Giving, Smiling and Love!

Hi all,

Well, the end of this week is fast approaching.  The title of this post, "Giving, Smiling and Love" are to me what this Christmas season is all about.  I hope you all feel that way also. 

If I could have one wish this holiday season, it would be that these feelings of giving to others, smiling to show friendliness to others and showing your love to all those you meet would continue all year long, from one year to the next.  There is so much hate, anger, bigotry, vandalism, stealing and killing going on every day in this world, that it makes me so very sad.  That is not the way God planned for His world to be. 

I understand that at times a person gets over whelmed, angry or disappointed, but keeping it under control is what we all need to practice.  Getting revenge and holding a grudge against someone hurts you more than the other person.  I'm not saying it's easy to forgive someone who's hurt you badly, but we must try, for our own sake, not theirs. 

Just a few words about Cardiovascular Disease in women.  Please take a few minutes to read my article on just this subject on one of my pages in this blog.  You can live without some of your organs, but you definitely can not live without your heart.  Please don't think that because you're only in your late thirties or early forties that you couldn't have heart disease, because I'm here to tell you, yes you can.  Don't ever think that heart attacks, atrial fibrillation, ventricle fibrillation, congestive heart failure and many other forms of this disease, won't happen to you.  They can and they will.  Ladies, we must be proactive with our own bodies and our health.  Think about your children and how much they need you in their lives.  Anything that doesn't seem normal, health wise, report to your doctor.  If he/she doesn't take you seriously, ask to see a specialist or make the appointment on your own.  DO NOT take no for an answer!

Now, on to a happier subject.  How's your Christmas shopping coming along?  Mine is almost finished.  I did most of it by using my Grandson's web site to purchase Ribbon Cards and gift cards from their partner stores.  I think it's was so very easy and quick.  I love it.  Check it out:  http://www.amway.com/coriebersole

My advice to help you get all the things accomplished that you need to during this season is:  stay calm, keep smiling, order whatever you can on line and have it shipped directly to your home, don't make things harder for yourself than they need to be, make a list of things to be done and do two or three things each day and finally, remember that getting stressed, unnerved and unravelled will spoil the true reason for the season:  Jesus birth!

Three other sites you may want to check out for your Christmas shopping are:
http://athome.com/marlenaebersole
http://athome.com/angiealbright
http://TSwithcandice.com
The first two are home wares of all sorts at great prices and the last one is Tastefully Simple food.
Check them out,  they're a great and easy way to do your Christmas shopping while staying in your pajamas.  How great is that!
Susan

Time To Get Busy! How About You?

Hi all,

Wow, November is about over already, just three more days!  Time always seems to go so very fast at this time of year.  It seems that I have so much to do and the time just flies away. 

I just spent four days in Ocean City, MD with one of my daughters and some good friends.  We had a very nice time, but it was very tiring for me.  I sincerely enjoyed myself, but I was glad to arrive home yesterday. 

Today I had to get down to business.  I did some laundry; finished six more hand made Christmas cards; washed up my kitchen floor and laid down some new rugs that I'd purchased recently; and worked on a few other projects for Christmas.  Now to get down to business...

Writing is very important to me, as well as all the other creative things I do.  I want, so much, to get back to working on my novel, but there just doesn't seem to be enough time right now.  I'd also like to write another article on cardiovascular disease.  Even though I am not writing much now, I am still doing some creative work. 

I have about six or eight more hand made Christmas cards to finish yet, then I am done for this Christmas.  I truly love creating my own cards.  It allows me to truly put a part of myself into each cards and that means so much to me. 

I need to start doing some wrapping of gifts pretty soon.  I like to be all finished with the wrapping, shopping, and Christmas cards by around the tenth of December.  Then I have plenty of time to start on the home-made candies: peanut and almond bark, peanut butter fudge and gorp (which is a form of Chex mix.) 

In order to thoroughly enjoy the entire holiday, I like to be all finished everything (except last minute preparations for Christmas Eve supper) so I can just enjoy the week before Christmas, as well as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Tomorrow I am going to attempt to finish my cards and perhaps start on my boxes.  Maybe, if I have any energy left, I'll attempt a bit of cleaning upstairs.  We'll just see how the day goes!

I hope you all aren't waiting for the last minute to do your Christmas shopping and all the other chores that there are to do before the big holiday.  I'm doing most of my shopping on line these days.  Here are three web sites that I am using:  http://www.amway.com/coriebersole; http://www.athome/marlenaebersole;     http://www.athome/angiealbright   Check them out as they are running some marvelous sales right now. 

Take care and don't over do it.  You don't want to be sick for the holidays.
Susan

Sunday, God's day (and mine) of rest!

Hi all,

Today is God's day of rest!  After He created all of this world for us, He rested on Sunday.  I would say it was a well deserved rest, too.  I think it's so very sad that we don't look around us and see all the beauty God has created for us to enjoy.  Beauty that doesn't cost us a penny. 

