What Resolutions for 2015 are you making?

Hi all,

Well, you need to get ready, because 2015 is right around the corner!  Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and then we will usher in January 1, 2015.  Are you ready for it?  Not that it makes any difference if you are or not. 

Have you given any thoughts to making any resolutions for the new year?  I'm sure many people make resolutions and within two to three weeks, they can't keep them.  I know a lot of folks commit themselves to losing weight and getting healthier.  Some succeed, others don't.  They either give up or don't have the will power to continue. 

As for me, I don't really have any resolutions.  Instead I'm going to continue giving thanks to God for all the blessings He's bestowed upon me.  For the past nine years, I've maintained my weight, mostly for medical reasons.  I have chronic Congestive Heart Failure and it's important for my heart to keep my weight down.  So, since being alive is very important to me, I work hard at keeping my weight the same.  I'm proud of myself for doing this, even though I really can't do any exercising or walking.  Mostly I watch what I eat and try to eat healthy foods and foods high in fiber.  Oh, sometimes, I enjoy some chocolate candy or peanut butter cups, but I don't over do it. 

I am also thankful for all my creative abilities.  I can't do the crafting that I used to do, but I am grateful for what I can still do.  I honestly have to tell you, that if I wasn't able to write or make hand made greeting cards, I'd be so lost.  It would be very hard for me to make resolutions because my life is very sedentary and has been for almost nine years now.  I'm not complaining, not at all.  I've accepted my life as it is and I am just thankful that I'm still living. 

So, if you have no resolutions to make, for one reason or another, perhaps you can just give thanks to God for all you do have in your life.  Regardless if it's a roof over your head, a decent job, a faithful spouse, growing children and an extended family that you love.  Maybe your resolution could be to thank God for all these things more often.  I promise you that someone else is far worse off than you are in every aspect of living. 

Make a promise to yourself to tell each and every person that you love, how much they mean to you and how very much you love them for being in your life.  We all take so very much for granted, always!  That's so sad, to say the least.  Believe me when I tell you that your entire life can change in a split second!  Please don't just assume that your life will always be happy and wonderful, because bad things happen to everyone. 

I want to take this time to wish each and every one of you a very happy New Year of 2015.  I hope each of you have many blessings and good things happening to you this year.  You may not have a job that you love, but it's a job and it pays the bills.  You may not have a fancy house and car, but having a place to call home and a car that runs, is what's most important.  You may not have an over abundance of money, but having enough to buy food and pay the bills is a blessing.  Learn to be satisfied and happy with what you do have and stop worrying about what you don't have.  If you have your health, you are truly blessed! 

Happy New Year and may God bless you always.
Susan

 God's beauty is everywhere.  Stop and look around you, look up to the sky and you will be amazed.

PS:  Keep checking out my blog to see what creative projects I'll be doing in the new year.

Happy Day After Christmas!

Good evening,
I hope you all had a wonderful and fun Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  I will tell you that I certainly did, even though I was exhausted today.  Of course I did go to the grocery store this morning, which greatly tires me out at any time of year.

Well, now I suppose you're all looking forward to New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.  We really don't do anything special on either day.  We are going out for an early dinner on New Year's Eve, but will stay home on New Year's Day.  Of course, we will have pork and sauerkraut for dinner that evening.  It's a tradition in this household and we both love sauerkraut, which is actually good for us.

Whatever your plans are, please don't drink and drive.  Going out and celebrating on New Year's Eve is wonderful but if you're going to be doing any drinking, please either get a cab or have a designated driver for the drive home.  As for me, I will be in bed long before the clock strikes twelve midnight.  Most times my husband stays up but as soon as the new years comes in, he goes to bed.  Many times, I am awoken by the sound of fireworks, but go right back to sleep.  I just need nine to ten hours of sleep every day.  I can go for about two days without that much sleep, but then it starts to catch up with me and I'm dragging my feet all day.

I want to take time to wish all of you good wishes, health, love and many blessings for 2015.  Unfortunately, life sometimes doesn't happen that way, so whatever happens, please try to accept whatever comes your way.  An easy way to help you to do this is to live every day of your life with gratitude and acceptance to God.  I can promise you that it helps so much in learning to accept whatever occurs in your life. 

I'm not sure what my first project for 2015 will be.  I was just thinking this afternoon about possibly writing another book of poems.  I truly enjoyed composing the first book.  I do need to soon get started on my hand made greeting cards for 2015.  February and Valentine's Day will arrive very fast and my first family birthday is in April.  It takes me quite a lot of time creating the cards for my family and I love doing them.  I haven't really given any thought into if I want to add another novel to my series.  I'll have to think some on that subject. 

Do you have any plans for early in 2015?  It's never too early to start planning something constructive to do in your spare time.  Take some time and think about it, you just may surprise yourself with what you decide you'd like to do. 

My book of poems, "My Soothing Poems from the Heart" is available at amazon. com; as well as all of my books and booklets.  Please take some time and check them out.  Just enter my full name in the search block and click.  All of my materials will come up for your perusal.  Perhaps you'd like to join their borrowing program.

Have a safe weekend and drive carefully.
Susan

Just wanted to say...

Hi everyone,

I just want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  I know all of you will be busy preparing for the big day for your family and friends. 

I would suggest to each of you that if you haven't already done something kind for someone else, times running out!  There are so very many people out there who have no money, or very little.  Perhaps they won't be having a fancy meal or a gift for their children this year.  Or, worse yet, maybe they have no home, no food and no job.  Times are tough for many people, so no matter how hard things are for you, someone else is always worse off. 

It doesn't have to be something spectacular that you do for another person, just something simple.  If you are going through the take-out window at a fast food restaurant, purchase a few extra hamburgers and give them to so street people.  You'll never know how much this small gesture will mean to them.  Or perhaps if you have a number of scarves or an extra winter coat, take them with you and when you see a homeless person, give the scarves and coat to them.  It could just save them from freezing to death.  One never knows, now does one?

Enjoy these couple of days with loved ones, whether they are family or friends.  We never know when our last day on earth will be.  Enjoy every day and give back for all your blessings. 

Merry Christmas and all my best to each of you for the New Year of 2015!
May God bless you and keep you safe!
Susan

Merry Christmas!

Are you tired yet?

Hi all,
Well, Christmas is in five days.  Are you ready yet?  I do hope you haven't left everything go to the last minute.  Of course, I'm an old lady and trying to accomplish everything at the last minute wouldn't be good for me!  I've been ready for at least the last week.  Oh, I do have last minute meal preparations to attend to yet, but that's to be expected.

My youngest daughter watches a one and a half year old little boy and today they came to visit me.  His name is Jack and he is so adorable.  When he smiles, his whole little face lights up.  Of course, as I was saying goodbye, I thought to myself, "I would be lucky to be able to watch him for an hour!"  He's not a bad little boy, just a normal toddler.  It's me who's too old, but I do love spending time with him and my daughter.  It's been a long time since I've had a toddler around.  My youngest grandson will be eighteen next April.  That's quite a long time.  Of course, when my six grandsons were little, I was healthier than I am now.  But, I so enjoyed this little boy visiting me today.  Of course, I also enjoyed the visit with my daughter.

I've decided on an easy menu for Christmas Eve this year.  I will be serving home made Crab Bisque Soup, Shrimp, bar-b-q meatballs with condiments, sandwich rolls and dinner rolls, home made macaroni salad and pickles.  This will be followed by desserts of: pecan pie, cookies, 9 layer cookie bars, home made chocolate bark (4 kinds) and of course, stuffed dates.  I say 'of course' because making and serving stuffed dates is a tradition from my Mother.  If you don't know what they are, you take pitted dates, slice them open on one side, and then fill them with peanut butter and roll them in granulated sugar.  Oh, I may also make a jello mode as a salad for dinner.  We'll see!

