How do you feel about the aging process?

Hi all,

Well, to answer my own question, I have to say that I'm perfectly okay with it.  I've been professing for the last few months, that it's all in God's plan for us.  We are all born as infants, become toddlers, then teens, then young adults, then middle aged and then we find ourselves old and facing death.  I don't want to die but I'm not afraid of passing. 

I've tried to live my life the way God wanted me to live it.  I haven't, by any means, been perfect, but I have never been one to hold a grudge against anyone. So I, eventually, let the pain go and just move forward.   I assume you all know that holding on to anger and resentment, only hurts you more.  Usually the other person has moved on and really doesn't care anymore.  I've tried to make amends to those I've hurt and to ask God's forgiveness whenever I've done wrong.  I know He's forgiven me because He forgives every one of us, if we are truly sorry. 

Getting old means all sorts of changes with your entire body:  losing hair and/or becoming gray, gaining weight, flabby skin, wrinkles and dark spots on your skin, just to mention a few.  I never understood why people dye their hair, do botox, face lifts, major surgery and other things to try to look like they did ten, fifteen or twenty years ago. 

This is the natural aging process.  We all have to go through this without exception.  Why can't people just accept their age and move on.  I don't think a person is supposed to be sixty or seventy and look like their forty or fifty.  What's up with that, anyways?

Don't get me wrong, I think we all must do whatever is best to stay healthy.  Along with all the sagging, wrinkles and so forth, age brings brittle bones and ailing knees, hips and backs.  It is up to each of us, individually, to put our health above anyone else.  If you become sick, you need to embrace your illness and live accordingly.  You can't let anyone else push you into doing things which can and will hurt you.  You need to be in charge of your own health!

I feel that I try to live a healthy lifestyle, according to what my illnesses allow.  I eat good foods, although I do, occasionally have sweets or candy, but in small amounts.  I have started putting my health first and do only that which I am able to do.  Still, I know that eventually my body, mainly my heart, will give out and I will pass away.  We all will die some day, no exceptions!

So, basically, I would suggest that you try to live a healthy lifestyle.  Also, watch what you eat, try to keep your weight under control, take any medications that are prescribed by your doctor, stay only as active as your body permits and fill your life doing the things that make you happy.  (Of course, if you are ill, you may not be able to do the things you used to love doing, but you can find something else to take their place.  Everyone of us can find something to do to occupy our time and feel fulfilled.)

There's an old saying which goes, 'Let's get old gracefully!'.  That's what I am doing.  Are you?  I hope you are, because that's the healthy way to age.  Try to understand that getting old, and the changes that occur with our bodies when we do, are natural.  This is the way God meant for us to change.  Just accept it because there's nothing you can do to stop it, unless you want to have cosmetic surgery over and over again.  I, for one, don't! 

Growing old doesn't have to be a sad time in your life.  There is so much you can do, whether you have health problems or not.  Happiness comes from the inside and fulfillment comes from using that happiness to do good for yourself and others.  Try giving back in one way or another.  It makes you feel so good about yourself. 

Peace and happy aging to all of you.
Susan

What will tomorrow bring for you?

Hi all,

Well the weekend is just about over for us.  I hope you had a great one and I hope you got a bit of time for yourself.  That's so important to each of us.

Today a chaplain I know said that he hoped we'd be able to say, "Today I saw God in,,,"
The very first thing I thought of was that I see God in everything.  Maybe it's partly because of my age, or because I'm chronically ill, or perhaps because I have such strong faith.  I've come to know what is important in life and have left all the little things go.  They just aren't important to me anymore.

I know that during different times of my life, I wandered if God was with me.  But, as I look back over those times, I know for sure that He definitely has, always and forever. 

Someone I know said to me that I must be afraid to die.  I said I wasn't and I don't think she believed me.  I don't want to die now, but I am not afraid to die.  I've given much thought to this and I'm at peace with myself and my God.  I have truly been blessed!

