The silence in my living room at 6:30 a.m. on the Monday before all of my children and grandchildren land on my doorstep for the holidays is so sweet. "Not a creature is stirring" is music to my ears. I'm not an introvert by any means, and thoroughly enjoy the company of people, lively conversation, and gay celebration.
However during my six year stay in the convent, I awoke daily to silent communication with my God through prayer and meditation. I loved that time more than any other part of the day and still begin every morning in much the same manner. It brings a peaceful calm to my body, mind and soul. Everything ahead of me for the next twenty-four hours comes into focus, and a plan to navigate each step evolves without much conscious effort on my part.. I know there will be deviations from said plan, but I'm fortified with God's grace to handle whatever causes chaos and discord.
There will be 15 people in our home for four or five days and usually some of the kids will be up and at it before I come down the stairs with Shadow. They will be either blasting the television or bickering about something. As soon as one of them spies me, they'll shout my name, and with grins as wide as the ocean, all start chattering at once. Gabe needs breakfast, Liam and Beckham are squabbling about who goes first in Trouble , and my dear Brenna, will rush to present the dog with her first treat of the day.
Although there will be absolutely no time for my cherished routine, having family around and being needed even for the simplest of tasks, is definitely a worthwhile replacement for a short span of time. After quickly getting everybody dressed, we rush out the door before any of the adults can stop us, and load into my daughter's van. I rev up the motor and head for our traditional Dunkin Donuts breakfast. First they all must have a sandwich before any goodies are selected. I order the same thing for everybody as they move tables together to accommodate all eight of us. As each one gobbles down their obligatory egg wrap, they are given my credit card and approach the counter to order a donut and drink of their choice. Surprisingly for this healthy, rambunctious bunch, the process goes off without a hitch. If they finish one and are still hungry, they are permitted a second. Of course you know how that goes so I needn't bother you with the specifics. On the way home, everyone is talking at the same time about what we're going to do and when we're going to do it.
This year our schedule includes: snow tubing, trampolining, ice skating, the movies, laser tag, and a trip to King's for ice cream. There will be little to no time for prayer and meditation for yours truly.
I treasure my silence and will yearn for it's return with all my heart. But I also treasure my time with family, especially my seven grandchildren, They are growing up so fast, and since they all live out of state, I don't see them as much as I'd like. So when they're here, bring on the noise, the chatter, and the chaos! Bring on the hustle, the bustle, and the wild scenario of events. I'm grateful that at my age I can still do almost everything they want to do, and for the most part, can keep up with them. I'm especially grateful that they really and truly want me to be there with them every step of the way.
As they all load up and head for their respective homes on the 29th, my hubby and I, and of course, Shadow, will wave good-bye and breathe a sigh of both sadness and relief!
Farewell to family, and hello to my precious silence that seems to have been absent for a very long time!
Monday, December 19, 2016
Monday, December 12, 2016
Never MEANS Never!
Lately I've been daydreaming about Christmas when I was a child. I see the big house on the avenue that I was literally born and raised in. On Christmas eve, I sit against the staircase rails with my brother beside me admiring the 8ft. tree decorated by Zedo and Mom. As kids we were never allowed to take part in adorning the tree since the icicles had to be hung one by one on each branch and be exactly the same length, and of course, children just didn't have the skill or patience for such accuracy. I smell the wonderful aromas floating from my Baba's kitchen and can't wait until the family arrives so we could sit down to dinner.
Now my Zedo had strict rules about who was invited to share our traditional meal. Only immediate family was permitted, with the exception of Belle and Oscar, very good long time friends, who ironically were Jewish. I see Zedo sitting at the head of the table. All the adults have a glass of Kimmel raised high as Zedo delivers his holiday speech in Slovak. When he finishes speaking, he places the golden liquor to his lips, signaling everybody else to do likewise. Now my brother and I stand up and wish our family the blessings of Christmas and a Happy New Year, in Slovak of course.
Dishes of honey are spread around the table and each guest has a white wafer called 'oplatky' in front of them.. All the children form a line by Zedo's side and receive a cross on their foreheads made from the honeyed thumb of our patriarch. Next everybody at the table dips their oplatky in the honey and partakes of it.