What's on your memo for Christmas Eve?  Or aren't you cooking dinner that night.  Perhaps you are going away, which is also nice.  For  Christmas Day, I will be cooking a stuffed turkey for my husband and myself.  I usually don't make the mashed potatoes because of having the stuffing (which is fattening enough).  I will make gravy and we'll have a vegetable and cranberry sauce, of course.  We don't eat at any particular time, but it's usually between one and two o'clock.  It's just the two of us, so we kind of eat whenever we want.  After getting up in the morning, whenever that is, we fix our breakfast and then exchange our gifts.  I've gotten to enjoy our quiet Christmas Day, especially since we have a full house the evening before. 

What are your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day plans?  I'm sure that most of you have plans, but for those who don't, please don't spend this time alone.  If you have no family, check with your church to see if anyone is opening their home to visitors; or perhaps a neighbor would invite you to join them.  This is not a good time of year to be alone!  But, please remember that you are never entirely alone, for God is right there with you, always!

I know I've mentioned before that my newest book, "My Soothing Poems from the Heart" is now available for electronic reading on amazon.com.  Please take a few minutes and check it out.  It is my first book of poems and I truly enjoyed composing each and every one of them.

 
 I wish all of you a productive weekend.  Be safe and smile at everyone you see.  You just may be the only person who will smile at them that day!
Susan

Eight Days Remain!

Hi all,

I'm sure you all know what my title is referring to:  Eight days until Christmas!  Yeah!  I can't tell you how much I love this season of Christmas.  I find that so many people are much kinder, friendly, caring and loving during the Christmas Season.  Perhaps knowing that we are soon to, once again, celebrate the coming of our Savior into our lives. 

Have you ever stopped to think about how hard it must have been for Mary and Joseph to see all the pain their beloved Jesus had to go through?  Ending with His death on the cross.  I have sat and tried to imagine just how hard that was for Mary.  I am a Mom also, and I can't even imagine the pain and sorrow she went through during that time. 

How about the fact that God, in His glory, let His only begotten Son be born, only to die on a cross at an early age.  Do you know why god permitted this to happen?  If not, I'll tell you why.  It was to save all of us from the death of sin on our souls. 

I welcome the baby Jesus, once again this Christmas Day.  I'm not going to say that I don't buy or make gifts for my family during Christmas, because I certainly do.  It gives me such pleasure to give them something that, perhaps they couldn't afford on their own.  My husband, daughters, sons-in-law and grandsons are the most important people in my life.  God has so blessed me with a wonderful, loving family and I thank Him every day.  I have been truly blessed in so many ways.

What do you do to celebrate Christmas?  Do you and your family do the gift exchange?  Remember, it's not how much you spend on them, it's the fact that you love them and what to make them happy.  I understand that a child may not completely understand the true meaning of Christmas on their own, but it's up to you to share with them why we celebrate Christmas. 

Don't get me wrong, I love the tales of Santa Claus, the reindeer and his bottomless bag of gifts.  It's the reason why Santa comes to visit children on Christmas, that's so important.  To me, Santa is a mystical spirit, and I believe that every child should experience the delight and wonders of Santa Claus, just the way I did as a child.  Santa Claus is all about love, happiness, sharing, caring, giving and mercy.  Please don't take that away from children.  I still believe in that delightful old man in a red suit, with a white beard and hair.  He brings joy to all of us, in one way or another.

You still have time to find the love deep in your heart for this spiritual and magical season.   Miracles happen every day in some one's life.  Perhaps now it's your turn for a miracle.  Open yourself up to human angels.  They do walk here on this earth.  I know because I've had visits from human angels, who have changed my life for the good.  Just open yourself up to the fact that God works in mysterious ways, always. 

I hope the rest of your week goes well for you.  Try not to stress out, if that's possible. 
PS:  My book of poems, "My Soothing poems from the Heart" is now available at www.amazon.com.  You can purchase it for electronic reading for any electronic device, or you can join the Kindle Lending Program and just borrow it.  Just enter my full name into the search block and click.  All of my books and booklets will come up for your perusal.

Take care and stay safe.
Susan

Can You Believe It?

HI all,

Can you believe that Christmas will soon be here?  It's coming very, very fast now.  I am very happy to say that I'm almost ready.  I have a few last-minute things to do and preparations for Christmas Eve supper.  I have to tell you that I do not feel rushed or stressed, and that's a very good thing.

My sister, Carol, is visiting from North Carolina and has now decided to stay through Christmas.  That's makes me so happy.  I'll get a few more times to visit with her before she returns back home after Christmas.  She's going to celebrate Christmas with her son and his family when she gets back home.  I can truly say that I am enjoying having her close by.  We always seem to have so much to talk about.  She comes in to visit me two or three times a week.  We've always been very close, so I do miss her when she's back home.

So, how about you?  Are you ready for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?  If not, I would suggest that you get moving on your errands.  You don't want to be stressed and anxious on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, now do you?  Perhaps you should try to start earlier next year and see how much easier it is on you and your family.

I've already decided on what I'm going to be giving to my Red Hat ladies for next Christmas.  I like hand-embroidering things for them.  I hope they like the gifts because I try to make things for them that I think you'll appreciate.  Their gifts will keep me busy for a month or two.  I'm not going to hurry to complete them, but I am going to start on them soon, probably this evening while I watch television.

Even if you have very little money, you can always find a small favor to do for a neighbor or a friend.  Perhaps you could prepare some cookies and share a plate full with a shut-in.  I'm sure they would so appreciate some home baked cookies or whatever you make for them.  Sometimes, just a smile and asking how someone else is doing, will be the best thing that happens to them that entire day.  It isn't about the money or gifts!  It's about showing a kindness to someone else who least expects it.  Give it a try, I promise you they will not be the only ones who feel good, you will also.

I finished my "Soothing Poems from the Heart" book.  It is now available on Amazon.  It is my first book of poems and I am very proud of it.  You can check it out by going to:  www.amazon.com .  Then enter my full name into the search box and click.  All of my books and booklets will come up for your perusal.  Did you know that you can read electronic books on almost any electronic device.  You will have to download the app from amazon.  Books make great Christmas gifts and the electronic ones are pretty cheap, too.  Also, you can just borrow books that are entered in the program.  Check it out!

Well, you have one more weekend before the big day.  Try not to stress too much and always be thankful for what you do have.  Be safe and God bless each of you.
Susan

Friendship is very special!

Hi all,

Well everyone, Christmas is coming very fast now and I can't wait.  I simply love this time of year.  How about you?  If you hate it, is it because you wait until the last minute to try to do everything?  My guess would be that could be one of the reasons.  Or perhaps it's because you simply don't have enough money to buy gifts for everyone. 

I realize a lack of money can certainly put a squeeze on your joy for the season.  But, if you plan ahead of time, things won't be that bad.  It may be too late to change anything for this year, but it's not too late to work at making things better for next Christmas. 

I remember when I was young, with three small daughters, and very little money.  The best suggestion I can give to you is to try starting a Christmas fund now, for next year.  Even if you can only afford to put away five dollars a week, that's at least something to work with.  You will have $250. to purchase small gifts for your family. 

I remember when I was a teenager, my Sister and I helped our Mom with the cleaning, laundry and started dinner.  Mom worked a full time job at a sewing factory and we had chores to do to help her out.  She gave us each $5. a week as our allowance.  Back then, that was quite a bit of money.  My Dad would put fifty cents a week in a Christmas club for each of us.  By the middle of November, we would each have $25. to buy gifts for each other, our Mom and Dad and our little brother.  Back then,
$25. was a lot of money and it allowed each of us to do all of our shopping. 

Another way to give to others, even when you have very little money, is to hand make them a gift.  You could crochet or knit all your family members a beautiful scarf or hat.  Or, you could bake a nice loaf of pumpkin bread, a platter of cookies, or any tasty treat for your family and friends.  If you're craft, like me, you can create anything you'd like for gifts.  I've certainly done that many, many times in the past.  People truly do appreciate home-made items.   I'm sure you can think of something you could do and save money, as well.  Take your home-made items and wrap them up with a big bow and see the smile that your family and friends have, when they open your gift. 