Now, to change the subject...  What will be waiting around the bend for you tomorrow?  The truth is that none of us truly know the answer to that question.  We know what's on our schedules for tomorrow, but what's supposed to happen, doesn't always happen.  We certainly can't sit around and worry about what may or may not happen tomorrow.  We need to trust in God, for only He truly knows what will happen to us.  I trust Him, do you?

Actually, all we really have is today, now, the present.  Tomorrow may never come for us.  I have a few things I'd like to do tomorrow, the day after that, and the day after that.  I pray that those days will come for me and for you, too.  Make the most of each day, trust in God always and tell those you love that you do.  You may never get another chance.  Live for today, and hopefully tomorrow will come around and then it will be today!

I plan on working on my writing tomorrow, as well as laundry.  What an exciting life I lead!  Just kidding, I'm blessed to wake up each morning.  So, make your plans and do what has to be done, but remember to be thankful for everything that comes to you each day.

Stay safe and love hard!
Susan

The weekend is fast approaching.

Hi all,

Once again, Friday is here.  That, of course, means the weekend is soon starting.  I'm sure all of you who hold down Monday through Friday jobs are rejoicing with glee.  I remember the days of rejoicing so well. 

I'm sure your weekend will be busy and end much too fast.  But, I do hope you will take a bit of time on Saturday and again on Sunday, to relax and do something just for yourself.  We all need that alone time once and a while.  It helps us to rejuvenate and release some stress.  It's one of those things that good for you, so just do it!

I've been writing once again, well, I suppose I've never really stopped writing.  I love writing fiction but I also love writing non-fiction.  It seems to be so easy for me to write when I'm doing it from the heart.  I lot of people have asked me when I'm going to start a third novel in my series.  Actually, I'm not sure when I'll start another one.  Perhaps sometime during the summer. 

Right now, I've been busy trying to get some of the children's stories, that I wrote years ago, ready to put on amazon for electronic reading.  I wrote them back in the late nineties and they were not saved to disk.  So, it's a matter of retyping them once again.  I'll let everyone know as soon as they are uploaded at www.amazon.com.  Perhaps your child would love reading one of them.  I have some for young children and some for teens.

Here's to a great weekend and to making time to distress from the work week.
Sue

Today is the First Day of the Rest of Your LIfe!

Hi all,

I'm sure you've heard this statement many times in the past.  If perchance, you haven't, it means that each day is a gift from God.  Each day is a day for you to better yourself, to be thankful for all the blessings God's bestowed upon you.  Today is the time for you to expect more of yourself; a time for you to show kindness and love to others; a time for you to let go of any resentment or ill feelings towards others; a day for you to make changes in yourself.

Have you ever considered that today could be the last day of your life?  If so, what have you done today to make it an outstanding day for yourself and others?  I'm sure most of us would have to answer that question by saying, "I've done nothing special today." 

The reason we'd give that answer is because, normally, we don't think about today being our last day on earth.  We're too busy running around, working, chasing kids, cooking, doing laundry, and a whole lot of other things.  Basically, we take each day for granted, planing on tomorrow, next week, next month and even next year, actually happening. 

I suppose it would be a bit pessimistic to always think that today may be the last day of my life.  I'd say it would be quite a downer, now wouldn't it?  Of course it would!   We have to have hope and faith for tomorrow, next month and even next year.  But, we shouldn't take life for granted, because every day of every year, people die suddenly or accidentally.  That's just a fact of life.  I do hope that your life goes on many years in the future, but that's not up to me. 

Well, to change the subject, what have you been up to lately?  As for me, I've been writing.  What else would you expect of me?  Last night I participated in a Webisode on writing e-books for Amazon.  Most of it I already knew, but I did learn a few new things.  I'm always open to new information.  Information that may help me to improve my writing or learning better skills for selling my e-books.