Baba and Mom begin serving the mushroom soup which is the appetizer that begins every Christmas eve supper. Zedo receives his bowl first. When the two women return to their chairs, the mushroom soup is consumed by all and the dishes removed.
Now for the main course. Babalki, navy beans, lungos, and cabbage! These meager staples are meant to remind us of the fact that Jesus was born in a stable without food or comforts.
After the meal, all the women go to the kitchen to wash and dry the dishes, while the men sit in the living room puffing cigars. Zedo amazes the kids by blowing white rings of smoke that rise towards the ceiling, We all try to poke them before they dissolve in the air. Some of us stay with the men to hear their stories of the old country, while some head to the kitchen to listen to the women's talk of favorite recipes and church stuff.
After the company leaves, my brother and I climb the stairs and get ready for bed. We hurry so we can watch Mom from our seats against the staircase rails making countless trips to the enclosed front porch to bring in all the presents. When all have been carefully placed under the tree, Zedo shakes some bells and poinds on the wall to let us know that Santa has come and gone.
As we fly downstairs, the first place I head for is the mantle where the stocking are hung. Every year the same things are hidden in them; an orange the size of a melon, a coloring book, a fresh box of crayons, and a chocolate bar. Out of all the gifts, the items in my stocking were always the best as far as I was concerned.
My brother and I enjoy giving packages to Zedo, Baba, Mom, and Uncle Tom. We've spent the few dollars we'd saved throughout the year to put smiles on their faces and a twinkle in their eyes. I don't mention our Dad because he died when we were very young, but from what we've been told, he loved everything about Christmas.
After opening our presents, we scurry up to bed, recount our blessings in prayer, and are lulled to sleep by the muffled voices echoing from downstairs. Peace settles over the big house on the avenue where tradition has once again been celebrated and all are safe and sound.
I know I can never return home again. All my family is gone,and the big house on the avenue was demolished decades ago. Never MEANS Never as far as the Christmases of my childhood.
But they will always be FOREVER in my memories and in my heart!
Merry Christmas to ya'll!
Now my Zedo had strict rules about who was invited to share our traditional meal. Only immediate family was permitted, with the exception of Belle and Oscar, very good long time friends, who ironically were Jewish. I see Zedo sitting at the head of the table. All the adults have a glass of Kimmel raised high as Zedo delivers his holiday speech in Slovak. When he finishes speaking, he places the golden liquor to his lips, signaling everybody else to do likewise. Now my brother and I stand up and wish our family the blessings of Christmas and a Happy New Year, in Slovak of course.
Dishes of honey are spread around the table and each guest has a white wafer called 'oplatky' in front of them.. All the children form a line by Zedo's side and receive a cross on their foreheads made from the honeyed thumb of our patriarch. Next everybody at the table dips their oplatky in the honey and partakes of it.
Baba and Mom begin serving the mushroom soup which is the appetizer that begins every Christmas eve supper. Zedo receives his bowl first. When the two women return to their chairs, the mushroom soup is consumed by all and the dishes removed.
Now for the main course. Babalki, navy beans, lungos, and cabbage! These meager staples are meant to remind us of the fact that Jesus was born in a stable without food or comforts.
After the meal, all the women go to the kitchen to wash and dry the dishes, while the men sit in the living room puffing cigars. Zedo amazes the kids by blowing white rings of smoke that rise towards the ceiling, We all try to poke them before they dissolve in the air. Some of us stay with the men to hear their stories of the old country, while some head to the kitchen to listen to the women's talk of favorite recipes and church stuff.
After the company leaves, my brother and I climb the stairs and get ready for bed. We hurry so we can watch Mom from our seats against the staircase rails making countless trips to the enclosed front porch to bring in all the presents. When all have been carefully placed under the tree, Zedo shakes some bells and poinds on the wall to let us know that Santa has come and gone.
As we fly downstairs, the first place I head for is the mantle where the stocking are hung. Every year the same things are hidden in them; an orange the size of a melon, a coloring book, a fresh box of crayons, and a chocolate bar. Out of all the gifts, the items in my stocking were always the best as far as I was concerned.