Or, a great gift you could give to someone who has young children, would be to give them a certificate for an evening of free babysitting some Saturday or Sunday.  Or, perhaps you could give them a certificate to 'house watch' for them while they're on vacations.  Gifts don't always have to cost you money.  Just take some quiet time to really think about what you could do for family and friends, that would mean a lot to them. 

I hope some of these suggestions will help you.  Another suggestion that I have for you, would be to start shopping or creating in January or February.  This works wonderfully, especially if you are hand making gifts.  Well, all except for bakery items, of course.  Then, make sure you start wrapping your hand created gifts by the middle of November. 

I promise you that you will enjoy the Christmas Holidays so much more if you plan ahead.  I've already made three different batches of chocolate bark.  I will soon make my cookies and other baked goodies.  As long as you have a nice cool place to store them, they will store nicely until you are ready to give them away or eat them.  You could purchase a big plastic tote with a tight lid to store them in and let them in your garage.  It's always much colder there and they will keep wonderfully.

I have a Red Hat group and yesterday, Sunday, we had our Christmas party.  It was held at a local Hoss's Restaurant.  There were twelve of us attending and we all had a very nice time.  We ladies, exchange small gifts (either home made or purchased) and then we each purchase something small for each husband.  We don't want them to feel left out of the gift-exchange. We got some very nice gifts.  It was very nice spending time with each of them.

Do you have your Christmas tree up yet?  Ours is up and I love it.  But, I will have to tell you that I have six trees up all year round.  I love seeing the little white lights, especially during the winter months.  I have one in the bedroom as well.  It is decorated in the colors of the Caribbean Ocean, with the miniature white lights.  When I lay in bed at night before going off to sleep, it relaxes me so much just seeing my 4 foot tree.  It gives me a very comforting feeling.

Here's a photo of one of my small trees:

I hope your week is a very productive one, filled with joy and love.  Be safe and God bless you.
Susan

What fun!

Hi all,

Today was a very special day for me, as I hosted a Christmas Cookie Exchange for my Red Hat ladies.  All but one of them were able to attend.  I prepared a light lunch of chicken salad on lettuce,  a dill pickle and a deviled egg on the side.  I used my antique china because I made two pots of tea for us to share and I just had to use my tea cups.  For dessert we each had one of the cookies each one of us made for the exchange.  That made eight cookies per lady.  Way too many for us to eat for dessert, so I gave each one a baggie to take them home with them.  We each brought 1/2 dozen cookies in containers for each lady to take home with her.  We've done this for a few years now and I do hope all the ladies enjoy it.  I know I do.  I was quite tired after cleaning everything up, but I do so enjoy spending time with these ladies.  We also will be getting together this weekend for our Red Hat   Christmas Party.  We exchange small gifts with the ladies and usually have some small goodies or whatever for each of the husbands.

Have you, or will you, be attending any Christmas parties with friends, co-workers or family members?  The month of December is usually a busy month for most people because of all the shopping, preparations, last minute details and get-to-gathers with family and friends.  That's why I like to have everything done by around the 10th of the month.  I am now finished with all my shopping and wrapping and that makes me happy. 

Since I became chronically ill, almost nine years ago, I can't run around all the time doing things.  I have a little energy in the mornings, but it wanes soon after lunch.  It is hard for me to entertain anymore, but I am not ready to give up hosting Christmas Eve for my daughters and their families.  I suppose as my heart gets worse, I will have to turn the tradition over to one of my daughters.  I hate even thinking about not having it in our home. 

Traditions are so important to me.  My parents felt that way, also.  I guess that's why I feel the way I do about keeping traditions in tact.  I found out, a few years ago, that my Grandsons also feel that way about our traditions and that made me so very happy.  One day it will be up to them to carry on some of the traditions that were started many years ago.  I hope they will, but I also hope they'll start some of their own traditions. 

Well, I'm going to close for now, as I'm quite tired this evening.  How about you?  Did you have a busy day today?  I'm sure for many of you, your evening will be just as busy.  Take care and be safe.
Susan

Here's a photo of a Christmas pillow I made a few years ago.  Hope you like it.

It's now December!

Hi everyone!

I do hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and that you spent it with people you love and respect.  Ours was very nice and it was family and friends.

Well, it's now December and Christmas is coming very soon.  I'm sure I share with all of you before, how much I love the Christmas Season.  I believe many people are more caring, thoughtful and generous during this time of the year, than during any other time.  Actually, that's it's too bad that people can't be like this all year round, but at least we have it during the Christmas Season.l

I'm all done with my shopping and almost done with the wrapping.  Next week, I need to start my candy making and then the following week, I need to bake some cookies.  Since I suffer from a chronic illness, I have to pace myself and plan well in advance.  That way, I'm not over doing it or getting frustrated with things. 

Here's a picture of my Christmas tree.  It's about seven feet tall, but a bit skinny.  Our living room is quite large, but we liked this tree so that's what we use.  All the balls on the tree are very old ones, that came from my parents.  I like knowing that a little part of them is with us each holiday season.  They both passed away many years ago, but I think of them very often.

What would like for Christmas?  Anything special?  There's nothing particular that I want, but I would like a laptop that is lighter than the one I now have.  It's about five years old, and I don't have any problems with the age, it's just that it's a bit heavy for me to carry.  But, I'm not complaining, not at all.  I'm just grateful that I have the one I do. 

The best part of Christmas for me, is seeing the happiness on my families faces when they open their gifts from us.  We don't go overboard, but my girls were raised to appreciate any gift they're given.  Making my family happy at Christmas time is what makes Christmas my favorite time of the year.  I do hope that all of my Grandsons will be able to join us on Christmas Eve for dinner and family time.  One or two of them may have to work.  I just hate that idea! 

It's been a tradition, since my folks both passed away, for my daughters, sons-in-laws and grandsons to come to our home on Christmas Eve.  We all share a dinner and then have some fun time before doing the gift exchange.  I'm going to repeat something I did last year, which everyone enjoyed.  I am going to have all the girls sing the song, "Santa Baby", using props.  Then the grandsons will sing a song, followed by a song from the gents. 

When my grandsons were little, I always had a new Christmas picture books to read to them every Christmas Eve.  I also made three wise men costumes, three shepherd's costumes and one angel costume.  They took turns being the angel.  I had battery operated candles for them to carry and they'd parade out the back door into the alley and go around to the front porch, where we had a large nativity set up.  All of the adults would be there and then we'd sing Christmas carols on the porch.  People would stop as they were driving by to watch.  The boys loved doing this so much and so did I!
Now, they're all grown up and I needed to make new memories for all of them.  I miss those times though.  Where have the years gone to??

Well, I do hope you all have a good evening.  Be safe and may God bless you always.
Susan

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello to all of you,
I just wanted to take a few minutes to make sure that I wished each and every one of you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.  I hope you will have the pleasure of spending time tomorrow with family or friends.  If you're having turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings, enjoy yourself.  Thanksgiving Day only comes around once a year.

Having said that, I would like to say that I hope you are thankful every day of your life.  We, here in the United States, have a fairly easy life.  We have so many things in our lives, as well as, most of us have more than enough to eat.  I feel truly blessed every single day.

We will be going to one of my daughter's home for Thanksgiving.  We will all bring a covered dish and/or a dessert.  I will be taking both.  One thing I know for sure, is that we will have plenty of food to eat, in fact, way too much! 

I do so enjoy spending time with my three daughters, my sons-in-law, my grandsons and their significant others.   There will also be friends invited.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone.  What are your plans for tomorrow?