One new tidbit I learned last evening, is that children's books are very much in demand right now for electronic reading.  So, I need to get on that, and try to get my "Hubert" picture book formatted for an e-book.  Then I need to upload it to Amazon.  (www.amazon.com)  I now have six e-books available on Amazon.  You can purchase them for any electronic reading device or computer, by going to www.amazon.com and do a search using my full name:  Susan Lapp-Mellott

I hope you all had a great 'hump' day today.  I also hope, that tomorrow, which will be the first day of the rest of your life, will be an empowering and rewarding day for you.  As for me, I'll be grocery shopping.  I'm not sure how empowering this will be for me, but it sure will be rewarding! 

Take care and God bless you.
Susan

Today is Important!

Hi all,

As you well know, today is Monday, once again.  It comes around on every eighth day.  What does that mean for you?  I suppose that for the majority of you, it means heading back to work once again.  I remember when I was still working, how much I hated Mondays.  I suppose that was because I knew I had five days of work ahead of me.  Although, I have to say, that it memory serves me correct, Monday's usually went quite fast.  So, why do we hate them so much!

At the present, Monday's aren't much different to me than any other day of the week.  I do laundry every Monday and Thursday or Friday.  I suppose you could say that I'm a creature of habit.  I always have been.  It seems to just suit my personality quite well. 

I remember, years ago, how my Dad used to be such a home body.  He was in good health, but he just couldn't get excited about going places and seeing things.  My Mom was just the opposite.  She loved going on trips and taking vacations.  I've come to realize that when I was younger, I was a lot like my Mom, but since becoming ill, I've turned into my Dad. 

This makes me chuckle.  It's kind of nice to finally realize that I'm not only my Mom's daughter, but also my Dad's.  Just the other day, my husband stared to walk by the chair I was sitting in and he stopped and said, "You look more and more like your Dad, every day." 

My answer to him, with a big smile, was, "Thank you.  I loved my Dad."  Actually, I've always looked more like my Dad's side of the family, than my Mom's.  I like to think that I look like my Grandma Utterback.  You see, she died the very same day on which I was born.  So, how appropriate that I should look like her.  Don't you think so?  The problem is, I really don't know what she looked like.  I've only ever seen one picture of her.  I suppose I do look a bit like her, at least I'd like to think so. 

How about you?  Are your parents still alive?  I must tell you that I miss my Mom and Dad every day.  Actually, I was just talking about my Mom today.  She taught me so much.  Things that you can't learn in school.  She taught me how to respect the people who are in the lives of those I love.  She taught me all about God, how infinitely generous He always is.  She taught me how to clean, do laundry, iron, cook, sew and how to be creative.  I leaned how to be truthful, loving, kind and trusting from both Mom and Dad; they taught me how to be thankful for what I have and not always want the things I can't. 

I now live every day of my life with gratitude and acceptance to God.  It's been quite easy for me to live this way and now I understand why.  The answer, of course, is it was always within me.  My Parents influence has always been right here with me. 

                           So, in remembrance of my wonderful, loving parents:
                         
                          Dorothy C. (Welsh) Utterback and Harry Utterback, Jr.

  " I love and miss you both and I thank you for all the wonderful, strong qualities and values you      taught me; for the love and trust you bestowed on me and for always being there for me.  All my love to you both."

My Heart Breaks!

Hi all,

Well, like most of you, I've been glued to the television for the last few days, trying to catch up on all the news concerning the Boston Marathon Bombers.  I was so relieved, last evening, when they caught the younger brother and arrested him.  My heart goes out to all those who lost their lives, both on Monday and Thursday and yesterday.  Also, to all those who lost limbs, or were hurt in any way during the bombing.  It was all so senseless. 

I've said this many, many times lately, "What is happening to so many human beings, that they turn to violence for many reasons.  The get mad or angry at someone and they pull out a gun and shot them; they become outraged because someone accidental cuts them off while driving and their answer is to pick a fight, stab or shot them; they don't agree with one's religion or beliefs and they make a bomb or take a shotgun and kill them!  They rob, steal and cheat and think that it's okay to do that.  It simply makes no sense to me at all. 

