Yucky!!!!!

Hi all,

Well, the only way to describe the weather today is by saying, "Yucky!"  It's been raining off and on all day, and it's damp and chilly outside.  Definitely not my idea of good weather, but since there's nothing I can do to change it, I suppose I'll have to just make the best of it.

This week has gone by so fast, mostly because Monday was a holiday.  So all day Tuesday, I kept thinking it was Monday.  On Wednesday I had to remind myself that it was Wednesday and not Tuesday.  I think today I'm on track for it being Thursday.  I'm sure for all of you who hold down Monday through Friday jobs, you're happy because tomorrow is Friday already.  Hooray!  As for me, it simply doesn't matter one way or the other.

I am happy to say that I have gotten back to rewriting my memoirs.  Since I wrote, "My Memoirs" in 2006, it's a bit easier to start over by referring to that book.  When I published that copy, I had just been diagnosed with Chronic Congestive Heart Failure and other heart problems.  So, I have the last eight years to add to my memoirs.  Actually, this will be an all together different book.  It also, will mainly be an electronic reader only.  I may have a few actual hard copies made, but I'm not going to go to any great expense at this time.

I am also still working on my hand-embroidered Christmas table runner.  It's coming along, but I'm not in any big hurry to complete it.  Mainly because when I'm finished, I will have to come up with something else to work on while I sit and relax, watching television.

What have you been up to lately?  I'm sure that many of you have been working outside in your flower beds.  It's so nice to see my healthy green plants sprouting buds already.  I was so tired of seeing my yard (it's very small) and flower beds piled up with mountains of snow from the winter months.  We have two flower beds in our yard.  All total we probably only have about 16'-19' of bed space, but I still enjoy seeing my plants once they start producing flowers.  How about you?

I do hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  We did.  The weather, at least here in the Susquehanna Valley in Pennsylvania, was quite nice.  It didn't start getting a little humid until Monday and really not too bad at that.  I spent quite a bit of time on our porch, simply enjoying being outside again.  I'm sure that many of you were able to get out of doors over the weekend as well.  I believe all the public swimming pools opened on Memorial Day weekend. 

Can you believe that it's almost June 1, 2014?  It seems like just a few weeks ago that we were celebrating New Years Eve.  My, oh my, how fast time does fly by.  Even with me leading a very sedentary lifestyle, and spending much of my time alone, I can't grasp just how quickly time goes.  As each year comes and goes, I am so grateful and thankful to God that I'm still alive to enjoy time with my husband, family and friends.  They all mean so very much to me. 

I hate to say it but I believe that we don't truly appreciate what we have, until it's not there anymore.  I don't know why we humans are like that.  Before becoming chronically ill, my life just went on like most of yours, moving from one day to the next, running here and there with family and friends.  Busy! Busy! Busy!  Now, sometimes, I ask myself what exactly was I doing back then?  Where was I running to?  And, why didn't I realize just how short life truly is?  I'm sorry, but I have no answer for those questions.

So, now I do what I believe God wants me to do.  That is to write books and booklets, create handmade greeting cards, use my creative abilities to do hand embroidery, and so on.  The only things I have sold are the books, and those are at cost.  The other projects I work on I give away.  This is my lot in life and for that I am so thankful.  I am still alive and this old sickly heart is still beating, of course it's with the help of my pacemaker, since I am dependent on my pacemaker to stay alive.  You see, my own heart rate is extremely slow and I could not survive very long without the pacemaker.  So again, to God goes the glory!

I wish each and every one of you a good Thursday and Friday, with high hopes for the weekend.  Use your time to discover something new about your spouse, children and most of all yourself.  We all need time to be alone with our own thoughts.  The, just sit back and close your eyes and wait for God to whisper in your ear, or for Him to put some thoughts or ideas into your head.  He's there, but we need to open ourselves up to His presence.

Stay safe and God bless you.
Susan

PS:  Here are some pictures of a replica Steam Engine train that my husband and I were invited to ride.  It was about a three hour trip down and back, but it was so nice.

Happy Saturday!

Hi all,

First of all, let me wish each and every one of you a wonderful weekend and Memorial Day.  We owe so much gratitude to all our service men and woman, both living and dead.  I can't even imagine what hardships and fears they live through each and every day.  But, they are out there fighting, loosing limbs and dying for us here in the US.  So for them, I will say a very special prayer this weekend, asking God to keep them all safe.