I have to say that I wasn't too excited to see the snow falling today.  We have about three inches or so and, at this time, I'd rather not have any snow.  It is a very wet, heavy snow.  I don't mind the snow if I don't have to go out and if it's not on a holiday.  So many people had plans for traveling today and I hope they all made it to their destinations safe and sound.  I understand many of them left yesterday to get a jump on the snow. 

Have a wonderful day tomorrow and be safe always.
Susan

Susan Lapp Mellott. Author and Heart Disease: What do you give thanks for?

Susan Lapp Mellott. Author and Heart Disease: What do you give thanks for?: Hi all, We all have so very much to be thankful to God for.  The problem is that so many of us don't see all the blessings we've b...

What do you give thanks for?

Hi all,

We all have so very much to be thankful to God for.  The problem is that so many of us don't see all the blessings we've been given.  We only see the disappointments, the failures, the hurts and the pain in our lives.  Believe me when I say, that there are always people who are much worse off than we are. 

What I've learned over the past four or five years is that when we make up our minds to live every day of our lives giving gratitude and acceptance to God.  Give gratitude for everything you do have and just accept your life the way it is at the present time. 

So many people go through their lives always wanting and needing more, more of everything:  money, a fancy house,  a new fancy car, a perfect job, always to be right and I could go on and on.
But, I won't.  I'm sure that you get the idea!  Those people are never satisfied with what they have.  They think that more money and fancy things will make them happy, but they are so wrong. 

The way to be truly happy is simply to be grateful and acceptance of what you do have.  Happiness comes from  he inside, not the outside.  It's too bad that so many people don't realize that.  They go all through their lives wondering why they are never happy with anything in their lives.  It's truly so sad because the answer is so simple.  Stop wanting more and be happy and thankful for what you do have!

With Thanksgiving just a few short days away, I hope that all of you will take some time to think about all the blessings in your life.  Make a list for yourself and I believe you will be so surprised with what you end up with on the list.  Do you have clothes to wear; a coat to keep you warm; bread and peanut butter for a sandwich; a family you love; a car that will get you where you need to go; at least one good friend; and I could go on and on.  You get the picture?

I wish for each of you to have a blessed Thanksgiving, hopefully with someone you love.  It doesn't matter whether you have turkey and filling or a burger and fries.  It's about being with someone you love and who loves you also.  What you eat isnt' important. 

My husband and I will be fortunate enough to be with family as we celebrate Thanksgiving day.  For that alone, I am truly blessed.  I love my family and I am so very proud of each and every one of them, from the oldest to the youngest. 

To put it simply:  I live every day of my life with chronic congestive heart failure and other illnesses also.  I live a very sedentary lifestyle because of my illnesses.  My whole life, as I knew it, changed almost nine years ago when I almost died. 

I just have a new life style now as I live with my disease.  I live every day giving praise and honor to my God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon me every day of my life.  So, for all these things, I will be thankful not just on Thanksgiving Day but every day that I live on this earth.

May you have peace in your life, be safe and enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with those you love.
Susan

Here's a picture of one of my Christmas Cactus plants. 

Happy Saturday to everyone.

Hi all,

How's your weekend going thus far?  Mine is good.  My husband and I put up our Christmas decorations and tree today.  Well, I actually starting some decorating yesterday.  I love the Christmas season so very much.  I've been watching Christmas movies on the two Hallmark television stations since the beginning of November.  I just love them.  They fill me with a sense of hope and love for our futures.  I just wish that human beings were as giving and loving all year round as at this time of year.  Wouldn't that be a great way to live each day?

So, how is everyone coming along with your Christmas preparations?  Perhaps you've not started, as of yet.  But that's okay also.  I like starting early so that a week to ten days before Christmas Eve, I can just sit back and enjoy my days filled with joy.  Of course, as we age, we get a bit smarter about things.  We start to realize that by starting earlier, we can enjoy the holidays better.

I am anxious for Thanksgiving Day to arrive.  I also love this holiday too.  It gives us each a chance to stop our hectic lives, even if it's just for a few hours, and give thanks for all the blessings that God has bestowed upon us.  I try every day to give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings He has bestowed upon me all of my life.  Sure, I've gone through some truly painful times in my life, but each and every one of these experiences, has helped me to become a stronger and better person. 

I have finished my newest book, but I haven't printed any copies off, as of yet.  I've been pretty busy with other things, but I hope to get to it very son.  This book is a book of poems, entitled "My Soothing Poems from the Heart."  Hopefully it will be available for electronic reading on Amazon.com,  within the next couple of weeks. 

All of my books and booklets can be found at Amazon.com.  Just enter my full name into the search block and click.  They will all come up for your perusal.  There are fiction novels for both adults and children; as well as, non fiction books and booklets.  I also have books and booklets regarding health issues.  Please check them out.  Electronic books make great Christmas gifts for those you love.  I have a brief message about some of my books, here on my blog.  Just click on the pages you'd like to read.

I hope today was a good day for you and that this evening goes well, also.  If not, then I hope tomorrow will be a better day for you and yours.  Of course, tomorrow is Sunday, so please put some time aside to give praise and glory to God.  Stay safe and be happy.
Susan

(Even tiny trees bring great joy!)

Boy, is it cold out there today!

Hi all,

All I can say is if you don't have to go outside today, don't!  Here in South Central Pennsylvania it's very cold and very windy.  I wouldn't have gone out at all today, except for the fact that I had a doctors appointment this morning.  It was just with my family doctor and it was just my four month check up.  I like my doctor she takes time to just sit and talk with me about every day things.  That's nice. 

I also finished up my downstairs cleaning today.  I'm glad that's done now for awhile.  I no longer clean every week, since it doesn't get that dirty anymore.  Of course, the heat blowing during the winter makes dust, so the winter months cause the house to be dustier.   I do have a Roomba and let me say that I love it.  If it wouldn't be for it, I wouldn't still be able to do my own cleaning.  Although, I do hate cleaning, but I do like that I can still do my own house cleaning.  How about you?  Do you mind doing house cleaning or do you enjoy doing it? 

I am getting ready to do a printing of my newest book called, "My Soothing Poems from the Heart."
I'd like to give a few copies as Christmas gifts, mainly to my three daughters.  I will have it available for electronic reading at Amazon.com.  By the way, did you know that you can do electronic reading on almost any electronic gadget?  Just download the app and purchase or borrow the book you want to read.  Please check out all of my novels, booklets, children's books and self-help books while you're on Amazon.  Just enter my full name into the search block and away you go.  They make great Christmas gifts and don't cost much money.  How great is that?

How many of you who are on social security and use a Medicare approved insurance company for your health insurance?  Our current Advantage policy is going up so much in January, that I have been researching some other policies as well as other companies.  Today I called and changed to another policy, but stayed with Freedom Blue PPO.  I asked the very kind gentleman who spoke to me why our current policy (plus all of their other policies and other companies) will go up so much in cost in January.  He explained that Medicare is not paying them as much as they used to, so they have no choice but to increase the premium costs onto us.  Great!  We will still be paying more, but not as much as if we'd stay with our current policy.  It's no fun getting old,now is it?

I am so glad that I finished my hand-made Christmas greeting cards.  I feel relieved about that.  I will be happy if I get them ready to mail by the tenth of December.  When do you usually mail your Christmas cards.  I heard on the television the other day, that there is a extremely large amount of cards mailed over the Christmas holiday.  I am so glad that people today, still actually mail a personal Christmas greeting to their family and friends, instead of an E=greeting.  I still love getting personal mail, such as cards and letters.  Of course, I could do without the bills, but that goes with the territory.

Well, I need to do a few things now, so I'm going to sign off for today.  Remember tomorrow is Hump Day, so tht surely will make you happy.  Take care and God bless each of you.
Susan

Wahoo, the weekends here...

Hi all,

Well, at five o'clock today, your weekend starts.  That's good news for all of you who work a full time job.  As for me, I don't work outside the house anymore.  I've been on disability for going on nine years now, so even though I don't hold down a job outside my home, I still have some work to do.  As with all of you, I have a home that gets dirty, meals to prepare and laundry to take care of, and being chronically ill, those things are a bit hard for me. 