So many times, we have these bombers who attach the bombs to themselves.  How about on 9/11 when the hijackers not only planned on killing a lot of Americans, but themselves as well.  When has life become so worthless?  When will this come to an end?  When will people wake up and realize the glorious gift of life that God has given to us? 

In this country, we have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of schools, freedom of so many choices.  I thought that was why so many foreigners are trying to get into this country!  Am I wrong?  If we have freedom of beliefs and speech, then why are people killing others because they don't agree with the other persons choices????  Makes no sense to me!

I must say that along with the sorrow I feel for all those injured and killed, I feel sadness that those two young men cared so little for their own lives, that they would do this to themselves.  Now, one's dead and the other will either be sentenced to death or live the rest of his life in prison.  For heavens sake, he was enrolled in medical school.  Medical school, where you learn to save lives!  I just can't seem to wrap my mind around his choices! 

I can only imagine how very sad God must be.  He gives us so very much and some of us turn it to destruction.  This is something I just do not understand, not today or not ever!  I'm simply heart broken.  I just don't know what else to say. 

Please pray for yourselves and for every living being.  We all need prayers.
God bless you.
Susan

I still have faith in God, do you?

Hi all,

How is everyone doing today?  I caught the tail end of the Interfaith Service, which was broadcast from Boston today.  What moved me most, was that all these people of different faiths and political parties, congregated together to pray, to mourn and to once again, have faith in the future of this country.  President Obama's speech was one of hope, faith, love and certainly, punishment for this horrible crime.  He assured the people of Boston and everyone who was watching from their homes, that the person or persons responsible for this bombing, will be caught and punished.  I certainly hope so.

What's been on my mind lately?  Well, I'll tell you.  I keep asking myself, over and over, just what happens to human beings, that they can justify violently killing another person.  Those people who died in that bombing, were innocent.  They'd never done anything to deserve death.  What about that eight year old child?  Why would anyone want to kill him.  For that matter, why would his Mother and the other lady have to die?  And, what about all those other many, many people who lost limbs, internal injuries or the like in that senseless bombing. 

What really keeps going through my mind, is the fact that most people think it won't happen to them or someone they love.  But, the truth of the matter is, that it can and does happen to ordinary people every day.  No-one can or should, continue going through life assuming that bad things won't happen to them or someone they love. 

I'm not just speaking about terrorist attacks or shootings.  I'm talking about illnesses, accidents or any malady that can and does happen to all of us.  At any second, our lives can and will change.  When this happens, we will never be the same again.  Our normal lives no longer exist and will never return.  We have to make new normals for ourselves and sometimes that's very, very hard. 

We go along with our every day lives, running here and there, doing whatever needs to be done.  Dropping children off here and picking them up there, running errands, doing house work, laundry, working full time jobs and trying to keep peace within our families.  We just don't have the time to worry about the 'what if's'.  But, perhaps we should.  You ask why?  That answer is very simple; because bad things happen every day to someone.   Why not you?  Are you so special that nothing bad can happen to you?  If that's what you think, you will be heart broken when your world falls apart. 

I don't want to sound so pessimistic.  I, too, believe in God's love and mercy.  I know that, no matter what happens, God will always be here for me, just like He's always been here.  But, I also know, that hurtful things occur, each and every day to people just like you and me. 

God bless you and keep you safe.
Susan

PS:  I hope you see God in this beautiful sky He's made for us!

Why is there so much violence and death?

Hi all,

Well, today I have a heavy heart.  Today was the annual Boston Marathon, held in Boston, Massachusetts.  There were thousands of visitors in the city, either as participants or as spectators.  They lined the sidewalks for miles.  Then at five minutes before three this afternoon, the unspeakable happened. 

Two bombs went off along the sidewalk which was lined with people who were across from  the judges stands at the finish line.  As of right now, two people are dead and about fifty or so are hospitalized, mostly in critical condition.  Then another bomb was located at a local Boston library.  No one was hurt there. 

Now, once again, our country, The United States of America is on full terrorist alert.  All the airports, train stations, subways, etc. are on high vigilance.  I just don't understand why there is so much violence and hatred in this world.  What is wrong with people, that they can hate with such vigor.  They seem to care so little for human life. 

