead.com see it for yourself. Have a great day.

Happy Easter, Happy Birthday and Happy Earth Day

2011-04-23T11:25:00.001-07:00

Hi! The Happy Birthday is for my Brother, David, who is 55 this year.

I went to our church's Good Friday Celebration last night. It was so moving. They did a monologue type of play. Each character came out and marvelously acted out their part. So many talented people I worship with. Who knew? The message was strongly brought home. We all left in silence in the dark and walked to the back of the property and there was a figure hanging on a cross. A real person. Then we all left in silence, children asking a multitude of questions. Well done. Although a little gruesome for the little ones at the end.

Happy Earth Day Mother Earth. We love you so. Peace, Love, Hope, Faith, Kindness are the things of God and how we feel about here. We are the stewards of this great big blue marble holding place in space, let us not let her down or God. I hear many say, "All this peace and love stuff has nothing to do with God. You are just painting a pretty picture, not reality." God created us in that environment. We rejected it. Do we need to turn our back on the perfection of God? Not for me.

I am making the deviled eggs for our family get together tomorrow. Our theme is Mexican food. We all bring one dish to share. I am making Salsa Deviled Eggs. They are cooking now. How to make the perfect boiled egg (without making them way over done - Gasssss) Boil the eggs for one minute, then turn off the burner, cover and let sit for only 10 minutes. They are delicious. Then I am going to crack the eggs and color them so they have a cracked looking outside. What colors will took tasty? Not green. Maybe yellow or orange? Not sure yet, I thought about red, but those red dyes are questionable. I think I will save the red to dye wool fiber for spinning.

Happy Holidays all, and God Bless

PS Do you like my new profile picture? I thought I would show you what Christmas Morning looks like at our house.

FRESH RECYCLING IDEAS

2011-04-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

I buy clothing and household items at the local thrift shop. Yard sales are good too. I bought curtains which were recycled from hospital ER rooms (you know the ones that have the mesh up top?). Well, I recycled all of the curtains for my 10 windows in my living room ($5) and then took the mesh top and made reusable shopping bags. If I had gone to my local/national store, it would have cost me about $250 to cover my windows, plus the bags at $1 each would be $15. I saved $260!!!

Also I purchase from the above places wool and cotton blankets to pad the inside of quilts I make the quilt tops from old clothing (levis too) and line the backs with good flannel sheets (also purchased there). Many have become family heirlooms and are being fought over. Cost for one quilt? = $10.

I make my own laundry soap and dish washing liquid. Main ingredient=water.

My daughter has a farm and she gives me the old feed bags (would end up in the trash). I use them for my yard trash that can not be used in the compost, i.e. cactus, tree limbs, etc. Family give me plastic grocery bags (also saved from the trash) I use them to pick up dog pooh and line my small garbage cans with.

All my cut off ends of vegies, onion skins, potato peals and more are put into the freezer and finally compiled to make a wonderful homemade vegetable soup stock.

I only shop at the thrift stores on 1/2 price or $1 day.

My family and friends pass magazines and books around, thereby saving on trees, postage and $. Then we call each other to discuss what we liked or didn't like about the book. Happy Recycling

THE READING ROOM

2011-04-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

Hi, missed a few days. They weren't exciting or anything, just cleaning.

I have been reading again. I joined the PaperBackSwap.com yes PBS. It is so much fun. You pay to ship out a book (buy postage online). Then when you receive a book you want, the postage is paid for you.

Here are the books I have received so far: First two are on their way.

Letting Go of Your Bananas: How to Become More Successful by
Getting Rid of Everything Rotten in Your Life
Shoes : A Celebration of Pumps, Sandals, Slippers & More
The Art of Kissing
The Edgar Cayce Primer : Discovering the Path to Self Transformation
Intimates Through Time: Edgar Cayce's Mysteries of Reincarnation
Knitting With Novelty Yarns : Exploring Color, Texture, and Style
The Mozart Effect: Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body,
Strengthen the Mind and Unlock the Creative Spirit
Suffering into Joy: What Mother Theresa Teaches About True Joy
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time
The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club (Lord Peter Wimsey, Bk 5)

Every time you send out a book you get a credit (1), if it is an audio book then 2 credits.
I have been having such a great time. Since my head injury I have missed reading. So it is a slow go. I read at night because I get double vision. I also look for large print versions while I am browsing.

I have finished 'The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club (Lord Peter Wimsey, Bk 5)'. It is typical Dorothy L. Sayers writing which is terrific. I am a sucker for the British Mysteries.
'Suffering into Joy: What Mother Theresa Teaches About True Joy' I have also finished and swapped it with a friend for another book on Mother Teresa.