The reason I write this blog, novels, self help books and now poems is because I've been blessed, by God, with an ability to write, to create, to sew, to do hand embroidery, to paint, to draw, etc.  I didn't acquire these talents on my own.  God gave them to me at birth and for that, I am so thankful. 

I feel that I would be wasting what time I still have on this earth if I didn't use my talents.  I have a strong need to "give back" for all the blessings God has given to me.  If I can make someone smile when reading one of my novels, be excited about receiving one of my handmade greeting cards, or learn to save their own life after reading one of my booklets on cardiac disease, then I am doing what God wants me to do. This is very important to me!

How about you?   Have you been blessed by God?  I am sure you have, perhaps you just need to stop and think about all the good things that have happened in your life, all the things you do have.  As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, all of us should be thanking God for each and every one of His blessings.  Did you wake up this morning?  Did you have enough to eat today?  Did you have a job to go to today?  Do you have a loving spouse?  Do you have children you love?  Do you have a car that runs, regardless of how it looks?  Do you have electricity in your home?  Do you have heat in your home?  Do you have ample clothes to keep you clothed and warm?  Do you have one or two people in your life that you can depend on?  Is God real to you? 

I would presume to say that for most of you, the answer to most of these questions will be, "Yes."  Obviously, if you can afford an electronic device to be reading this, you probably have all of the above things.  So, count your blessings.  Most of us don't have everything that we want in life, but we do have everything in life that we need.  Sometimes we're not looking in the right direction.  Often a person is too proud to ask for help, but that's not a good thing.  It's like the parable about the man who's home and land was hit by a flood.  He crawled onto the roof of his home and ask God to help save him.  A man in a boat came by and told him to get into the boat.  His answer was, "I'll be fine, God will save me."  Then a second person in a boat tried to rescue him and he refused once again, claiming that God would save him.  He drowned!  When he went before God the man asked  God why He didn't save him.  God replied that He did try to save him.  He sent him two boats to rescue him and he refused to help himself.

So, I suppose the moral of this story is that God helps those who help themselves.  There are so many organizations that will help a person in trouble.  But, that person needs to ask for the help and put their pride aside.

Believe me, I don't have a lot of money, a fabulous home, a fancy new automobile or any of those things, but I am rich.  I am rich in God's love and blessings and that's why I'm content and happy with my life.  May God help each of you to see how much you are blessed!

Be safe and God bless you all.
Susan

Here are two of God's blessings!

I'm slowly getting there....

Hi all,

Now that the weekend is over, maybe I can get back to working on my manuscript.  Last evening, my Red Hat group had a get-to-gather in one of our homes.  We each brought a covered dish and I must say that everything was so delicious.  The main meal was yummy and for dessert we had chocolate cake with peanut butter icing and a freshly made apple pie.  Of course, when it was over, the pie was gone.  I made a combination of zuchinni, yellow squash, onions w/seasonings, corn, salsa and sharp shredded cheese, which I baked.  It was very good.  I had a large casserole and we had a little bit left.   So, we finished it off for dinner tonight, along with a baked potato and Italian sausage.  I'm not a big sausage eater but I do like a little link of the Italian kind once and a while.

I need to "proof" my manuscript for the second time soon.  Today I finished up the front and back covers.  I also did two loads of laundry this morning and started cleaning my upstairs.  Tomorrow I'll see if I can finish up the cleaning, but I'm not sure I will have enough time.  I am picking up one of my Grandsons and taking him to a doctor's appointment, then returning him back to school.  Usually, my husband will help my daughter when my grandson has an appointment, but he will be golfing tomorrow with his boss and another of our Grandsons.  This Grandson works at a bank and since tomorrow is a bank holiday, he will be free to join the "old guys."

I'm also trying to wrap Christmas gifts and finish up any gifts that I still need to purchase.  I'm sure many of you are saying, "What's the rush!"  But, I have to tell you that Thanksgiving is just around the corner and then Christmas will be soon upon us.  My goal is to have everything done two weeks before Christmas, then I can truly relax and enjoy the holidays.  Of course, there will always be a few last minute things that I will need to do but that can't be helped, now can it?

What about you?  Have you been preparing for the holidays in any way?  I don't want to minimize Thanksgiving, but I don't have a lot of preparation for that holiday.  We go to my youngest daughter and her husband's home for Thanksgiving.  They prepare the turkey and filling and we all bring a covered dish and/or a dessert to share.  Believe me, there's always plenty of food to stuff yourself with.  I really enjoy Thanksgiving because I am so very thankful to God for all the many blessings He has bestowed upon me every single day of my life.  What are your Thanksgiving plans?  I hope that you have family close by to spend the day with and if not, then I hope you have good friends who include you into their families.

How's the weather where you live?  Yesterday and today, it's been in the low sixties here, but I understand that by Wednesday, the temps will be falling down and by Sunday, they said we may have a few snow flurries.  What's up with that?  Maybe we need a good "freeze" to kill some of the allergy producing grasses and trees outside.  What do you think?

Well, tomorrow is Tuesday and only the second day of your work week, but try to keep a good attitude and frame of mind.  We've all gone through our tough days at work, and usually they only last for one day.  Stay safe and may God bless each one of you.
Susan

I'm finally finished!

Hi all,

How's everyone doing this Thursday evening?  I am a bit tired, but I'm doing okay.  I finally finished up creating my handmade Christmas cards; final total is 87.  It took me quit a while, but I'm pleased with all of them.  I hope that everyone who receives one of them will enjoy it.  I have to create some "all occasion" cards, but I doubt that I'll get any started before January. 

Have you done anything in preparation for the holiday season?  If your answer is 'no', then I would suggest that you get a move on.  The best way to handle this time of year, is to start your shopping right after the first of the new year.  It works really well for me.  I'm almost finished with my gifts, except for one or two more for my husband.  Yesterday I started doing some of my wrapping.  I didn't get too far along, but that's okay.  I'll get it done in plenty of time.

My idea is this:  If I have all the preparations done by the second week in December, I can then sit back and just enjoy the last two weeks before Christmas Eve.  We usually decorate around the third weekend of November.  I love seeing all the Christmas decorations in my home.  It just makes me so very happy.  How about you?

Both the Hallmark channels started running Christmas movies since the first of November.  I've watched a few of them.  I get such a sense of contentment just watching them every year.  Right now the movie, Christmas in Connecticut from 1945 is on the Hallmark Movie Channel.  Have you ever watched this movie?  I have seen it once or twice before but it's such a good movie.  Of course, it's in black and white and stars Barbara Stanwyck an Dennis Morgan.  I'm used to seeing Barbara Stanwyck on "The Big Valley" and she is so much younger in this movie. 

Do you run from store to store doing your shopping for Christmas or do you do your shopping online?  I used to run from store to store, but after becoming ill almost 9 years ago, I now do my shopping online.  It's so much easier and I get some great buys.  I realize that I have to pay the shipping on my purchases, but a lot of times the shipping is free.  And, I do save my gas money by not driving all over the place. 

Today was my grocery shopping day.  Usually my husband goes along with me, but he couldn't today.  He lifts all the bags of food into the car and brings them into the house when we get home.  You see, that part is very hard for me as I can't lift my weight. So, I did all the lifting on my own.  Until I got everything put away,  I was exhausted to say the least.  I've been tired ever since.  I suppose I won't feel any better until tomorrow morning when I wake up. 