My brother and I enjoy giving packages to Zedo, Baba, Mom, and Uncle Tom. We've spent the few dollars we'd saved throughout the year to put smiles on their faces and a twinkle in their eyes. I don't mention our Dad because he died when we were very young, but from what we've been told, he loved everything about Christmas.
After opening our presents, we scurry up to bed, recount our blessings in prayer, and are lulled to sleep by the muffled voices echoing from downstairs. Peace settles over the big house on the avenue where tradition has once again been celebrated and all are safe and sound.
I know I can never return home again. All my family is gone,and the big house on the avenue was demolished decades ago. Never MEANS Never as far as the Christmases of my childhood.
But they will always be FOREVER in my memories and in my heart!
Merry Christmas to ya'll!
Monday, December 5, 2016
Should We Stay Or Should We Go?
Our house is too big and we are too old. Should we stay or should we go?
On the one hand, for over forty years we've lovingly taken care of our two-story house, ardently maintaining both the inside and outside because it's our home. We've updated every decade or so in order to keep current with the trends of the day, new roof, new windows, new kitchen, etc. Every Thursday like clockwork, we've cleaned the inside until every room sparkles. Twice a year we've washed the walls and scrubbed the carpets. My hubby and I have meticulously groomed the outdoors from March through November as well. He's mowed and trimmed the lawn, pruned the shrubs, washed the siding, sealed the cement, etc. I've planted the flowers, weeded the shrub beds, tended the garden, cleaned the patio furniture, etc.
On the other hand, neither of us want to work that hard anymore. A small ranch or a patio home
is really all we need at this point in our lives. One floor with two bedrooms, two baths, a modern kitchen, breakfast nook, a comfy family room and a laundry niche would suit our needs perfectly. A front porch overlooking a postage stamp front lawn would be sufficient to satisfy our urges to become one with the earth, As far as a backyard, not necessary but again very small if we were to have one.
So what's the prob you say? Well first of all we need to decide where to relocate. Since all three of our grown children and their families live in different states, choosing to live near any of them would mean leaving the area where we both were born and raised. Whatever family we still have are here in PA, and it's nice to see them occasionally for dinner, movie outings, holiday gatherings and such. We know and love our neighbors. Anytime a need arises we can always count on one of them to lend a helping hand, and of course, they know we have their backs, too. Just being able to step outside and kibitz for a few minutes about the weather, politics, or why the grass is dying in some spots is such a joy for us. Also we're familiar with our surroundings, stores, doctors, entertainment, etc. We know where to go and how to get there.
I think we've solved that prob, we're staying in this area. Now for the biggie, should we look for a resell or do we buy a new house? My husband thinks a small ranch in an older community is the answer, however my choice is a new patio home in a housing development with one or two streets max. I've started surfing the net, but what I've found is disappointing. First of all the costs are out of sight even for what we're looking for. People are setting outrageous prices on homes that haven't been updated since built, and contractors are asking for tons of money for bare-bones basics. Everything extra costs the buyer more and more.
Finally, we would need to have our home appraised, put on the market and sold.
The house isn't getting any smaller and we're certainly not getting any younger. Should we stay or should we go? God only knows at this point in time!
On the one hand, for over forty years we've lovingly taken care of our two-story house, ardently maintaining both the inside and outside because it's our home. We've updated every decade or so in order to keep current with the trends of the day, new roof, new windows, new kitchen, etc. Every Thursday like clockwork, we've cleaned the inside until every room sparkles. Twice a year we've washed the walls and scrubbed the carpets. My hubby and I have meticulously groomed the outdoors from March through November as well. He's mowed and trimmed the lawn, pruned the shrubs, washed the siding, sealed the cement, etc. I've planted the flowers, weeded the shrub beds, tended the garden, cleaned the patio furniture, etc.
On the other hand, neither of us want to work that hard anymore. A small ranch or a patio home
is really all we need at this point in our lives. One floor with two bedrooms, two baths, a modern kitchen, breakfast nook, a comfy family room and a laundry niche would suit our needs perfectly. A front porch overlooking a postage stamp front lawn would be sufficient to satisfy our urges to become one with the earth, As far as a backyard, not necessary but again very small if we were to have one.
