Wiser on Wednesdays - There is Enough Time

Mamas, slow down. Quiet the rush and create a hush. This time only lasts a short while with your children. 

Books 2013

29 Gifts - Cami Walker (book - almost done)
Without Mercy - Lisa Jackson (ebook - almost done)

A Short History of Women - Kate Walbert (book)

JANUARY 2013
Who Fears Death - Nnedi Okorafor

FEBRUARY 2013
The Woods -  Harlan Cobin
Zero Day - David Baldacci
The Closers - Michael Connelly - Harry Bosch series (Read by Len Cariou) 
One Summer - David Baldacci

MARCH 2013

Deal Breaker - Harlan Cobin (Myron Nolitar Novel  #1)
The Innocent - David Baldacci


APRIL 2013
The Giving Quilt - Jennifer Chiaverini
American Assasin - Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp series #1
Kill Shot - Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp series #2
Transfer of Power -Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp Series #3
The Third Option -Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp Series #4
Void Moon - Michael Connelly
A Darkness More than Night - Michael Connelly
Act of Treason -Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp Series #9
Calico Joe - John Grisham
The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown (narrator Paul Michael)

MAY 2013

Separation of Power -Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp Series #5
Executive Power -Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp Series #6
Memorial Day -Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp Series #7
Moonlight Becomes Her - Mary Higgins Clark (narrator - Christina Moore)
Consent to Kill -Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp Series #8
Protect and Defend -Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp Series #10

JUNE 2013
Extreme Measure-Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp Series #11
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Mildred D. Taylor (narrator -Lynne Tigpen)
Pursuit of Honor -Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp Series #12 (narrator George Guidall)
The Last Man -Vince Flynn - Mitch Rapp Series #13

JULY 2013

Black Widow – Randy Wayne White (narrator- George Guidall)

The Best of Me – Nicholas Sparks
Mark of the Assassin – Daniel Silva (Book 1)
The Lucky One – Nicholas Sparks
A Woman’s Place – Lynn Austin (narrated by Christina Moore) – Proverbs 31:29-31

AUGUST 2013

Miracle Cure Harlan Cobin

Code to Zero – Ken Follett (narrator George Guidall)
Lions of Luzerne – Brad Thor
Carte Blanche – Jeffrey Deaver

SEPTEMBER 2013

Twisted – Jeffrey Deaver

The Piano Teacher – Janice Y.K.Lee

The Forgotten – David Baldacci

Suspects – Robert Crais

OCTOBER 2013
The Hypnotist - Lars Kepler

NOVEMBER 2013

Two Graves – Preston &Childs

 

 DECEMBER 2013

The Friday Night Knitting Club - Kate Jacobs
The Edge - Jeffery Deaver

 

Wiser on Wednesdays - 15 Things to Give Up

Wiser on Wednesdays - Calvin and Hobbes on Santa Claus

“CALVIN: This whole Santa Claus thing just doesn't make sense. Why all the secrecy? Why all the mystery? If the guy exists why doesn't he ever show himself and prove it?
And if he doesn't exist what's the meaning of all this?

HOBBES: I dunno. Isn't this a religious holiday?

CALVIN: Yeah, but actually, I've got the same questions about God.”  - Bill Watterson

Wiser on Wednesdays - 15 Quotes of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner, has died. During his long life, Mandela inspired countless individuals. Here is a collection of quotes that personify his spirit:

1) "Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end."

2) "It always seems impossible until it's done."

3) "If I had my time over I would do the same again. So would any man who dares call himself a man."

4) "I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles."

5) "Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people."

6) "A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of."

7) "Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."

8) "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

9) "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

10) "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

11) "Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies."

12) "Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front."

13) "Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

14) "I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days."

15) "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."

My How They've Grown! 2013

 g-baby boys  Spring 2013

 

g-baby girl Spring 2013

g-babies Summer 2013

The Mom Song

Get ready to really LAUGH!

Wiser on Wednesdays - Change

Christmas Cactus - 2013

So earlier this year I saw this plant struggling in a dark, empty office.  I inquired about its owner and decided to care for it and hand.it back if the owner returned for it.  Below are photos of my reward!

Take a Seat - Make a Friend

Thanksgiving 2013

Sometime ago...I can't say exactly...my daughter introduced us to a thanksgiving go 'round. She wanted us each state what we were thankful for and encouraged our participation by tellin us there were no parameters. It was quite interesting to experience but I never felt prepared...after shopping and cooking and traveling and in front of people some.strangers... you get the idea. I often wouldn't remember that we'd be doing it until we'd Sat sown, said grace and she started with "let's share what we are thankful for this year..." 

This year while I still didn't remember until we'd sat down, said grace and she started I was ready nonetheless .  A list of things came rolling off my tongue that shocked even me - the person expressing the list.
1- A job (I remember even if you don't that I was a year unemployed--or as I prefer to say practicing for my retirement! smile)
2- A successful cross state move
3- Passing my nine-month.probation
4- A very positive review of my work and contribution to the company
5- My car and the fact that it makes it up and down the road - 22 miles each way everyday
6- Having my daughter and g-babies spend time with me this summer

 

There's more...much more...but this is what came to mind in that instance with my family --my daughter, my g-babies, my sister, my niece.  Thank you...Amen!