I'd like to take a few moments to speak to all you women out there.  Did you know that the number one killer of women in the US today is heart disease?  So many women in their mid to late forties start having heart issues in their forties.  Unfortunately, most women think that the symptoms of a heart attract in women is the same as it is for a man.  Unfortunately, it is not!  In women, they often experience pain or discomfort across their shoulders and in the neck area.  They rarely have chest pain.  So many women just shrug it off as stress.  Please, stop just thinking that it is stress and take it seriously.  It just could save your life!  Also, many women think that heart disease doesn't hit until later in life.  That's just so untrue.  If you are having any discomfort across your shoulders or in your neck, take it seriously.  You have nothing to lose but everything to gain.  You can check out my booklet on Heart Disease both on this blog and at Amazon.com. 

I will soon be ready to have my book of poems published.  It's called "Soothing Poems from the Heart."  I'm very excited about this book as it will be my very first book of poetry.  I've so enjoyed writing these poems.  I'm sure I will write some more when I get the time.

Here's what the cover looks like.

Well, you have one more work day this week and then you'll get two days off to relax.  I hope you will use a little bit of that time preparing for the holidays.  Stay safe and God bless each of you.
Susan

Happy Halloween!

Hi all,

I want to wish each of you a happy Halloween.  That being said, I want to say that I hope you all are ready for a cold and windy weekend ahead.  But, as you all know, we have absolutely no control over the weather at all.  We never have and I don't believe we ever will!

I'm sitting here listening to the Solid Gold Oldies on Comcast television.  Whenever my husband isn't home for awhile in the evening, I love listening to those old memories.  My husband thinks it's weird for me to do that, but I don't think it's weird at all.  The late 1950's and most of the 1960's were the decades of the music and dance I grew up with. 

I grew up watching the television show, "American Bandstand" hosted by Dick Clark.  My sister and I knew a lot of the teenagers names and who was dating who on it.  I'm not at all surprised that music and dance was a big part of my childhood years, as my Mom and Dad loved to dance to the songs of the big band music, as well as, rock and roll music. 

I can still remember being in awe at how great my parents were on the dance floor, or perhaps just kicking it up in the living room.  I loved watching them dance.  They were great at doing the Swing, which is similar to what we called the Jitterbug.  I can't tell you what I'd give to be able to see them dance, just one more time.  Sometimes when the song, "Mack the Knife" by Bobby Darren is playing, I can close my eyes and see Mom and Dad dancing to it.  Bobby Darren was my Dad's favorite rock and roll artist.  When I do that, it brings me to tears. 

I miss those carefree days of my youth.  I am sure that at that time, I thought things were tough, but once I became an adult, I realized what "tough living" really was all about.  When I was growing up, my folks didn't have much money, but we kids had everything we needed in life.  Maybe we didn't have everything we wanted, but I believe it taught us to be frugal and how to accept life as it really is. 

One of the important lessons I learned was that if you wanted to be truly happy, you needed to look inside yourself.  True happiness comes from being happy with who you are; being honest and loving to everyone; being satisfied with what God gives to you.  I can truly say that at this point in my life, even though I live every single day with chronic illness, I am truly content and happy with my life.  I have everything I need to survive and then more.  I have been very blessed by God in so many ways during my entire lifetime.  I have no regrets!

Do any of you remember the song, "You're the One" by The Vogues.  It came out in 1965.  It was a jitterbug dance song.  There were four members in the group.  If you don't remember them, how about "Brown Eyed Girl" from 1967, performed by Van Marrison.  He travelled to New York in 1967 to record his first solo album.  I don't believe I ever purchased either one of these two songs, but I do remember them very well. 

I used to save my allowance and then I'd purchase 45 records.  I must have had well over one hundred and fifty of them.  Actually, I still have them.  They're packed away in a carton in our basement.  My husband and I were just talking about having his nephew put them on CD's for me.  I do still have a record player that will play them, but I mostly listen to oldies on disc.

Here's another song for you:  "Since I Fell For You" from 1963.  It was performed by Lenny Welch.  I loved this song so much.  He was born May 15, 1938 in Asbury Park, NJ.  It was a terrific slow dance number.  "Well it's too bad, and it's too sad, but I'm in love with you...."

Well, I'll let you all go for tonight.  I do hope you stay warm over the weekend and do something fun, even if it's indoors.  Stay safe and God bless each one of you.
Susan

What's Shaking?

Hi all,

How's everyone doing this fine Tuesday evening?  Well, the weather was certainly nice today.  It got up into the 70"s, but it's not going to stay that way for long.  Tomorrow it is to be back into the sixties, with dropping temperatures each day after that.  This weekend it's only to be in the 40's and down into the low 30's overnight.  Not exactly weather I like very much!

How's the weather where you live?  Whatever your temperatures are, I hope all is well with each one of you.

I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas is getting so close.  The Christmas movies start on Saturday of this week.  I can't wait.  I love watching them, even if I've seen them over and over again.  They let me with a feeling of love and contentment.  I hope to catch a few of them next week.

I've been working diligently on my hand-made Christmas cards.  I still have at least twenty five to create yet, but I'll do the very best that I can to get them finished.  I'd hate to disappoint anyone by sending them a ready made card if they are expecting a hand-made one from us. 

I am also working on putting together a book of poems.  I currently have 26 poems and I've entered about nineteen of them into the book.  I'd like to print a copy for each of my daughters to give them as a Christmas gift.  I just need to get myself on a schedule so I can finish everything without rushing to completion.

Does anyone out there have any Christmas Cactus plants in your home?  I have five of them, but only one is on the sun porch, where the temperature is cooler.  The one there, has so many buds on it, I can't believe it.  I can't help but wander if it will bloom again over Christmas.  It usually blooms three times a year:  Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas time.

I went to the eye doctor's last week and tonight they called to let me know that my glasses are ready for pick up.  I think I'm going to try to go over there tomorrow after getting my hair cut.  Both places are very close together.  We'll see how things work out tomorrow morning.

I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping, but to be honest with you, we give money along with one or two wrapped gifts.  Of course, I haven't done any wrapping as of yet, because I wrap the gifts in my craft room, where I am currently creating my cards.  As soon as I'm finished with the cards, Ill start on my wrapping of gifts. 

Well, tomorrow is, once again, "Hump Day".  So, all of your workers who work the Monday through Friday shifts, after tomorrow, you'll be on the short end of the week.  Yippy for you!

Take care and stay safe.
Susan

Just my thoughts!

Hi all

How's everyone doing this Thursday evening?  Well, for all you still working out there, tomorrow is Friday and then you can relax over the weekend.  Well, maybe not relax, especially if you have children to run all over the place.  But, at least you won't have to go to work and that's a good thing.

I've been hearing all these ads for the governor election; as well as the other local elections.  I have to say that it irritates me to no end how they all have to cut down their opponent in all their ads.  If they're so great, why can't they win on their own merits?  Any ideas???  I am so sick to death of all the "put downs" that I could scream.  It's the same way during an election for a new president. 

Another thing that blows my mind, is how after an election, if a republican gets into office, all the democrats don't even give that person a chance.  It also is exactly the same thing if a democrat gets into office.  I believe that after an election, everyone should try to support whomever is elected. 

These are just my opinions on this particular subject.  We are all entitled to our own opinions!

We have been having trouble with our internet and telephone provider for well over a week now.  Hopefully, we now have our service back once again.  It's been very irritating to both my husband and myself.  You get so used to just picking up the telephone and using it or pulling up the internet on your computer and when you can't get on, it's frustrating.  Besides the fact that you're paying for the service.  Hopefully we are good to go now.

A few months ago, I started writing some poetry.  I found out that I truly enjoy writing poems.  I now have completed twenty six of them and today I started writing a book entitled:  My Soothing Poems from the Heart.  All the poems I have written, are written from my heart.  I guess that is how I usually write all my novels, books and booklets.  I hope to have this book finished so I can give each of my daughters a copy for Christmas.  Wish me luck.

I need to get back to my Christmas greeting cards.  I started a few more, but didn't have the time today to do anything with them.  I plan on working on them tomorrow and perhaps on Saturday.  I still have about forty to go yet. 