So what's the prob you say? Well first of all we need to decide where to relocate. Since all three of our grown children and their families live in different states, choosing to live near any of them would mean leaving the area where we both were born and raised. Whatever family we still have are here in PA, and it's nice to see them occasionally for dinner, movie outings, holiday gatherings and such. We know and love our neighbors. Anytime a need arises we can always count on one of them to lend a helping hand, and of course, they know we have their backs, too. Just being able to step outside and kibitz for a few minutes about the weather, politics, or why the grass is dying in some spots is such a joy for us. Also we're familiar with our surroundings, stores, doctors, entertainment, etc. We know where to go and how to get there.
I think we've solved that prob, we're staying in this area. Now for the biggie, should we look for a resell or do we buy a new house? My husband thinks a small ranch in an older community is the answer, however my choice is a new patio home in a housing development with one or two streets max. I've started surfing the net, but what I've found is disappointing. First of all the costs are out of sight even for what we're looking for. People are setting outrageous prices on homes that haven't been updated since built, and contractors are asking for tons of money for bare-bones basics. Everything extra costs the buyer more and more.
Finally, we would need to have our home appraised, put on the market and sold.
The house isn't getting any smaller and we're certainly not getting any younger. Should we stay or should we go? God only knows at this point in time!
Monday, November 28, 2016
Blame Those Responsible!
I will forever remember this Thanksgiving, but not for the warm and fuzzy reasons you may think. Instead of the traditional gathering of family and friends, instead of the aromas of golden brown turkey, toasted marshmallow sweet potato casserole, and luscious pumpkin pie, I'll be haunted by the memory of the deaths of David, Kaylie, and their two year old daughter, Annika. Every time I pass by the intersection of routes 30 and 48, I'll see the burned out shell of a car and hear the deafening silence surrounding it. I'll imagine the gruesome sight of David's body lying on the pavement, bruised and bloodied, and I'll gasp in horror when, like the firefighters and policemen, I realize that there are the bodies of Kaylie and Annika inside the vehicle's remains, charred beyond recognition.
And when I remember the events leading up to this senseless tragedy, once again my anger will rise up.
A police officer stops a car for an illegal turn. The driver, a 22 year old man, and his girlfriend appear nervous. After checking the license number and discovering that two arrest warrants are in effect for Demetrius Coleman, the officer calls for backup. However before he can approach the wanted man, Coleman steps on the gas and screeches out of the parking lot heading east on route 30 at the speed of over 100 mph. Doing what they are trained to do, serve and protect, policemen from both East McKeesport and North Versailles follow in pursuit. After weaving in and out of traffic, at times driving in the on-coming lanes, Demetrius Coleman crashes into Kaylie's car, which instantaneously bursting into flames, snuffing out the lives of an innocent family on theBir way to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones.
And when I remember that some people entertain the notion that this horrific tragedy could have been avoided it only the police officers would not have chased these two, my anger only escalates.
Why does it appear that nowadays law enforcement is always at fault? These courageous men and women take their responsibilities very seriously. They have taken an oath to protect and serve. They risk their own lives so that others can escape injury and death. They are to be respected for their commitment, not vilified for their actions. Don't accuse those who perform their duties for doing so, but rather place the blame where it rightly belongs.
Just because you're an addict, whether your drug of choice be heroin or alcohol, and just because addiction is viewed as an illness, you are not absolved from responsibility for your actions. You don't get a free pass to do as you please, break the law, injure, maim, and kill others, and not be held accountable because you were under the influence. People with debilitating diseases like those suffering from incurable cancers, kidney failure, or dementia must pay for what they do, and if illegal, are subject to the same penalties that you and I are, and must accept the consequences of their misdeeds.
Demetrius Coleman and his girlfriend, who had heroin in her possession, are the ones who caused the deaths of these three beautiful people, and Demetrius Coleman and his girlfriend alone are responsible not only for their demise, but the pain and suffering of the family and friends left behind to grieve for many, many Thanksgivings to come.
If any finger pointing is needed to identify those who are to blame, let's make sure we're pointing in the right direction, at Demetrius Coleman and his girlfriend, who are totally responsible for what happened at the intersection of routes 30 and 48 on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 2016!
