Favorite Quote

I have a collection of favorite quotes. Here's my favorite for today:

"May those who love us, love us; and those who don't love us,

May God turn their hearts; and if He doesn't turn their hearts,

May He turn their ankles, so we'll know them by their limping."

- Author Unknown

Not very Godly, but it gives me a chuckle...

Hmmm... Wonder why I've been limping?!?

Lucky 13

Many people consider the number 13 to be unlucky. My family considers it a "lucky" number.

• My grandfather was born in the year 1913
• My son was born on the 13th
• According to Grandpa, my son was the 13th great grandchild

Today, Mama Duck was away from her nest, and PJ counted 13 eggs! That's more than twice as many as last years resident duck. I tried to sneak out to get a picture of the eggs, but while I was getting my camera she came back. I didn't see her in the early morning half light. Then I heard a warning "hissss" and there she was. She was standing between me and her nest, ready to run me off if necessary. It will be exciting to see if they all hatch.

Well, I'd better get back to work. I'm boxing up stuff to FreeCycle. People post things to give away, or something they're looking for. Everything is given at no cost. It's often items the second hand stores have too much of, or would toss. Sometimes these items are very nice, almost new.

One day there was an older, used car and it was in running condition. It went before I could even respond. I guess we didn't need another old car, but it would have been nice to fix up for younger son, Lucky 13. Maybe that name will get his approval... he hates being called CelloBoy. Anyway, he hasn't even taken his Driver's Ed. Class, so there's really no rush.

If you're a friend, you know I'm a "bit" of a "clutter queen" so I have a lot to give away, sell, or FreeCycle. I'd better get busy!

Duck Update

I've been watching our "tenant" each day, but she is rarely away from her nest. This year "Mama" duck decided to tuck her nest behind a large aluminum flower tub right next to the house. She is nearly invisible unless you are practically on top of her looking down. She sits so very still, and doesn't even blink an eye. So far, she is too shielded to even get a photo.

Last night PJ was leaning in for a peek and he heard her quack... except that he didn't see any movement. Again he heard it. He backed away and was enjoying the cool evening air when he happened to glance up. Right on the peak of our roof were two males and one female. Thus the quacking! He called me out to look. There they were, sharing a conversation as they looked toward the beautiful setting sun. We stood and watched them for a few minutes. There was something so peaceful about it. The feeling lingered with me long after I went back into the house. Moments like that are precious and rare.

The Treasure of Friendship

Yesterday I had the privilage of picking up a dear friend from the airport. Carol was coming down for a quick business trip. We had time to squeeze in breakfast and conversation between her arrival and her first meeting.

There is nothing like the hug and smile of a friend. Time and distance may separate, but it fades quickly in the easy laughter of a shared story. I find I still carry many of my youthful insecurities... will she notice how much weight I've gained... what will she think when I tell her I haven't been writing... will we still have things to talk about?

My life feels so mundane to me. Yet, it didn't take long to fall right back into the conversational ease that we've always had. Carol now lives in what I like to refer to as the far, far away, cold North Country. She shared a horrifying story of trying to get to the airport, over mountain roads, in the middle of a white-out. That's a horrific, blinding snowstorm for those of you that are unfamiliar with the term. It's almost worse than heavy fog. Your headlights hit the snowflakes and it's like a moving white wall that you can't see past. Thankfully, her angels were hard at work and got her to the airport just in time to board her flight.

The time passed too quickly. I realized how much I've missed our talks and what they have meant to me. Friendship is a treasure. It's not to be taken for granted, and should be enjoyed fully at every opportunity! I look forward to the next time we get to share our stories, and our lives, over a cup of coffee. In the meantime, I will be working at tending some of my other friendships, and getting back to the business of life.

Prayers of a Faithful Friend

I received such a blessing today. After days of trouble with my legs, this morning being the worst, my telephone rang. A dear friend of my Grandmothers, Margie, was on the line.

Just for background, Margie has been one of those friends who was so connected to Grandma that she would call in moments of greatest need. Grandma got to where she expected the phone to ring when things got bad. Margie would be there with words of encouragement and "pray her socks off". She would always end the conversation with "I'm prayin' on ya!".

When I woke this morning and my legs would barely work, I was so discouraged. I prayed for God to intervene, but sometimes it feels like I'm talking into the wind. I know God hears me, but it can be hard when I don't always see immediate results.

Needless to say, I was a bit teary. Then the phone call came about 10am. "So, how are you feeling" Margie says. We talked for a little while, then she began to pray. As she asked God to touch me from the top of my head to the tips of my toes, I felt a tingling sensation run down the back of each leg. After the call ended, I got up and much of the pain and stiffness was gone.