I am presently reading many at the same time as they are spiritual books or else so intellectual that I have to go very slow.

A friend loaned me, 'The Awakening Heart' about a topic near and dear to my heart. It is about a near death experience that Betty J. Eadie wrote about. See my earlier writings if you want to know my take on the subject. Go see 'MY TRIP TO THE OTHER SIDE AND BACK'.

Well, have a good read and let me know on facebook what you are reading at: Barbara McQuiddy and tell me you are also a book lover. If you belong to PBS then go and read my reviews on the above books. if you think you would also like to read them then join up and you can request them from me. And thanks to all who have recommended books to me.

ONE STEP BACK

2011-03-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

Boy do I feel like C*&p today. I had another seizure last night. I had a busy week last week, and I think this is why. In one day I had a Dr's appointment, did some major food shopping, had a cut and die job, cooked a fabulous meal and started crocheting a purse for a dear friend of mine. Too much.......

So now I feel like I was drug though a knot hole backwards. Not much will be accomplished today. I always try to go at the speed of light. Then God slows me down so I can focus on what is truly important. Let him lead and I can not possibly go down the wrong path. But what am I suppose to be doing by sitting here, is beyond me?

I had a mango for breakfast because anything more complicated would be more....complicated. I need to get into the shower, but know it will be a major chore and very tiring. I am so spacey that I know the book I just read, will have to be reread at another time. Welcome to my world. I know one of my lessons is to find the balance.

God loves us all and wants us to know he is right there in your heart, not in a book, church or place. Those things (as they are just things) are places for us to worship together, as a group. But every day he (or she) wants us to spend time in prayer and meditation with him personally.

OH LOVE 2-27-99

2011-03-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

In your arms, I am in bliss.

Then off to Ecstasy I go.

Come back to take you with,

Opening up that door

To see what joy lay inside.

This Ecstacy that exists.

Thy kiss, oh kiss, what is this?

But unbounded bliss,

Oh my God!

Oh my Love!

RAIN IN THE DESERT

2011-03-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

It is raining today in the desert. I know some people don't believe it ever rains here, but it does. Okay it is 70 degrees in the house. And it was 70 degrees outside yesterday. Now, I just put the thermometer out side to see how cold it is today at 5:46 pm AZ time. It is 54 degrees. I got cold last night so I know it was below that. It gets cold when you sleep alone.

I had an electric blanket, but I wore it out. I know the electrical currents are not good for you and they shouldn't be on your body. But this way I don't have anyone telling me what to do, how to do it and when to do it. So now I am making quilts.

I have two quilts going presently. The first one is a King sized Levi Rag Quilt. Blue plaid flannel on the back. I want to put a wool blanket on the inside, but I haven't been able to find one here in the desert. The second one is an antique top I found in the trash. Some of the little triangles are pulling out so I am replacing them. It will have a red flannel back and cotton filling.

I am making these quilts to sell for my daughter and I to take a trip to the beautiful Ilse of Ireland. I have wanted to go there all of my life. So here is our chance. As soon as I have finished these two quilts, I will start the next Levi quilt.

Well, it is still raining. And I am not going anywhere. I spent most of the day surfing for books on Paper Back Swap and set up my account and page on YouTube. Yes I am going to be on here all of the time. Hopefully not, one of these days I will be getting a social life. It is difficult not having transportation. But I am so entertaining all by myself.

A RELAXING SUNDAY AFTER A DAY OF YARDSALE

2011-03-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

I joined our yard sale enthusiasts yesterday. I realize there aren't very many people reading my blog, but I find it cathartic for my soul. I am a people watcher (or observer) and found myself doing so yesterday. I found most people were there just to have something to do. So I hit everyone of my customers up to donate $$$ for my daughter and I to take a trip to Ireland. It was clearly posted on my dry erase board leaning up against my home. But I always had to point it out. Now did I have so much junk that they could not see it? Or was my countenance so bright that I out shown the message?

People came in packs from one sale to another. The husband or the male of the pack scouted ahead to get the lay of the land (ie, to see if there were tools). They were the friendliest. And would have engaged me for at least 30 minutes talking, but when the women came, they shut up immediately. Clearly a survival technique. Quite the intelligent of the species.

I made a new friend. She is a small child of 10 years and clearly had nothing to do. But by the end of the day she paid me a wonderful complement. She said I was not like other adults she had met in her short life. She said I was easy to talk to and fun. Me, fun!! Thank you so much. She made the day. She asked if on the weekends she could come to visit me? I said yes, if her grandmother said it was alright with her.

I showered her with gifts at the end of the day. She grazed through the toys and settled on two diaries, a box of cooking implements for her toy stove and a pocket cross I made. When Grandma came along and honked for her I walked her out. I introduced myself and found out we were neighbors and told her her grand daughter was always welcome.