Lily in Philly!

Day Lily 2013

This is the Lily that I photograph every year (thanks dear sister!) It traveled this year and seems to have adjusted quite well!

Clothes shoppng - Spring 2013

So with lots of encouragement and a more than a little professional assistance, I am brave enough to venture out on my own, to shop for clothes.

It is spring and even I --the novice-- knows and can appreciate the value of a crisp, white blouse. I'm told they are an essential part of any well appointed wardrobe, that they can dress up any pair of slacks and of course, allow you to be ready and dressed with little angst or forethought. Essential.

I'm told that the side tie is flattering, as well as, the blouses with the fit and flare seams--two in the back and/or two in the front.

But every one I own, as well as every one I try on, makes me look flawed --to my own self. Flawed --you know-- rounder than our mind's eye can accept, believe, or translate to reality. I mean, usually when I stand in the mirror, I am able to explain the flaws to say to myself, "not bad, considering".

So I'm just saying, that if I  try on a blouse where even I can't explain the body flaws, then clearly, there something wrong with the blouse!

A path in the grass...

In Highland County there is a 30 minute labyrinth. It is in the side yard of a local church and depending on which day the grass is cut you might even miss it. But it's there. It has an entrance and everything.
My friend created it and when I was there with her last year to visit (and recuperate) was excited (excited for her that is) to tell me about it. Keeping in mind that I'm a city girl, I was gracious and crossed wet grass to see it. I mean she was so "excited" after all and some big wig from a Labyrinth society had noticed and walked it --so who was I not to pay attention. --the things you do for friends --but I digress.

She told me all about the labyrinth, the visit from the man from the international labyrinth society and how children from the community walk and love it. So I started to walk around and around. I mean it was just a path in the grass, right? In her way, she tells me different by saying "...well you know it takes thirty minutes".  "Thirty minutes? Well never mind, maybe later" and I jumped across the pathways --was it irreverent to start and not finish--and got out there.

But the faint circles in the grass--the labyrinth--called my name. What's thirty minutes? What's wrong with you? So sometime later I went out at least three different times. The first I started and felt way too stupid to continue...I mean what is walking around and around in a circle going to do? and who has time for this?  I will never be classified as your quiet, settled, laid back friend. I need to do something--and I like to be doing something---all the time. So what was walking the labyrinth doing?

But it was so important --or at least felt that way to me--to my friend and there was a whole society for the things after all---that I went back out to it two more times. I took my Bible--remember I have to be doing something and read it while I walked. I got finished the passage before the walking and stepped across the pathways and went back in the house.

The next time --- I did complete it! awkwardness and all! Though I can not report that I had any deep or profound epiphany, I did however, get ideas and make decisions about how to make the best use of my time of recuperation. I did decide to stop the mental battle against not being productive, not being able to "do anything"... and maybe that was deep and profound enough for my first time and considering I had weeks of recuperation ahead of me.

 And while I must admit that walking a labyrinth is not something I will travel far and wide to do...nor is it something that will have me join a club or society of labyrinth walkers...I can see the appeal...the necessity actually, of a set aside space to walk and think...a set aside, measured space...where entire societies are dedicated to educating the public, preserving the tradition, the sacredness, the togetherness (the first Saturday in May is World Labyrinth Day --"Walk as One at 1"--seriously who knew!?) of what to some only seems to be "a path in grass".

world wide labyrinth locator

Wiser on Wednesday - ...when I grow up...

Almost certain of what I will do when I grow up.

And just as steadfastly determined never to "grow up" completely--where's the fun in that?

So the question becomes, "what must I do now, today that manifests love and gives life?" The answer involves what it really means to be grown. Right?

To be free and filled with joy in a way that no bars, nor sadness, not even a justifiable despair, can steal this light. I am happy to be me and I am happy to be changing into something extraordinary: me tomorrow.

Not so much grown, but growing...a giant eventually: as love as love can be, over flowing with wonder, whimsy and the wisdom that can only come from courage and failure and exhaustion and well earned rest, disappointment and the fulfillment of making and being a difference

Toby D.Sanders - January 10. 2013

Wiser on Wednesday - Our Thoughts

We cannot always control our thoughts; but, we can surely remember in a way that gives the present the power it needs to endure whatever challenges us, appreciate whatever aides us, and overcome whatever threatens to limit us, in service of a better tomorrow. It all begins with a form of thoughtfulness that is open and directed and hopeful. - Toby D. Sanders (January 30, 2013)

Wiser on Wednesday - The Best Road

If you don't like the path, make your own.

Wiser on Wednesday - Be strong enough to...

Wiser on Wednesday - Three Simple Life Rules

Wiser on Wednesday - Golda Meir