This is not the first time my "earthly angel" has tuned in to my needs and taken the time to call. It is still amazing to me how quickly the prayers of a faithful friend can touch the need in my life. I feel very blessed today.

Let The Sun Shine!

It is a beautiful day! Sunny, warm, and all reports say we'll be nearing 70 tomorrow! This is an amazing end to a very trying week, and today is so much better. Younger son well! Older son back on track with health and car (being repaired today... money isn't everything... boohoo). P having a great visit with his Dad this weekend. I'm feeling better! My internet is working at full speed! Hooray! It took a second round of visits with Qwest, AOL, and HP help centers, but looks like a fix! Praises abound at my house!

I got a call from my dear friend, Carol. She is enjoying this day on the far side of our valley with her girls. They're doing a history day competition. Schedules are too tight for a visit this weekend, but we will get together soon. Being from the "far north snow country" she is loving the sunshine and flowers. Her enthusiasm raised my appreciation of this gorgeous day even higher!

Friends have been my theme this week. They provide a light in the darkness when life seems to get the best of you. I've had some very uplifting phone calls and emails. It's amazing what a few words of encouragement and love can do for the soul, not to mention the power of their prayers. I am so blessed with my friends. Here are a couple of quotes that just connected with me this week. I hope they lift you up.

"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart."
- Elizabeth Foley

"A friend is someone who sees through you and still enjoys the view."
- Wilma Askinas

and from a favorite author of mine, L. M. Montgomery in Anne of Green Gables:

"Marilla," she (Anne) demanded presently, "do you think that I shall ever have a bosom friend in Avonlea?"

"A--a what kind of friend?"

"A bosom friend--an intimate friend, you know--a really kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul. I've dreamed of meeting her all my life. I never really supposed I would, but so many of my loveliest dreams have come true all at once that perhaps this one will, too. Do you think it's possible?"

Bosom friends and kindred spirits... they bless us in our daily lives. Sometimes not even realizing the positive impact they have made in our hearts.

For all my dear friends I am thankful!

Computers...a blessing and a curse!

I've had two days of computer nightmares! I'd sign on for 30 seconds... it would sign me off, sign me on, sign me off, sign me on... You get the picture!

I updated my AOL. I cleaned all the browser/cookies/everything I could think of from my files. I defragmented and cleaned/rebooted/unplugged/reinstalled and then rebooted again!

I called AOL... I called Qwest! I thought BAD thoughts! Then, I had to repent of all the bad thoughts. I even considered throwing the whole thing across the room. The final straw was when I tried to unplug everything from the tower. I was bent over trying to see the back of the thing, when the DSL Modem I had carefully put on top of my piano came plunging down and hit me right on the back of my head. You might say I was at a very low point in my day.

My day began so nicely. The sun came out all shiney and springlike. I had a fantastic conversation with my Grandma on the phone (who was also loving the sunshine coming in through her window). I got some fun things in the mail. Saturday laundry and cleaning was going beautifully. Then I sat down to list an item on eBay... the same one I tried to list six times yesterday. Anyway...

All is well at last. I have my internet back. How did I survive before I had all these connections to the world? I can read the blogs of my friends, I can correspond with them, shop, play games, share photos. The list goes on and on.

I'm back in cyberspace, and all's right with my world (my internet world anyway)!

Little Blessings

Sometimes in my day to day existence, I miss noticing the extra little blessings that come my way. My niece moved in with my family a while back. I was just thinking this week about how much she has brightened our lives. JP brings a fresh point of view to our normal routines. She has a distinct sense of humor and a quick smile. Her laughter is contagious!

JP also motivated me to clear away the clutter on my piano bench so she could practice. It's been lovely to hear her sing and play. If pianos could be grateful, I'm sure mine would be. It's been an oft neglected instrument in my home... played only at Christmastime and not even then the past couple of years. She also plays her guitar. She has brought music back into my day! I guess that's more than just a "little" blessing. It's a huge one to me.

Yesterday, I had to call to remove my list from an upcoming Lisa Bevere event due to my budget. I was blessed with a scholarship ticket that some caring person supplied to my church. I almost said "no... that's ok..." I have a very difficult time accepting help from others. I don't mind giving, but I am not as gracious a receiver. It's hard for me, but once I said yes, there was this little burst of joy in my heart. I really wanted to attend this special event and was so discouraged when I thought I would not be able to. What a blessing some unknown person has given to me! I am so thankful!

I need to remind myself to be aware of all the blessings that come my way. Sometimes it may be the smallest thing to the giver, but it can mean everything to the receiver.