I have been in Ocean City, MD for the past few days and I can't wait to see the sky each morning as I crawl out of bed.  I've taken pictures of it and God's beauty just keeps amazing me.  I basically brought my camera along just for that purpose.  I've been mesmerized with the sky every since I was here, in OC, in September.  Then it was the sky as night was falling.  Since then, I've been taking more time to just stop for a second and glance up.  It truly amazes me at it's beauty.  It's so simple to enjoy, just walk outside, stand still for two minutes and look up at God's glorious sky.  It's there for every single one of us to enjoy.

It is God's day of rest, but I needed some rest this afternoon as well.  We've been on the go, with not much sleep for the last few days.  I've rested some, but I choose this afternoon to just hang out by myself and relax.  The lack of sleep is beginning to get to me.  Tomorrow we head home. 

Our Thanksgiving holiday was very nice.  I got to spend Thanksgiving Day with all three of my daughters, their spouses or partner and my six Grandsons; of course, my husband, Gerry, was with me, and some friends.  That just made the day perfect. 

I haven't had much time to do any writing, except on my blog.  I truly need to get back to my novel, but I know December will be a busy month for me.  I will continue using my creative abilities because I need to finish my Christmas cards this coming week.  That will be a weight, but a good one, lifted from me. 

I'd also like to write another article for Ezine Articles on cardiovascular disease.  Perhaps in January!
I've been keeping up some on my reading and writing for Fanstory, but not as much as I'd like to.  Hopefully I will have more time for that, too, in January.

I trust you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and are preparing for the Christmas Season.   God bless you all.
Susan

Black Friday, What's That???

Hi all,

I trust you all had a great Thanksgiving Day with family and friends.  My husband and I had Thanksgiving at my youngest daughter and her husband's house.  There were about twenty eight people in attendance.  We all took covered dishes, while she prepared the turkey, filling and gravy.  It was very relaxing and so good to spend the holiday with my family and friends. 

Now, to get to this Black Friday thing!  No, I didn't go shopping today.  I wasn't home today, but even if I had been, I would have not gone shopping.  To tell you the truth, I do much of my Christmas shopping on line.  Since becoming ill in 2006, I do very little store shopping anymore.  I just don't have the strength to run around trying to find the things I need. 

Actually, the gifts we give our children and grandchildren are usually money or gift cards.  Since my Grandsons have gotten older, they'd rather have the money or gift card.  That way, they are free to purchase whatever they'd like.  They like it that way and it's so much easier on me.

Since my husband has cut his work hours back to about sixteen hours per week, we've decided that starting this year, we would be slimming down on our Christmas giving this year.  This is not something I enjoy doing.  I love seeing my children and grandchildren happy.  It means so much to me to be able to share what I have with them.  But, since my husband is now seventy years old, it's time for him to slow down a bit and enjoy life more.  This also makes me happy!

My husband, Gerry (the great deer hunter) left today to head up to his hunting camp for the first week of deer season.  He hasn't bagged one for several years now, which means we haven't eaten deer meat for quite a while.  We recently purchased a quarter hind beef and both our chest freezers have quite a bit of meat in them.  He asked me (before leaving) if we will have enough room for deer meat if he gets one this year.  My response was, "Let's worry about that if you shoot a deer."  And the truth of it is that I won't worry about it until he actually bags the deer.

Well before we know it, November will be over and we'll be speeding into December and getting ready to close out another year.  I'm not sure I'm ready to end this one yet, but I suppose it really doesn't matter whether I'm ready or not.  It always amazes me at how fast each year passes.  I guess getting older has something to do with that, but what will be, will be!

I hope you all have a great weekend.  Do something to make yourself smile.  We all need to lighten up from time to time and take some time for a bit of silliness. 

Are You Creating?

Hi all,

My question today is "Are you creating anything?"  I believe that most of us have some creative abilities of one sort or another.  For instance:  First, my husband creates pricing for Triangle Fire Protection Co., where he is an estimator.  True, he has to check out quite a bit of information before he comes up with the quote, but that's still being creative.  Second, all three of my daughter have businesses on the web, for which they've set up there sites and a link for their Facebook pages.  That's being creative.  Third, JD, who is my son-in-law is making home made fudge for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  That's being creative.  Fourth, Mike, who is also a son-in-law, is a policeman.  Is there any doubt that he sometimes has to be creative?  Fifth, Kevin, who is my daughters partner, works for Harley Davidson.  He works on the assembly line and has learned many of the line jobs.  That's being creative. 

So, don't tell me you are not creative.  We all are in our own way.  Do you love to create new delicious meals to surprise your family?  Will you be wrapping the Christmas gifts you purchase for others?  Will you be setting up the Thanksgiving Day table for way too many people?  Will you be running around like crazy on Black Friday trying to get the best bargains? 