On another note:   After much thinking and pondering, I've come to realize what God wants me to write now.  I'm just finishing up a thirty three page booklet on Jesus' Divine Mercy.  I'll be publishing it on www.amazon.com for any electronic reading device or computer. 

I know first hand, that without Jesus' Divine Mercy I wouldn't still be alive.  He's blessed me so much during my life.  I feel His presence beside me always.  I think it's too bad that so many people don't know God.  Know one could know and love God and then purposely hurt or kill others.

Please keep all those who were hurt or who died today in your prayers.  Also, please pray always for peace and love in our country.
Sincerely,
Susan

Tomorrow is the Lord's Day, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Hi all,

I'm not sure where this week went, but it sure went fast.  Tomorrow is Sunday, God's day of rest.  I hope everyone is going to set some time aside to give praise and honor to our great and glorious God!  Without Him, we'd be nothing, we'd have nothing, there would be no happiness anywhere.  I, for sure don't want things to be that way.  How about you? 

My plan for praising God tomorrow will be to pray the Divine Chaplet in song and to partake in the Mass that's broadcast from Irondale, Alabama.  I have so much to be thankful for in my life, starting with the fact that I'm still living, able to create and have time to be with family and friends.  How will you show your thanks to God?  He really doesn't care how we do it, He just wants our love.  He wants us to accept His Divine Mercy and put our trust in Him.

Today we went up to the campground.  There really wasn't too many permanent people there and very few weekenders.  This was clean up weekend:  four hours of cleanup got you a free lunch and one night free.  Well, that doesn't apply to us.  We are responsible for cleaning up our own sites on a regular basis.  That basically applied to weekenders.  Apparently not too many took advantage of the offer.  It was a bit chilly when we first got there, but later it warmed up some.  Got home about five thirty.

Tomorrow my Red Hatter's and their husbands are meeting for dinner in Dillsburg.  I haven't really seen much of them over the winter.  We get together once a month, but all eight of us have not shown up for quite some time.  We have a trip to OC planned soon and all eight of us will be going.  I'm very happy that we all will be able to go and have a great time. 

I currently have my newest novel, "Crafty-Cruise" With a Capital "C" for sale.  If you or someone you know would like to purchase a copy of the book, please let me know as soon as possible.  The cost is $11.00 each and I only have 29 left.  So, don't delay too long.  You can also purchase an electronic copy for any electronic reader at:  www.amazon.com.  I now have five books for sale there.  All you have to do is go on to amazon and do a search using my name.  All the books I have for sale will then come up. 

I sincerely hope the first half of your weekend was terrific and I wish the same for the second half.
May you all stay safe.
Susan

I finally heard His Words!

Hi all,

What have you all been up to?  I hope you've been setting aside some time for yourself and I hope you've found your passion.  I have and it makes my life complete.

I've been asking God what He would like me to write next.  My husband wanted to know if I was going to be starting my next novel now.  I told him that I'm not ready to start another fiction novel, just yet.  He asked me what I am going to write.   I didn't have an answer for him.  Now I do!

I've been asking God to direct me to write what He wanted me to write about this time.  I've done some writings about cardiovascular disease, how chronic illness changes both your life and your spouses, and chronic congestive heart failure.  So, I didn't think that was what He wanted of me.  But, what? 

I finally got my answer on Sunday.  How appropriate!  I became familiar with Divine Mercy about a year and a half ago.  I don't know how I could have been going to church all these years and the priest never talked about Divine Mercy.  This past Sunday (the first Sunday after Easter) was Divine Mercy Sunday.  I spent over three and a half hours watching the Catholic television station.  The Mass was beautiful.  It was held outside, even though it was quite cold and windy.  To think that thousands of people stayed out in the cold and wind for well over four and one half hours, to participate in Divine Mercy Mass at Stonebridge, MS.  It was truly amazing.  My husband even watched some of it with me.  We were both moved.