Monday, November 21, 2016
LIFE ITSELF!
I could go through a very, very long list of all that I'm thankful for in my life, but I suspect you've heard it all before. You know, family, friends, good fortune, etc. but after serious thought I'm thankful for one think in particular, LIFE ITSELF!
My life has stretched out over seventy-two years, WOW! Hard to believe I've managed to wake up 26,280 times, give or take a few, and look forward to what the day had in store. Don't get me wrong, there have been many, many occasions where I would have rather pulled the covers over my head and remained prone indefinitely. But there was always something grabbing my hand and helping me up to start all over again, and that something was life.
LIFE is that force inside of us that energizes each cell in our bodies with oxygen, blood, and nourishment. It gives us the ability to breath, move, feed, and feel. Of course all animals have these same drives, but we as humans have been blessed with powers far beyond survival mechanisms. Additionally we've received the abilities to think, make decisions, and create. And these are the attributes that make life itself worthwhile as far as I'm concerned.
Being able to think about what to make for dinner, choosing a new recipe, and then actually preparing the dish, in my humble opinion, is amazing to me! I can tell you that without being able to perform this three-step operation, my hubby would most likely be eating dog food 24/7! This is just one example of millions that make like wonderful or like I choose to say, 'full of wonder'!
When life is good, everything we see, hear, touch, smell, and feel intensifies. Our energies seem to multiply one-hundred fold, our desires to experience new things increase, and our spirits take flight!
Even when things aren't going well for us, life is what allows positive change to happen. We can research possibilities, eliminate those that aren't achievable, and design strategies that will help us to succeed. Giving in to depression only minimizes our life force and threatens our very existence.
When sitting around the dinner table surrounded by your loved ones this Thanksgiving, among all the many blessings to be grateful for, remember to be especially thankful for LIFE ITSELF, for yours and for everybody you hold dear.
love ya'll
My life has stretched out over seventy-two years, WOW! Hard to believe I've managed to wake up 26,280 times, give or take a few, and look forward to what the day had in store. Don't get me wrong, there have been many, many occasions where I would have rather pulled the covers over my head and remained prone indefinitely. But there was always something grabbing my hand and helping me up to start all over again, and that something was life.
LIFE is that force inside of us that energizes each cell in our bodies with oxygen, blood, and nourishment. It gives us the ability to breath, move, feed, and feel. Of course all animals have these same drives, but we as humans have been blessed with powers far beyond survival mechanisms. Additionally we've received the abilities to think, make decisions, and create. And these are the attributes that make life itself worthwhile as far as I'm concerned.
Being able to think about what to make for dinner, choosing a new recipe, and then actually preparing the dish, in my humble opinion, is amazing to me! I can tell you that without being able to perform this three-step operation, my hubby would most likely be eating dog food 24/7! This is just one example of millions that make like wonderful or like I choose to say, 'full of wonder'!
When life is good, everything we see, hear, touch, smell, and feel intensifies. Our energies seem to multiply one-hundred fold, our desires to experience new things increase, and our spirits take flight!
Even when things aren't going well for us, life is what allows positive change to happen. We can research possibilities, eliminate those that aren't achievable, and design strategies that will help us to succeed. Giving in to depression only minimizes our life force and threatens our very existence.
When sitting around the dinner table surrounded by your loved ones this Thanksgiving, among all the many blessings to be grateful for, remember to be especially thankful for LIFE ITSELF, for yours and for everybody you hold dear.
love ya'll
Monday, November 14, 2016
Like A Thief In The Night
Like a thief in the night, this presidential campaign has sneaked into our collective souls and ripped out our funny bones! Honestly in the last year, how many times have you laughed so hard tears of joy ran down your face? When have you even twittered or tee-heed? How about a smile from ear-to-ear or a shit-eaten grin?
Seriously folks, without a sense of humor our country is doomed to darkness and despair. We alone must take the initiative to bring back laughter into our lives, because without it I promise you things will only get worse.