What's on your Saturday schedule?  I suppose many of you will be having, or going, to picnics some time over this weekend.  Or, perhaps you will be heading out to your local community swimming pool; or maybe you and your family have gone camping for the weekend.  Whatever you are doing to celebrate Memorial Day weekend, have fun and stay safe.

It looks like it might be a nice day today, as well as Sunday and Monday, at least here in the Eastern part of the United States.  That's a good thing, at least I think it is.  My plans for the weekend include some work on my current novel, which is a non-fiction piece; and also I plan to work on the Christmas table runner I have started.  It's all being done using hand embroidery.  I decided to use the non-traditional colors of blue and white this time.  Usually I like to stick to the traditional colors of red and green, but I thought I'd do something a bit different this time.  I'll post a photograph of it when it's completed. 

I will ask each of you to set aside a few minutes just for yourself.  Find a nice quiet place, sit back and just let your mind wander.  Try to think about the fun and carefree times of your life; those times when things were simple and not rushed.  Remember how wonderful it felt to just hang out doing nothing?  We all need to do that from time to time.  It helps us to put our lives in perspective. 

Once again, I will encourage all of you to try something creative.  It can be anything at all.  As simple as making a cake and decorating it for Memorial Day.  Or perhaps, for you men, rearrange your patio furniture to create a more warm and friendly setting.  Creativity comes in so many ways, just find out where your interest lies and go for it.

Again let me say, "All my best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  Be safe and God bless you!
Susan

What a nice day!

Hi all,

Well today my husband and I went on an historic train trip.  It was a gift from our broker's firm and it also included lunch afterwards.  We left the train station in New Freedom and ended up at the Hanover Junction.  It was an hour trip down and then we had about a twenty minute layover at Hanover Junction, where we could visit the train museum, use the rest rooms, and get a cold drink or an ice cream.  I used most of my time taking pictures.

The train is a replica of an original steam engine and it's cars from back when President Lincoln was alive.  He took this same route from New Freedom to Hanover Junction.  The cars weren't too bad, but they were much like they originally were.  Needless to say, my back and hips bothered me on the return trip.  But, I'm not complaining, it was a wonderful time for my husband and I to do something together. 

Here's some pictures I took:

 

 

After we arrived home, my husband left to meet his boss and one of his boss's sons to play golf.  I

quite tired, as I had to get up up early this morning.  So I took a little cat nap this afternoon and when I woke up, I felt so much better.  I guess I just needed a bit more sleep to satisfy my body.

 

I will be starting another hand-embroidery project, as soon as I get all the pieces cut out and laid on the background so they are symmetrical.  It will be a coffee table runner that I will use at Christmas.

 

I've got to find some time to work on my new novel.  This one is a non-fiction and will be the story of my life.  No, I don't have any great secrets or I've never broken the law, but I have had some life-learning lessons over the years.  I think that as a person ages, we become much smarter.  I know that young people think that us senior citizens aren't too smart, but they don't know any better. 

 

We learn so much by simply living each day of our lives.  There are those life lessons that you can only learn by living through them.  If you are a senior citizen, you know what I mean.  We're never too old to learn something new.    You know I'm right on that fact.

 

Well, I'm a bit tired from my adventure today, so I'm going to close for now.  Be safe and take care.

 

Sue

 

 

Praise the Lord on His Day!

Hi all,

Happy Sunday to everyone.  I hope you all have a wonderful, carefree, humbling day with God, your family and with friends.  And, I understand the weather here on the Eastern side of the US is to be pretty good today.  So, grab your camera and head outside; take a few minutes to look up at the sky and see God in all His beauty.  Snap those photos and give praise where it's due.

Of course, this is the second half of our weekend and before we know it, it will be over.  Many of you will be waking up tomorrow morning to face another day of work.  Well, since we all need to feed our families and keep a roof over their heads, going to work is just something we all need to do.  I may offer a word of advice:  Don't face it with regret and annoyance, but rather with the start of something interesting.  Be thankful that you still have your health and you are able to hold down a job, thus allowing you to feed and take care of your family.  Out of those things we don't really enjoy doing, comes great joy.  Think about it!

I've started my next writing project, but haven't really gotten into it as of yet.  Perhaps later today I will.  I'm also going to be starting a new hand embroidered project.  This one will be a table runner with a Christmas theme, but it is one I will be keeping to display in our home.  I've already created so much which will be given away.  Now it's time for me to do something that I will retain.