Most people wanted to know if I had children hidden in my home. There were many toys, my daughter's contribution to the sale. I sold no shoes, many baskets and toys. I took my computer out and shopped on Paperback Book Swap for my favorite titles then visited with friends. Generally had a great time until the end. Yes, the dreaded clean up. But I charged ahead and made myself not stop until finished.

Several months ago it would have been impossible to have completed this entire endeavor. My back would not have survived it. But with the help of my 'fantastic' Chiropractor Dr. Dave I was able to truck on and do it all. Today I am only sore but tired. I am so greatful Dr. Dave. But the leftovers are still on the porch all though bunched up now.

I am going to call our local community church and donate them for their Rummage Sale. So remember when you purchase my overflow items that they came from a very loving home.

REMEMBER - 1994

2011-03-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

There was something in the

Way you looked at me.

Something in your smile.

Don't you remember?

When you held my hand,

Kissed my eyes,

Made us as one!

Don't you remember?

It was Lifetimes ago.

No -yesterday

An Eternity.

Don't you remember?

I'm the key to unlock that door,

Past, present and future.

Don't you remember ?

It was a long time ago.

Even longer for me.

It was decided by all,

I should be set free.

So I went first,

My heart broke in two.

I left you behind,

We became two.

Now here we are,

"Gathering" has begun.

I heard your voice,

I recognized you then.

Don't you remember?

Look inside.

Don't you remember?

It's not far away.

Don't you remember?

Here I am

Don't you remember?

Hold me close again.

Don't you remember?

Home again Home again.........

2011-03-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

Back on the home front. I was at my daughter's home dog and house sitting for 7, yes seven, dogs. Of course I took my two, could not live without them. It was like having a room full of babies. When one barked they all did.

So, today I am getting ready for our yard sale here in our park. It is amazing how much junk one person can accumulate. Well, out it goes. I am sorry for those who say, the one who dies with the most toys wins. Not so. They can't love you back, or keep you from being lonely. You can't snuggle up to a yacht. Granted these things are fun. But at what price?

As Edgar Cayce said, "These are the things for the nature of man". What of the spirit or the mind? How fulfilled are you? How many people have you stepped on on the way up?

These are not just platitudes. They are the things of spirit. Of the wings of the Butterfly that flitters in the heart. When loneliness speaks, who answers?

I have been to the afterlife and back. It is real. The Great Spirit is real. It is quite simple. Keep the good in mind and follow on.

THE FLOW OF LIFE - 1994

2011-03-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

The dolls do their dance,
Changing in the wind.
Our souls take a step
Forward once again.

Life is like an apple
Bitten to the core.
You never know what you have.
Won't you look once more.

Days change into night time,
Night into day.
The flow of life goes on,
Like the ocean waves.

THE DAY IN THE LIFE.......

2011-03-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

Today I found a check I had written to myself on March 7, 2006 for $1M. Money is great, but that no longer is my main goal in life.

Love

Faith

Peace

Home

Health

Service

Gratitude

Happiness

Friendship

Centeredness

Contemplation

These are what occupy my mind and heart now. I am on my spiritual quest. Looking for the mission elusive to me at this moment. But will appear when needed.

Keeping my eye on the light. Cleaning house more ways than one. Knowing what is mine will come to me. That is true happiness.

THE AMAZING WORLD OF SKYPE

2011-03-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

My sis and I have discovered Skype and have been spending our entire free time talking face to face. What a God send, as neither one of us can afford to visit one and other. But this is for free. She is baking bread and I am watching her in Puyallup, WA and me in AZ. Who thought technology could be so good? It is a shame I can't smell the bread cooking.

So far we have baked, showed off our homes, took a gander at the pets, put laundry away, did the dishes and laughed and giggled as two Blond sisters will do.

THE LOST BOYS OF SUDAN

2011-03-12T20:31:00.000-08:00

Wow! I just finished watching the movie "God Grew Tired of Us". I hope you have seen it. If not please do. It moved me so much. I have been homeless, but have not walked 1,000 miles and survived. I have been hungry but not died of starvation or watched my friends do so. We take for granted everything we have in the USA. We complain when the price of gas goes up. I feel ashamed because I am so rich and there are people who are dying for lack of water and food.

Imagine living and then dying in a few short years and had never been given a name....
Our identity is tied up with our surroundings and our family and friends. What if they were all gone? How would you cope?

I think these Boys of Sudan are the best Men I have ever seen.
They have the privilege to know what is truly important in life.
I am sort of speechless and I am in awe of them.

Keep them in your prayers, thoughts and hearts.

http://www.godgrewtiredofus.com/charities.html