Now I'm not talking about making inane jokes at the expense of others, there has been enough of that as far as I'm concerned to last a thousand lifetimes. Let's look inward to find something we've experienced over the years that was hilariously funny and share it with family and friends. We've got to break the chains of anger that have tightened around our minds and hearts because if we can't, explosions of chaos will happen all across this great country of ours. We're already seeing hundreds of protest marches popping up like dandelions, crowding our streets with unwanted weeds of unrest. And if this is just the beginning of a national trend, God help us all!
Twenty-five years ago I was a kindergarten teacher, which was the best job I've ever had the privilege of holding. Each day I couldn't wait to get to my classroom, because I knew something would occur that would put me in stitches!
Picture this: It's the beginning of the noon session and 15 children are sitting in a circle waiting for me to kick off the day. I start by asking what everyone did over the weekend, but before even one person could speak, Jonathan came rushing in with backpack slung over his shoulder and his lips going 100 miles an hour. "My mommy had a baby yesterday. It's a baby sister for me and my brother. Her name is Meghan and I got to hold her!"
"Wow," cried the group in unison.
Once Jonathan joined us, I asked him a few more questions concerning the health of his mom and sister and then proceeded to get back on task. However one of girls, Kristy, who by now was feeling greatly ignored, stood up and announced that her mommy had a baby yesterday, too. Now I knew that this was virtually impossible since Kristy herself had been a change of life child, and furthermore the last time I checked, her mother wasn't even pregnant! But this was getting very interesting, and I just had to see where it was going to end.
With hands on hips, Kristy looked at each of her classmates daring anyone to refute her declaration. Now it was my turn to question its validity.
"Did your mommy have a baby sister, Kristy?"
"No, she didn't," the blonde cherub replied.
"Well, then I guess she had a baby brother?" I remarked.
"No, she didn't have a baby brother either," Kristy said with her distinctive lisp.
By this time, I was thoroughly intrigued.
"Well if she didn't have a baby sister, and she didn't have a baby brother, then what did she have?" I wanted to know.
Before Kristy answered once again she eyed each student, and in a loud and clear voice she announced, "My mommy had a baby kangaroo!"
"Wow," cried the group in unison as Kristy returned to our circle feeling happy that her friends agreed that having a kangaroo was just as amazing as having a baby sister!
It took everything in me to squelch the laughter that was bubbling inside of me and simply agree that both Jonathan and Kristy had had a very eventful weekend.
If this story didn't tickle your funny bone, I'm guessing you've never had one in the first place!
Now it's your time to come up with experiences that have had you laughing your head off, holding your stomach, wiping the tears from your cheeks. It's your duty to share humor at every turn because everyone in our country's circle is depending on you. Be a 'Kristy' if that's what it takes!
Don't let a thief in the night rob you of your right to live in a nation that allows all of us to speak and act freely, and laugh as loud and as long as we choose!
Seriously folks, without a sense of humor our country is doomed to darkness and despair. We alone must take the initiative to bring back laughter into our lives, because without it I promise you things will only get worse.
Now I'm not talking about making inane jokes at the expense of others, there has been enough of that as far as I'm concerned to last a thousand lifetimes. Let's look inward to find something we've experienced over the years that was hilariously funny and share it with family and friends. We've got to break the chains of anger that have tightened around our minds and hearts because if we can't, explosions of chaos will happen all across this great country of ours. We're already seeing hundreds of protest marches popping up like dandelions, crowding our streets with unwanted weeds of unrest. And if this is just the beginning of a national trend, God help us all!
Twenty-five years ago I was a kindergarten teacher, which was the best job I've ever had the privilege of holding. Each day I couldn't wait to get to my classroom, because I knew something would occur that would put me in stitches!
Picture this: It's the beginning of the noon session and 15 children are sitting in a circle waiting for me to kick off the day. I start by asking what everyone did over the weekend, but before even one person could speak, Jonathan came rushing in with backpack slung over his shoulder and his lips going 100 miles an hour. "My mommy had a baby yesterday. It's a baby sister for me and my brother. Her name is Meghan and I got to hold her!"
"Wow," cried the group in unison.
Once Jonathan joined us, I asked him a few more questions concerning the health of his mom and sister and then proceeded to get back on task. However one of girls, Kristy, who by now was feeling greatly ignored, stood up and announced that her mommy had a baby yesterday, too. Now I knew that this was virtually impossible since Kristy herself had been a change of life child, and furthermore the last time I checked, her mother wasn't even pregnant! But this was getting very interesting, and I just had to see where it was going to end.
