Goodby to Maya

The first I heard of Maya Angelou was when I ran across her poem 'Phenomenal Woman'. I have loved it and Maya ever since. Reading her bio this week, I realized this gal was a very busy, phenomenal person. Not only a poet and writer, but also a lecturer, friend and amazing person. Here's to you Maya and all the great things you did for the American people and your people.

Great minds wish they had been brilliant enough to think or create as you did.

Fought for Freedom

I love this quote which says it all. Even though God gave us liberty, we had to fight for it. My dad, uncles and many others fought long and hard to keep us free. We are privileged to celebrate their sacrifice and gift to us on Memorial Day and every other day, too. Thank you to our servicemen and women.

Wood Carver's Weekend

Here are a few of my favorite choices from the Salt Lake Woodcarver's Show at the Barn of Wheeler Farm Don't you just love attending some show that represents the talents of a group of people. All year long this wood carving group works at selecting, creating, perfecting and preparing to display their skills. To earn money for the next year of programs, weekly carving locations, friendship making. Studying each masterpiece the hours and love of the hobby really shine through. Whether it is quilting, crocheting, gardening, painting, carving or whatever talent, it becomes an extention of the person themself.

Nattering Nitpicker, Who Me?

Jay Evensen has writen for the opinion page of the Deseret News for years. As I get older, I love to read his and other articles as well as what the readers have to say in the Readers' Forum. His recent article, Political Sport Keeps us From Real Solutions, talks about the consequences of 'being crass, personal and insulting'. Instead of resolving problems it generates negative remarks. Jay quoted Niccolo Machiavelli as saying, "Politics have no relation to morals." So that is why people dont seem to care what they say, as long as it makes a stir with those that listen. Someone ends up the being the target. All too soon the other party is hurling mean remarks back. In the end, Jay says, "We are becoming a nation of nattering nitpickers." Someone is bound to agree about his comment. I do.

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.