Later, when I got to thinking about all the Divine Mercy Helpers and how hard they work to spread Jesus' mercy to everyone else, that I heard God whispering to me that this subject was what He wanted for my next writing project.  So, I started writing a booklet today. 

I'm not sure if I'm worthy enough to be writing about Divine Mercy, but I've certainly been given Jesus' mercy over and over again in my lifetime.  I realized, a few years ago, that God had a plan for me.  That's why I'm still living.  So, I want to do whatever He chooses for me.  I will post my booklet, when it's complete, for sale at amazon.  If anyone is interested in reading it.

Now, to change the subject, I found out yesterday, that the books that are available for reading at:
www.amazon.com, are not just for Kindle.  They are for any of the 'reading' electronic gadgets, as well as, for IPod, cell phones and computers.  I just assumed they were only for a Kindle, since it's called Kindle Direct Publishing.  Just some food for thought!

Well, here in Eastern Pennsylvania, we've been having a bit of summer and I'm not liking it!  I want spring to be here, not summer.  If this keeps up, we will go from Winter directly to Summer and then back to Winter once again.  That means we will have the heat on at home and then one day turn the heat off and turn on the air conditioner.  What's up with this, anyways?  I suppose it's that Global Warming they've been speaking about for quite a few years now.  Whatever it is, I don't like it!!!
Not that my liking it or not will make any difference.  Just saying...

Well, I hope you will all have a good evening and enjoy being outside.  If you have allergy problems, I'd say it's best to stay indoors.  That's what I'm doing most of the time.  Don't forget to put some time aside for yourself.  Do something you enjoy doing or do nothing at all.  It's totally up to you!

Stay safe and God bless.
Susan 

I ask, "Why is it that way?"

Hi all,

My question, "Why is it that way," pertains to the idea, that the younger generation today thinks that when you get older, you aren't smart anymore.  What's up with that, anyways?  Here's what I do know:  As we age, we get smarter by retaining knowledge!  It doesn't stop when you get to middle age or reverse from there.  It's true that as we age, we tend to forget things a bit.  But usually after a few minutes, we do remember what we were trying to remember in the first place.  That's just the way the mind works as it ages. 

It's true, that some older people become afflicted with Alzheimer's or dementia.  That's a medical illness.  It does happen to people as they age, but it's a small percentage of older folks it affects.  Most of us senior citizens, are quite smart and have retained much of what we've learned throughout our lives.  It may take us a few minutes to remember things, but eventually we do. 

There's a new reality show called Forever Young on television now.  I haven't gotten to see it because it doesn't come on until 10:00 pm, and I'm usually asleep by then.  I can just imagine the way the young people on the show react to the seniors.  Maybe I will be able to catch the show when it goes into reruns on TVland. 

Have you ever realized that when you are having a serious conversation with your adult children, they don't usually want to hear what you're suggesting.  They want to lay all their problems on your doorstep, but truly don't want your advice.  They just want you to agree with them.  I suppose they think you don't know what's best for them.  How silly that statement is because you've always put them first, all through their lives. 

What I notice is that, in the end, they take your advice because they know that no one loves them, or cares more about their welfare, than you do!  The thing is that no-one (at any age, even us old folks)really likes to be told that their way of thinking or what they're doing, is not what's best for them. 

I like to think that the reason senior citizens have so much information to share is because we've been storing all those tidbits in our brain, just waiting for the moment when they will be helpful to someone. 

Living life every day is a learning process.  Month after month, year after year, we grow both in knowledge and ability.  Okay, maybe the older generation isn't as proficient with the electronic gadgets of today, but we are capable of learning.  Basically, the reason we don't get into today's electronics is because we like the simplicity of yesteryear.  At least, I know I do. 

Don't get me wrong, I have a laptop, a PC, and a cellphone.  No, I don't walk around with the cell attached to my ear, nor am I dying because I may not have the use of my PC or laptop.  I do use my electronics often, especially my laptop.  But, it doesn't make me a prisoner to it. 