I believe we only have about nine weeks left until Christmas.  So, if you haven't done any shopping as of yet, now is the time to get started.  I am about finished with my purchasing, as we mostly give the grownup children and grandchildren money.  But, I do like each of them to have one or two gifts to open up, before the presentation of their monetary gift.  What do you do for Christmas gift giving?

I do hope you have a wonderful Friday and a safe one.  Have fun this weekend!
Susan

I'm back...finally!

Hi all,

I'm sorry that I haven't bee in touh with all of you for the past week, but we were having trouble with our Internet hook up, including our telephones.  But, now we're back in business once again.  I have to tell you that one does not realize how much you depend on the internet, until you no longer have service.  We were told that we needed some new equipment because our's was outdated. 

Well, how was your weekend?  Our was quite busy, but good.  It was a bit on the cool side and a little too windy for me, but I was able to be outside for a while.  That is, with my sweatshirt and hood on.  Too bad I didn't have my gloves with me, because I wold have put them on.

If you haven't already realized it, it's almost the end of October.  I really don't do much for the celebration of Halloween anymore.  I did sit my hand-made pumpkins on my dining room table.  They'll remain there until we decorate for Christmas.  Which, by the way, I can't wait for the Christmas Season to arrive, starting with Thanksgiving.

Have you started getting ready for Christmas?  I have already done a good bit of my shopping, mainly because I can't wait until the last minute.  Since I've become chronically ill, I need to get a good start on things.  That way, I can truly enjoy the season when it approaches.  Actually, I started on gifts back in January for this year.  Oh, I haven't wrapped anything as of yet, but I will, eventually get that started. 

I have a good start on my hand-made Christmas cards.  So far I have 28 completely finished.  Now I only have about 45 to go!!!!   I worked a little while today, but I had three loads of laundry to complete, so I was busy most of the morning. 

I truly love creating things.  I am currently crocheting scarves for each member of my family, as a Christmas gift.  Winter is coming and I want them all to stay warm while outside.  Actually, it gives me something to work on in the evenings.  It's good to keep busy and I love crocheting and hand embroidery work.  How about you?  Do you crochet, knit or do any handembroidery work?  I know it's not as popular today as it was years ago, but it's very satisfying to make something by hand.  I don't suppose many woman do any actual sewing these days.  I have to confess, that I don't use my sewing machine like I used to.  When my daughters were young, I would make them new outfits for Easter and Christmas.  I also made them little shorts and tops to wear during the summer.  I suppose that very few women, in their 30's and 40's, even have a sewing machine today.  That's so sad to me as it is extrememly satisfying for a woman to be able to create something for themselves and/or their chldren.  I wander some times if they even fix any torn out seams or hems???  I suppose a lot of men and woman just throw the piece of clothing away if it tears.  What a shame that is!

Oh well, it certainly is a different world out there today then when I was a young wife and mother.  I guess that's just the way things change from generation to generation.  But, I still think it's sad.

Do any of you out there do any crafting of Christmas gifts or decorations?  I used to love making my own decorations, but because of my illness, I do very little anymore.  I used to have my own craft business.  My husband and I would register for craft shows.  Then he'd haul all our props to the show and help me to get setup.  I did alright, but I didn't make a whole lot of money, but I did enjoy it.  Do you go to any craft shows?

Well, I do hope your week goes well for you and that things progress smoothly at work.  Be safe and God bless each of you.  I'd love hearing from you

Are you a Halloween buff?

Hi all,

I was just wandering if everyone out there gets all excited about Halloween or not.  I have to admit that I don't really do much of anything anymore, certainly no decorating.  Although I did bring down three pumpkins, which I made many years ago, and used them as my dining room table centerpiece.  I also have a candle on either side of them.  That's about the extent of my Halloween decorating. 

My husband and I choose not to do the "trick or treat" thing anymore.  Although we do hand out some candy to a few young children that we know.  How about you?  Are you still into the trick or treat thing?  I think that as we age, it becomes more of a bother than anything else.  I guess it's only fun when you have young children who really get into the whole Halloween thing.

I was just watching the weather and they are calling for temperatures into the low seventies for the next two days.  I can't say I'm very happy about that.  We turned the furnace on about a week ago, although we only have it set at sixty-five degrees.  Over the weekend, the temperature was down into the forties, so we needed the furnace.  I suppose I shouldn't complain, because probably in a short period of time, it will get really cold.  Ugh!  Why can't we just have fall temperatures like we used to many years ago.  I hate this going from summer almost directly into winter.  Oh well, there is absolutely nothing any of us can do about the weather, so I might as well not complain!

My husband recently had some surgery and is now recovering very well.  The problem is that he is having a problem not lifting anything that weighs more than fifteen pounds.  Men!  The older they get, the more pig-headed they become.  I don't know why men just can't accept that as the body ages, it starts to break down.  That's just the way it is and there's nothing any of us can do about it.  Oh, of course you can have face lifts and other cosmetic surgery, but I'm not interested in any of that.  If God had wanted our bodies to stay the way they are at age forty, then He would have made us that way.  Aging is just a part of life, and I for one, will not die my hair, have a face lift, or any of those things. 

Right now I'm watching "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" on the Inspiration Channel on television.  I watch that channel quite often.  They have "Saddle Up Saturday" on Saturdays and I love watching the westerns.  The other channels are running so many recent reruns, so it's kind of nice to watch the programs that I used to love, once again.  "Jag" is another show that they run, as well as many other ones.  You should check your cable carrier to see if they include the "Inspiration" Channel in their lineup.

I am trying to finish my downstairs cleaning this week so that I can really get moving on my hand made Christmas cards.  I believe I've only finished twenty so far, so I have a lot to go yet.  I also need to get back into writing poetry.  I intend to publish a book of poems as soon as I have enough of them finished.  I have to say that I am truly enjoying writing poetry, even though it's a new venue for me.

How about you?  What have you been up to lately?  Are you a person who starts planning ahead for the holidays?  I am.  Since I've become ill, I really need to start early, so I don't feel rushed or stressed.  The Christmas Season is my favorite time of the year.  I so love the good will that people show at that time.  It's too bad that those feelings don't exist all year long.  Do you agree with me?  I hope so and it's too bad everyone doesn't feel that way.

I still have this Christening Gown available if anyone knows of someone who is getting their baby christened and can't afford a gown.  I will gladly give it to them.

Have a great day tomorrow and stay safe.
Susan

Today's three quarters over!

Hi everyone,

Tonight's topic will be:  The Kindness of others!

While at the grocery store this morning, I overheard three women talking about all the crime and unkindness in our area.  But, of course, it's not just in our area.  It's everywhere and that's what is so frustrating to me.

But, that isn't what I want to address tonight.  Instead I'd like to talk about the hundreds of kind things that people do every single day of the week.  Why is it that you never read about these kindnesses in the newspaper, only the bad things. 

There are many people in the US who do kind acts for others all the time.  Last year, about this time, my youngest daughter organized a drive asking all her friends to help her to reach out to the homeless.  She proposed that they make up "goody" bags to hand out to the poor people in their own areas.  The response was unbelievable.  They made up dozens of those bags and then they divided them up and every volunteer took an equal amount to hand out.  Another one of my daughters and her husband, joined in with this activity. 

So a few days ago my daughter, once again, reached out to supply mittens, gloves, scarves and socks for the homeless people.  Since I am chronically ill and not able to go and hand out bags, I donated money to purchase any additional supplies.  I've already done the same for this year.

I'm not telling you this to toot my family's horn, but rather to point out that there are many drives like this going on here in York county and surrounding cities.  We just never hear about them. 

There is always something that you can do to help someone else who is more unfortunate than you are.  I promise you that it will leave you with a good feeling inside.  It doesn't have to be an organized "drive".  It can simply be dropping a donation of a few bucks into a Salvation Army Bucket. 