How's the creativity coming for you?  Oh, come on, please don't say that you don't have any creativity, because I know you do.  You just need to start small and just jump right on in with your eyes open wide and a wonderful attitude.  Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect; it just needs to be the best you have to give.  At least at the present time.  One can always improve oneself, if you give yourself the ability!   Just start in those flower beds.  Choose a layout that works for you and purchase flowers in colors that will work well together.  Plant them and then all that's left to do is enjoy their beauty, when they are all in full bloom.  There you go....

Well, I have to keep moving.  So, have a beautiful and loving Sunday.  My best to each and every one of you.
Sue

Okay, your're half way through the week!

Hi all,

How's your week going thus far?  I hope it's not been too bad.  I know working a full time job has it's ups and downs, but I hope you are having more 'ups' than 'downs.'  The weeks go by so fast for me, even though I don't hold down a job any longer.  It would be nicer if I wasn't chronically ill, but since I can't change that, I'll just have to live with it.  At least I am still living!

I wanted to get started on my new non-fiction novel, which will be the story of my life.  No, it's not a whole lot different than most of your lives, but I definitely have had many joys and sorrows on my life path to where I am today. 

What I believe is that each of the situations I've gone through in the past, as helped me to be the person I am today.  I am sure of who I am, how I feel, what is important to me, how much I love my husband and my family and how blessed I am to still be living.  There is nothing I need to be happy and there is nothing I particularly want.  The best way I can say it is, "I am so blessed."

To get back to my new writing project, the simple truth is that I just haven't taken the time to start.  I've done some serious thinking about a cover and a title, but I haven't settled on something definite as of yet, but I will very soon.  I will probably only produce one or two hard copies, but I will do an electronic copy for Amazon, for electronic reading. 

I wrote my memoirs some time ago, but I'd like to redo the book, continuing on into the present day.  My life has been no more special than anyone else's, but there are special moments in each of our lives.  Those learning moments, changing moments, enlightening moments, loving moments, growing moments and unforgettable moments.  Each and every one of those moments are so very important to me, because they define who I am.

Well, I'm about finished with my hand-embroidered gift card/money holders, small gift bags and Christmas tree ornaments.  Now I need to find another sewing project for myself.  I just love sitting in front of the television working on some kind of sewing project.  It relaxes me so much.  But then, creating anything has always been a relaxer for me.  That is such a blessing for me.

So, what have you been up to lately?  I hope you've found some project to work on that allows you to use your creating abilities.    And, remember to always make some time for yourself.  It's so important for adults to take some precious moments to rejuvenate themselves. 

Well, I do hope the balance of your work week goes well and goes by quickly for you.  Stay safe and be kind to yourself.
Susan

Happy Mother's Day!

Hi all,

First, I want to wish all you Mother's out there a very happy Mother's Day.  Being a Mom is not an easy fete these days.  Actually, it's never been an easy job.  As a Mom, all I can say is that we do the very best we can as Moms. 

I just spent the last four days in Ocean City, MD with my Red Hat Group.  We had a very nice time and the weather this year was good.  It didn't rain, it was very windy and the temperatures were in the upper sixties to mid seventies.  It wasn't overly crowded, so that meant no waiting to be seated in the restaurants.  I had a nice time..  I always enjoy being close to the ocean.

I have to say that I was glad to get home today.  I miss my home when I'm away.  I suppose that confirms that I'm content spending my days at home.  Of course, I do spend so much time alone, so I guess that's why I'm content being here.

I think I'm about ready to start my next writing project.  I've been in a sort of limbo for the last couple of weeks.  I'm anxious to start another book, a novel, but not a fiction novel.  I just feel this is the time for me to do a nonfiction piece.  I don't have anything pressing in the next couple of months, so this is a good time to start another project. 

I'm still working on my hand embroidered Christmas ornaments.  They are for my family and friends.  I find it so relaxing when I'm sitting in front of the television and doing my hand embroidery work.  Actually, whenever I'm creating, it relaxes me.  Do any of you feel this way about being creative? 

What have you all been up to lately?  I'm sure by now, many of you have started working in your flower beds and gardens.  Or, perhaps you've been fixing up your screened-in porches or decks.  I wish we'd just have some spring weather, instead of having these up and down temperatures all the time.  I see that for the next three days, it's to be in in eighties, but by Saturday, it's to be only sixty degrees.  What's up with that anyways?  I'd just like to have a few weeks with the temps in the low to mid seventies.  I'm not ready for summer!

Well, there's only a few more hours left of Mother's Day, so try to make the most of it.  I'm not planning on doing much else today, except watching some television.  I didn't get much sleep the last three nights, and I'm very tired this evening.  I hope I get a good night sleep tonight since I'll be back in my own bed.

