Always Keep the Door Open

I had to laugh at our QA manager's door sign say, 'Don't close door!' Then he closed it. Also written in Spanish for our cleaning crew. This reminded me to always leave my door open, for comments and discussion. It is so easy to shut our loved ones out. I have to admit, it has happened more times than I care to admit. Harsh words spoken, unintended results, stressed out mood and tired or frustrating day are perfect ingredients for a blow-up. Remember 'a soft answer turneth away wrath.' Now to practise, practise and practise even more. May patience be with you today, this Christmas season and always.

Thrilled Over a Thank You

After making a donation to a special charity I happened on to a few years ago when I attended a free concert, I received a sincere and sweet personal thank you this week from the founder.

It certainly makes all the work and effort worth it when the organization sends a thank you note.  How much nicer and more willing you want to continue giving.  

With the next forty-five days full of holiday giving spirit, remember to 'Thank' those that do a kind deed to you or a loved one.  This is a great time to teach our children to show appreciation, too. 

Old Town Icons

When traveling through old towns, I love to snap the photos of the famous attractions that people visit the town for or items it is well known for.  Such as the buffalo on the top of this building in this Idaho town near Jackson, Wyoming.

 In Oregon at the Tillamook factory who isn't looking for the dairyman and his cow? 

Astoria, Oregon has this great tower and cable car that runs up and down the main street along the pier looking over the bay. 

 

The age-old theatres and hotels are a great attraction and date back to the great buildings of yesteryear. 

 The Yellow Cab Taxi Company is an icon on wheels that we all love to see and occasionally get to ride in. 

May we all take note of the beloved attractions of the past, they wont last forever. 

That's What Fun Runs For Friends Are For

When someone needs our help, what better thing to do than to hold a fund-raiser.  Here is a 'Fun run' for a cancer survivor.  No greater love can be shown than to support and help your friends.

What makes them even more fun is to dress up.  Gotta love these grown men in pink tutu's. 

Whenever possible, take the opportunity to give generously of your time, talents and support to these worthy causes.  From the sponsors planning the event down to the last cookie sold, all benefit and make the world a better place for having participated. 

Make a Difference Day

Today is Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of helping others, is sponsored annually by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Gannett News their parent company and its 800 carrier newspapers.  As many as three million people will be out doing good in communities across the company. 

In it's 23rd year of serving the greater good, the foundation can be located at makeadifferenceday.com


 

What a great feeling to be a part of the greater good in serving others.  Utah Valley University has a You Tube video when they made a difference.  Ogden City has done the same.  It doesn't have to be a big thing, just a lot of little service projects of visiting the elderly, cleaning away weeds, painting and such that will  make a difference to the lives of many.

 

Just get out and 'Do It'!  You'll be glad you did, and so will they.

International Day of the Girl

Today is the International Day of the Girl.  Young girls and women all over the world for years have been treated as an underclass.  Occassionally, one will stand up for her beliefs and rise above the challenges she faces. 

Malala Yousafzai, is one of those outstanding women.  Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, she will continue to set an example of faith in herself and gender. 

May all women no matter the age, listen to that divine spirit within them and stand up for truth and equality.  This is the day to prepare to value ourselves, have an opportunity to be educated or just do it.

Officially Fall

The mountains don't lie.  It is officially fall as the red, yellow and golds have filled in where green once was, like an overnight chalk festival taking place without us.  It is tempting to jump in the car and go riding until we're stuffed to the brim with beholding the beautiful foliage.

Thank you Heavenly Father for the 3D photo. 

A Pretty Pot Luck Picnic

These little ladies are probably members of the Red Hat Society out for a sunny afternoon supper.  If not, then priceless people parading in purple at a picnic.

Either way they deserve an honorable mention for the pleasant surprise I received, when I happened upon their party.  Wouldn't it be a pleasure to hear their part of the story?

Gazing on Gardens for the Gods

I was on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints grounds a few weeks ago in Salt Lake City.  Eye candy for the Gods describes the gardens on the several blocks they own.  Every inch of ground is cultivated and groomed to perfection.

  What a peaceful pleasant place to pass the time.  Put it on your list of places to go. 

Patriotic Patrons

It takes time and dedication to decorate our homes with the current holiday.  I give this decorated homeowner a thumbs up with all the of the red, white and blue.   St. Patty's Day was adorned in green, but I failed to get a photo.  

Keep up, keeping up by making our special days more real with all the work you do setting up, taking down and storing the lovely items, then we don't have to. 

Summer Soltice a Survivor

If you are reading this, we have made it to the summer soltise.  Remember those long cold days of winter, when the sun didn't show its face for many days?  Now it is as far away as you can get and the best time for being out as long as possible with it light at night. 

Yes, it will get hot, but relish it like a pickle in brine.  Bask in it and appreciate all those family reunions, ball games, water sports and more. 

Flag Flying Day

The gentle breeze made today's Flag Day perfect for flying the red, white and blue.  Seeing all the patriotic citizens and businesses made me happy to be an American. 

What gratitude I feel for those original signers, statemen and sowers, that sacrificed much to be courageous enough to begin the process of freedom.  Thank you. 

Here's to Bravery

Tragedy struck again this week in Boston during the marathon when two bombs exploded at the finish line injuring hundreds and killing innocent bystanders.  Courageous people offered help to those injured.  The National Guard took charge, as did the police and medically trained. 

There is more good than evil in the world.  We are a peace and freedom loving people.  May we continue to fight these acts of terrorism and the sickness of lonely souls, by reaching out to be friendly to all.  We won't be afraid because of the evil that lurks in the minds of some. 

Literally thousands went out of their way and will continue to reach out to offer love and comfort to those personally injured.   Lives will be altered forever, but may each victim feel the love of the American people and especially the Lord, putting their trust in       Him.  Peace and righteousness will prevail. 

Celebrating Shirt Sleeve Weather

I finally came out of hybernation.  What a miracle because it was so warm, one could call it a "no jacket day".  The closest digital time and temperature sign I read, said it was over 70'.  That hasn't happened for eighteen weeks.  Last I noticed was November 7th when a Noreaster blew in.  The ground is no longer pollution white with mostly gritty snow. 

Everyone I encountered got the, "You've got to go outside and enjoy the shirt sleeve day," from this appreciative gal.  Thank the Lord, we made it through one more winter.  Six days to go until we can call it a serious spring day.