Why don't you reach out to someone who is terminally ill.  I'm sure there are so many little ways that you can help out.  Or just a generous donation to help them as they go through this terrible time in their lives.  Can you even imagine how scared and helpless they, and their families, are feeling? 

Wherever you are, look at someone and smile.  You just never know, that smile maybe the only pleasant response they have that day.  If you're shopping and you are at the check out counter, please remember to smile and say "thank you" when you are handed your change.  You never know, that person who waited on you, may be contemplating suicide and your comment may change their life forever.

If God has truly blessed you in any way, then please "pay it forward."  Because, in the blink of an eye, that homeless, depressed or sick person, could be you.  Please look into your heart and make an effort to reach out to someone else today.  The rewards are mighty, because God will bless you in return.

Have a great evening and stay safe.
Susan

How's your day going?

HI all,

I do hope that everyone out there is having a great day.  I know it's only Tuesday but just try to make the best out of each and every day.  As you get older, you begin to realize how important it is to live one day at a time.  Don't rush your life away!  You all know the old saying, "Stop and smell the roses!"  Well, that's what we all need to do. 

Each day that we wake up in the morning, is another day that God has given to us.  Of course, everyday won't be a "great" day, but it's only one twenty four hour period.  As I aged, I realized how important each day of my life is.  I've learned to live each day giving gratitude and acceptance to God.

Well, I now have approximately eighteen of my handmade greeting cards finished.  I've started another eight, but haven't gotten very far, as of yet.  I'm trying to get a little house cleaning done this week and that really tires me out.  I'm sure most of you are saying, "Well, it's only the seventh of October.   She has plenty of time left to make Christmas cards."  My answer to that would be, "I need to have them finished around the 5th of December.  Believe me, that's not that far away."  I can only work on them, at the most, about two hours a day, because of being chronically ill.

Even though it takes me so long to create all of my cards, I do so enjoy working on them.  It gives me a sense of self-esteem and we all need self-esteem in our lives.  I am very happy when I'm creating something.  How about you?  Are you creative and if you are, in what way?  I'd really like to know what you enjoy doing creatively.

Well, I suppose winter is on it's way, whether we want it to come or not.  I do like the change of the seasons, but the extreme cold and heat are hard for me physically.  If I can stay inside during those times, it's okay with me.  I do love to see the first snow of the season.  It makes everything so beautiful outside.  It gives me a sense of peace and calmness.  I don't think I'd ever want to live in a place where the climate remains pretty much the same all year round. 

I'm preparing a big pot of home made chili for dinner tonight.  My husband and I both love chili, but especially the way I prepare it.  We use "Scoops" tortilla chips as a spoon to eat it.  I also love the fact that I make a large pot of it, therefore, giving us enough for two or three meals.  I love not having to cook dinner every evening.  How about you?

I wish I had more energy than I do, but that's just the way it is with me.  I have a few things that I do, which are very important to me, but I have to tell you, that cleaning my home is not one of them.  I did finish upstairs today so maybe I'll wait until next week to tackle the downstairs.  We'll see. 

How are all your children getting along in school this year.  I hope your answer is "good".  I only have two Grandsons who are still in high school.  It seems things are going good for them.  I also have two Grandsons who are in their second year f college.  I believe things are going well for them, also.  My two oldest Grandsons work full time jobs,  I am so proud of all six of my "boys."  Do you have grandchildren?  I do hope so, because they are an extension of you. 

Well, I hope you have a great day.  Be safe and God bless each of you.
Sue

Happy Thursday!

Hi all,
How's everyones week going?  And, remember, your work week is almost over so that's a good thing.  I hope you have a job that, for the most part, you enjoy doing; and that you get along well with your co-workers.  It's hard enough getting up every day and going to work, but it's so much worse, if you hate your job.  If that's the case, look for another job, even if it means your earning less money.  You can live on whatever you make, if you put your mind to it.

It feels like we're back into the summer time here in South Central PA, but we only get one more day of this weather and then we're back to mid sixties once again.  That makes me happy!  Honestly, I'd just like to have a normal fall again.  It seems like we've being going from summer directly into winter.  I'm not liking that one little bit.  How about you?

My husband had some outpatient surgery yesterday.  He's doing well, with just some mild pain.  I'm so thankful for that.  He's been in pain for the past five weeks and he's glad to finally have the problem surgically fixed.  So am I!  I am sorry that he will not be able to golf or play disc golf anymore this year, but at least he will be healthy once again.  That's all that's important to me.

My daughter delivered the Tastefully Simple that I purchased from her, today.  She is watching an adorable little boy, named Jackson, who is about 14 months old now.  Obviously, he was with her.  I so enjoyed their visit.  I rarely get to spend time with babies or toddlers anymore, so I love it when she brings him along to visit with me.  He is now walking, so as soon as he became comfortable in my home, he had to check everything out.  I so love babies!

I'm still missing my visions of the ocean, sand and sky, but I'll get over it soon enough.  Before you know it, Halloween will be upon us.  We really don't do much for Halloween anymore.  We don't even do trick or treat anymore.  I may put some fall decorations out, but that will be about all the decorating I do until the Christmas season approaches.  Which, by the way, I can't wait for it's arrival!

Christmas is my very favorite time of year, it always has been and always will be!  How about you?  What's your favorite time of year?  Why?  I'd love to hear from you all.

Well, Friday is fast approaching and you all know what that means.  The weekend is almost here.  I hope you have some fun things planned for your weekend and make sure that you set aside a little time just for yourself.  You deserve it!

Be safe and God bless you all.
Susan

Here's a few pictures to relax you:

In three months....

Hi all,

Does anyone know what I am referring to in my title?  In case you don't, I'll tell you.  I am letting you all know that three months from now, Christmas will be over.  That, my friends, will make me very sad.  I love the time from Thanksgiving until New Years Day.  It's the time of year when we should all stop and give thanks for every single thing that God has given to us. 

I know a lot of people complain, saying that they are out of work, or that they're ill, or one of many, many other things.  But, my friends, there are so many things in our lives that we should give thanks for.  Most all of us have a roof over our heads, food to eat daily, some type of work to keep bringing the money into our homes, families whom we love and on and on.  Mostly, we have a God who loves us unconditionally, always. 

Since becoming chronically ill, back in 2006,  I have accepted God's Divine Mercy into every second of every day of my life.  I have so many blessings that I couldn't even begin to count them.  For instance, every day for over eight and one half years now, I've woke up every morning; I can still do a few sedentary things to keep myself busy and to help me feel good about myself.  No, my life isn't like it once was, but I am still alive to love and enjoy every member of my family, my extended family and my friends and neighbors.  I now know what is important in my life and what isn't.  All those little things I used to worry about simply don't matter to me at all anymore.  I don't care what people think about what I wear, what I think, or whether my home is spotless or not.  I suppose you could say that I have simplified my life extensively and I'm very happy and content with my life and my chronic illness.  Can you say the same thing? 

If your answer to my last question was "no", then perhaps you need to stop and take some time to re-evaluate your life.  The only guarantee we have in this life is that we will, someday, die.  I, for one, want to die in God's blessed graces.  That way I know I will be with God for all eternity.   What do you want?  Think about it, won't you.

What a nice weekend we just had here in South Central Pennsylvania.  The temperatures got up to about eighty degrees, but the humidity was very low, and there was a nice breeze blowing.  I have to share with you that I loved sitting out on my porch and visiting with friends.  For me, that was a wonderful weekend.  How about you?  What did you do?  Were you able to enjoy your time off from work?  I hope so.

I must say that I do love the fall.  Of course, here in this part of the country, the leaves are mostly still green and hanging heavy upon the trees.  Our grass, fields and forests are still maintaining their lush green hues.  I do like that, but I also think that when the leaves are changing color, it is so beautiful to see.  I think that if we find beauty in each of the four seasons, we will love the change of those seasons.

Well, I hope your week goes well.  Stay well and God bless you all.
Susan

Sometimes pleasure is found in the most simplistic things...