I hope your first day back to work tomorrow will be a good one.  Stay safe and God bless you all.
Susan

Good old Monday once again!

Hi all,

How's everyone doing today?  I was busy this morning catching up on my laundry.  My sister is visiting from North Carolina and came in to spend the day with me.  She was also here last week and we spent two or three days together.  I miss seeing her, but do so enjoy the time when I do get to see and visit with her.  I'll probably get to see her one or two days this week.  She told me she is probably  going to head home next Monday.  When she is here, she stays with my brother and his wife. 

I thought it was a bit chilly here over the weekend.  So, of course, I stayed in all weekend long.  I simply can not handle the cold and wind.  I got a chill on Friday and it took me hours to feel warm once again.  How about you?  Are you a lover of weather like this or do you enjoy the 90 degree days? 

I am participating in a seven day journaling course right now.  Starting on June 1, I will be doing a 21 day course.  I used to journal all the time.  Years ago, my counselor suggested that I start keeping a journal to record all my personal thoughts and feelings, no matter what they were.  So I did for quite a while, but I haven't for several years now. 

As of yet, I haven't started another writing project.  Maybe next week I will settle on a definite project in writing.  I am still working on hand embroidering Christmas ornaments.  I only have maybe four to six left to do.  Then, I don't know what I'll get into.  Who knows?

Well, this week we're to have some nicer weather, that is it's to be in the upper sixties to low seventies.  I love the upper sixties, that's the perfect spring weather, don't you think so?  I am not looking forward to summer's hazy, hot and humid conditions. 

What have you been up to lately, that's in the creative line?  No, don't say 'nothing', because I know you've been doing something creative.  Let me know what interests you.

Maybe you can go to Amazon.com and check out my adult fiction novels, children's novels, health booklets, etc.  I'm sure you will find at least one or two that you will enjoy.  Just enter my full name into the search block and click.  All fifteen of my books will come up for your perusal.  Thanks for any support you can give me.

I hope you have a great week.  Be safe and have some fun.
Susan

Writing comes in all different forms!

Hi all,

Happy Thursday afternoon to each of you.  Just one more work day this week and I'm sure many of you are very happy about that.  As for me, every day is fairly much the same.  I'm not complaining because I worked for many years outside of the house.  I remember how great it was knowing that you only had one more work day that week.

I have been writing, but not necessarily on a book.  I've been preparing a story for the newspaper and one for "Greensleeves", which is YCHS's quarterly newspaper.  I've never presented an article about myself before, but I suppose that's part of marketing myself.  I wasn't raised to toot my own horn, so it doesn't come easily to me.  Oh well, I guess if I want to sell books, I need to market them.

So, what have you been up to?  I'm sure that if you live on the Eastern coast of the US, you're as sick of this rain as I am.  Unfortunately, they are calling for some passing showers today, tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.  What's up with that anyways?  Although there is to be some partially sunny times during the course of the weekend.

A few nights ago, there was a fire which displaced about eight adults and a few children.  It was only one block over from us and two blocks west of us.  That's a scary thing for me.  It's the one thing that petrifies me and always has.  Today my daughter sent an email out to family and friends letting us know that her Son is in the same class with a boy who's home burned.  His bedroom was completely destroyed and he now has no clothes.  (I suppose Good Will is giving him some recycled things to wear, or the Salvation Army.)  So, my Grandson asked his Mom to send an email to see if anyone of us could donate some money to help this young man purchase some new clothes.  How generous of my Grandson to think up this idea.  Of course, we are going to donate some money to this worthy cause.  God has truly blessed us and it would be a sin not to pass it onward to others.   I'm so proud of my Grandson for thinking about this boy in his class.

I've come to a decision about what my next writing project will be:  I believe I'm going to publish my memoirs.  I will have to rewrite it as I go though.  When I'm finished, I'll put an electronic copy on Amazon.com for purchase.  I don't know how many people will be interested in reading it, basically because I haven't lived that exciting of a life, but I lived a very learning life.  Maybe someone can learn something from some of  circumstances I've lived through.

Well, the weekend is fast approaching and I'm sure you will have a busy schedule, but please take some time out for yourself.  Do something creative, I guarantee you it will boost your self esteem.  We all need to feel that we can do something worthwhile.  So, get out there and get started, whatever you choose to do. 

Stay safe and God bless you.
Susan
Here's my newest novel.  You can check it out on Amazon.com.