With hands on hips, Kristy looked at each of her classmates daring anyone to refute her declaration. Now it was my turn to question its validity.
"Did your mommy have a baby sister, Kristy?"
"No, she didn't," the blonde cherub replied.
"Well, then I guess she had a baby brother?" I remarked.
"No, she didn't have a baby brother either," Kristy said with her distinctive lisp.
By this time, I was thoroughly intrigued.
"Well if she didn't have a baby sister, and she didn't have a baby brother, then what did she have?" I wanted to know.
Before Kristy answered once again she eyed each student, and in a loud and clear voice she announced, "My mommy had a baby kangaroo!"
"Wow," cried the group in unison as Kristy returned to our circle feeling happy that her friends agreed that having a kangaroo was just as amazing as having a baby sister!
It took everything in me to squelch the laughter that was bubbling inside of me and simply agree that both Jonathan and Kristy had had a very eventful weekend.
If this story didn't tickle your funny bone, I'm guessing you've never had one in the first place!
Now it's your time to come up with experiences that have had you laughing your head off, holding your stomach, wiping the tears from your cheeks. It's your duty to share humor at every turn because everyone in our country's circle is depending on you. Be a 'Kristy' if that's what it takes!
Don't let a thief in the night rob you of your right to live in a nation that allows all of us to speak and act freely, and laugh as loud and as long as we choose!
Monday, November 7, 2016
All The Presidents.........MEN!
Before reading this post, let me assure you that I'm not a feminist, nor will I ever be one. I think of myself as a realist. When faced with a crucial decision, I search out the facts, pour over the details, weigh everything carefully, and then come to an informed conclusion. Here is my conclusion regarding the 2016 Presidential Election.
Forty-four men have served our country as presidents since 1789. They deserve all the praise for creating a land of the free and the home of the brave. They also deserve all the blame for the mess we find ourselves in today. The issues of high taxation, joblessness, inequality of pay in the work force, abortion rights, lack of reasonable immigration laws, racial tension, sensible gun regulations, war and much more dysfunction falls squarely on the shoulders of these men as well.. They are the ones who have been at the helm, and have led the United States into 'the black hole' according to millions of our concerned citizens.
Here is a list of all the U.S. Presidents...MEN :
Millions of folks want change, but change simply for the sake of change does not lead to positive results.Change must be accompanied with astute study, careful planning, and resolute execution. Talking about Making America Great Again does nothing unless the person behind the slogan has studied, planned, and resolved to do exactly that.
Only one of the presidential nominees has spent her whole life studying and planning, and is now ready to execute her informed conclusions. This Tuesday, November 8, vote for Hillary Clinton, a knowledgeable woman with experience and passion on her side who will work together with folks interested in changing America for the better.
After 227 years, isn't it about time to give a woman the chance to restore the United States of America to it's former glory? I certainly think so!
God bless us all!
Forty-four men have served our country as presidents since 1789. They deserve all the praise for creating a land of the free and the home of the brave. They also deserve all the blame for the mess we find ourselves in today. The issues of high taxation, joblessness, inequality of pay in the work force, abortion rights, lack of reasonable immigration laws, racial tension, sensible gun regulations, war and much more dysfunction falls squarely on the shoulders of these men as well.. They are the ones who have been at the helm, and have led the United States into 'the black hole' according to millions of our concerned citizens.
Here is a list of all the U.S. Presidents...MEN :
Millions of folks want change, but change simply for the sake of change does not lead to positive results.Change must be accompanied with astute study, careful planning, and resolute execution. Talking about Making America Great Again does nothing unless the person behind the slogan has studied, planned, and resolved to do exactly that.
Only one of the presidential nominees has spent her whole life studying and planning, and is now ready to execute her informed conclusions. This Tuesday, November 8, vote for Hillary Clinton, a knowledgeable woman with experience and passion on her side who will work together with folks interested in changing America for the better.
After 227 years, isn't it about time to give a woman the chance to restore the United States of America to it's former glory? I certainly think so!
God bless us all!
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