If you will be doing any of these things, you, also are being creative in one way or another.  For myself, I will be creating a large dish of mashed potatoes and two pumpkin pies for Thursday, so I will be doing some creating there. 

Of course, most of my creating, will be done in the form of writing and producing Christmas cards with my artistic abilities.  Actually, I am almost done with Christmas cards.  I have approximately fifteen or so cards left to create.  It's taking me quite a while but I'm getting there.  After I complete the cards, I have another quick project to complete before Christmas.

So, get "creative" in one way or another.  You'll be surprised at how much creativity you have within you!  Good luck and get started...
Susan

One Day Closer!

Hi all,

Well, we're now one day closer to Thanksgiving Day.  I have so many things for which to be thankful, that I'm not sure I could name them all. 

1.  I will start with the fact that I'm still alive; that I wake up every morning is truly a blessing for me.

2.  I am so thankful for my three daughter:  Marlena, Angela and Candice.  I'm also very thankful for my great sons-in-law:  Michael and JD.  And for Kevin who is Angela's partner.

3.  I am so blessed because of my six grandsons:  Jacob (21), Cori (20), Tucker (18), Toby (18) Luke (16) and last but not least, Tanner (15).  I love my six Grandsons so very much and I am so proud of them.

4.  When God brought Gerry, my husband, into my life, He certainly blessed me.  He is a good man, and a very supportive husband.  He helps me a lot, since becoming ill.  Thank you, Lord, for bringing him into my life.

5.  I am thankful that we have a home that's paid off; more than enough food to sustain us; enough money to do a few extra things which we enjoy; decent cars to drive; and a new furnace to keep us warm and cozy.

6.  I am thankful that, even though I was born with a defective heart, I am still living.  My life may be sedentary, but I accept my life and my health just as it is.

7.  I am thankful that God has stayed with me, every minute of every single day for all my sixty-four years of life.

8.  I am so grateful for the blessing of creative abilities.  My writing, paper crafting, drawing and art work are so fulfilling to me.

9.  I am, also, so thankful for my extended family, whom I love very much.  Also, for all the friends I have.  I so appreciate their friendship.

Of course, Thanksgiving Day is only one day out of the year.  Yet, our blessings are given to us every day of our lives.  Even the hardships we face, are given to us to help make us grow and become  stronger individuals.  We may not see that at the time we are going through hard times, but God has a
plan for all of us.  God does work in mysterious ways, sometimes in so small a way that we don't really see it. 

I have to share one of those times.  For the past five or six weeks, I've been looking around the house for a cross to put on my key chain.  I found a few.  One was a good size, but it didn't have the ability for me to hook it onto the chain.  Another one was a bit too small, it had a small fake diamond in the center.  I hooked it on though and have been using it.  I realized the other day, that the stone fell out of the cross.  I started my search all over again, but to no avail.

A few days ago, after the mail came, I opened an envelope from the Marian Fathers, whom I sometimes donate money to help them.  There, attached to a placard, was a beautiful cross with the Divine Mercy picture of Christ on the front.  It was the perfect size for my key chain and there were not stones in it.  I immediately loved it.  All I could say to myself was, "God works in mysterious ways.  Thank you, Lord, for my cross."

I don't consider myself an overly religious person, but my faith is stronger than it's ever been my whole life.  I suppose coming close to dying will do that to a person. 

Well, now I've shared with you some of the things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving.  How about you?  Please share your 'thanks' with me. 

To comment:  click on "Comment".  write your response and sign it, click on the circle that says anonymous and then fill in the letters in the space, which are in the box above that space, click send or enter, whatever it says and I should get your response.  Thanks.

Susan

It's nice and warm in here!

Hi all,

Today finally got here.  It was the day for our new furnace to be installed.  Mr. Mike, from Walton and Company, installed it for us and he did a great job.  It seems to be working great.  So, many thanks to Mike and Walton and Company.  Also, to my daughter, Angel, for setting all this up for us.  It's nice and cozy warm in here.  We are relieved to have the new one working, because the old one was doing some funky things and we were a bit concerned that it would start a fire or something.
We also thank Kevin for helping Mike drag that old furnace out front.  I assume it was quite heavy what with all the huffing and puffing they were doing.

I got my downstairs dusted this morning, so that's something.  I was hoping to get started on a few more Christmas cards, but it didn't happen.  Gerry and Kevin brought the Christmas tree down from the third floor.  Gerry sat it up for us and leveled it, so it's now ready to be decorated.  Maybe we will find some time to do that tomorrow.  We'll see!

I positively have to get back to my writing one of these days.  I've got to say that I miss not working on my novel.  There just doesn't seem like there is enough time in a day or I'm just too tired when I do have time.  At least I've been creating art with my Christmas cards.  That's something!

I hope all of you have a wonderful Sunday.  Remember to do something to praise God tomorrow, it is His day, after all! 
Susan