Back in the olden days, kids played outside.  They went to the playground or ran around in the yard.  They climbed trees, jumped rope, played tag or Red Rover.  Youngsters played with dolls, tossed a ball around and most were not overweight.  That's because running around outside all day was very good for their health and their weight.  When they went to bed at night, they fell asleep almost before their heads hit their pillows. 

One other very important thing they learned, was to play by pretending.  This was done by using their imaginations.  I remember on Saturday afternoons, when I was a kid, my mother would take my sister
to Columbia for a dance class.  My brother would be down for a nap and my dad would be working in the garage at his part time job.  That left me, alone.  Do you know what I'd do?   I'd get my bike out of the garage, ride back and forth from our farm to the next.  All the while, I'd be pretending I was someone else,  somewhere else and doing something special.  This, of course, was all in my head.  I was pretending and it entertained me all afternoon. 

I think I can probably say that there are very few children out there today, who ever use their imagination.  Even children four to six years old have electronic gadgets.  I find that so sad.  In generations from now, how will we have any writers or inventors, if none of the very young generation know how to use their imaginations?  Have you ever thought about that?  Writing a fiction novel takes the use of your imagination.

Well, I just wanted to give you all some thoughts to ponder on, over this weekend.  I do wish you all a great weekend and stay safe. 
Susan

  

Do You Have A Goal?

Hi all,

I think that's a good question for each of us to ask ourselves.  Do I have a goal?  I think we all should have some goals set for ourselves.  They don't have to be big, extravagant ones.  They could just be some small goals that you've been trying to attain, but haven't.  Perhaps just setting aside thirty minutes each day for yourself.  I can't tell you how important that is for you, especially if you're a woman.  Women who are raising a family and working, never put themselves first.  The husband, the kids, the job, the friends, everything else comes first.  It's just the way we're wired. 

I didn't start putting myself first until my girls were pretty much grown up.  It just felt wrong for me to think about myself, to do what was best for me, instead of what was best for my children.  Of course, my girls didn't need me to put them first anymore.  They were now young women. 

So, perhaps that could be a goal you make for yourself.  Just don't go overboard, especially if you have children at home yet or a husband.  But, thirty to sixty minutes each day isn't being selfish.  Just do it!  You'll be surprised at how taking time for yourself,  changes your relationships with others. 

Well, what's another goal you could set for yourself?  I know darn well you can think of a few things you could set as goals.  How about trying to keep your 'cool' more often; decide on eliminating one chore that you do, which really isn't necessary and then put something fun into that time period.  How about setting a goal to make yourself healthier.  Cut back on the carbs and fat content you eat every day.  You don't need to go on any starving diet to loose weight.  Just start counting calories or carbs every day.  If you count carbs, don't allow yourself anymore than 45 carbs (if you're just a few pounds over weight) per meal, or 55-60 per meal (if you're way over weight.).  I'm telling you this will work.  The secret is not to cheat.  Try not to have any snacks in between meals.  If you must, don't comsume more than 12-15 carbs and only snack one a day.  I'll be curious to see is this works for you. 

I'm sure you all know that the very best way to loose weight and then keep it off, is to eat a well balanced meal three times a day. If you have to snack, only eat one piece of fruit and only one snack per day.  Don't eat anything after six or six thirty in the evening. 

I know what you're going to say to that, "Oh, I have to snack in the evening because I'm hungry!"  Well, my answer to that is :  NO YOU'RE NOT!  You just have youself geared to snacking in the evening while watching television.  I don't eat after dinner because I have reflux.  I will admit that the first ten to fourteen days was very hard.  I was in the habit of snacking in the evening.  What I realized was that I'm not at all hungry.  It was just a terrible habit that I'd had.  I haven't snacked after dinner for about three years now and it never bothers me.  Even when people around me are snacking.  If I can do it, so can you!

Give it some thought and I'm sure you'll come up with a goal or two you can set for yourself.  As for me, I've decided that I will do something creative every day: writing, drawing, creating hand-made cards, reading (yes, that's creative too), trying a new recipe or something else.  Using my creative abilities is a very important thing for me.  God has so blessed me and I need to give back using the few ways that I am able. 

So, what I'm going to ask you today, is to take some time to think of what you'd like to set as a goal.  Don't make it so big that you know you won't be able to meet that goal.  Start small and move on from there. 

Good luck and God bless!
Susan

They say, "Time flies when you're having fun!"

Hi all,

I know that's how the old saying goes, but have you ever stopped to think about that statement?  I have and I don't believe that's necessarily true.  I suppose that saying started because when we're doing something that's very enjoyable to us, there never seems to be enough time to enjoy that activity. 

Actually, we all know that time doesn't go any faster when we're having fun than it does when we're not enjoying ourselves.  I've heard many people say, "The day just drags when I'm at work."  I'm sure I've said that a time or two, myself.  Once again, it doesn't go any slower than any other day.  It simply feels like it does.  Why is that?  Any idea?  Maybe because we're not having fun?

There is twenty four hours in every day.  We all know that.  The only time that ever changes in when we 'spring forward' and 'fall back'.  Of course, at the end of the year, there is still the same total of hours as every other year. 

Well, enough of that subject.  I had a Federal Express delivery today.  They delivered my completed novels from the publisher.  I was so anxious to see the finished book.  They look great to me.  If someone would have told me fifteen or twenty years ago, that I would one day be a published author, I wouldn't have believed them.  Although I've been writing  for many years now, I just never thought I'd consider myself a published author.

I now have five books for sale for Kindle, IPod or computer reading.  You can purchase them by going to www.amazon.com, and doing a search using my name (Susan Lapp Mellott).  The newest two books are:  "Crafty-Cruise" With a Capital "C", which is a sequel to my "Sassy" With a Capital "S" novel; the second book is, "The Day the Flowers Died". 

The Day the Flowers Died, is a booklet geared to anyone who is suffering from chronic disease or for someone who knows a person who is.  Perhaps a parent or friends is afflicted with an incurable disease.  If so, then you need to read this so you can either help yourself and your spouse, your parents or your friends.  Suffering from chronic illness affects both you and your spouse, even though your spouse may be perfectly healthy.  It changes both lives, not just yours. 

I've become very passionate about trying to help others who may be suffering from chronic illness or were just diagnosed.  I've lived with it for over seven years now and both my husband and I know how it changed both of our lives.  It's no one's fault, it just happens because life does go on for everyone else.  That's just human nature.  But, it doesn't make things any better for the ill person or their spouse.

I can't decide what my next project will be just yet.  I do have to finish the two hand quilted pieces that I started a few weeks ago.  I'm finished the quilting on the one, but not on the other, although I don't have much to do to complete it.  Then, I have to sew on the backing.  Maybe I'll work on them tomorrow.  We'll see.

I have some more hand made cards to create yet.  I'd like to experiment with my new die cutting machine.  My husband purchased it for me, along with some dies and supplies, as an early birthday present.  I'd, also, like to try some new card designs that I saw in one of my magazines. 

It sounds like I should be quite busy, but for the last seven to ten days, I can't seem to get very motivated.  I haven't been feeling very well lately.  Whatever it was that I had for the last five or six months, just won't clear up.  It's all in my sinus cavities, then it drains down the back of my throat.  Well, it doesn't really drain, that's the problem.  It just seems to sit there.  The prescription I had from the doctor seemed to help some, but I think that's what caused my to PVC's to become so bad.  So, I hesitate to go back on that medication.  I'm taking over-the-counter pills and I don't really know if they're helping or not. 

Well, enough on that subject.  What have you all been up to lately?  Anything interesting?  I hope you've found some time to do something creative.  That would include writing, drawing, painting, sewing, cooking, baking, woodworking, decorating your home, and many more things.  You have so many ways in which to be creative.  It's definitely one way to improve your self-esteem.    Try it!

In conclusion, I hope you all make some time for yourself to do something nice for you.  You deserve it.  God bless you.
Susan