Thoughts...

I was reading a note on Facebook posted by Marion Chesney aka M. C. Beaton this morning. She talked of the dog days of summer, people gone on holiday and the kind of holiday she dreams of, the "good old days" versus today's world.

"I never dream of beach holidays... I like holidays in cities with theatres and opera houses and old buildings. I like sitting on boulevards and watching the world go by... The cafes are no longer smart and not even cheap to make up for it. The shops are chain shops. But otherwise I do not long for the so-called good old days... So many bad things have been eased out. And so many bad things are now with us. I have friends who find the present world situation frightening. All one can do, I suppose, is to make life as pleasant as possible for as many in ones immediate environment and hope some of the ripples spread out across the murky pond." ~ Marion Chesney

I left this comment:

"This piece stuck a chord with me. I don't dream of beaches, other than to walk one in the cool morning, when not many are around. I love people, but love solitude perhaps even more. I have fond memories of earlier days, but no desire to go back. My dreams now are much the same as they've always been. Wishes for a peaceful world, a stable income, good health, a place to call home, surrounded by people I love... those are the things I wish for everyone."

Looking back and treasuring happy memories is good therapy for the soul, as long as we don't forget to live in the present. That said, this day is especially poignant for me. It's the 16th anniversary of my brother's passing. There's sorrow in this memory, and I relive it every year on this date.

We can't go back, and most of the time we wouldn't want to. The moments I love to remember, and might wish to revisit, are the happy times. Days of laughter, singing together, Christmases, birthdays, trips to Lucky Peak or Robie Creek for picnics and swimming, perusing second hand and antique stores, sitting in the back yard with a Coke and the radio playing some tunes, the smiles, the hugs.

The lesson is to treasure the moments as they come. The magic of my everyday life. The simple joys and pleasures. There is no guarantee of anything other than this very moment. When I look back at my life, the sad and the beautiful moments, it's the beauty which stands out the strongest. I write about the pain, because it helps to dilute it. In reflecting on my memories, it's the beauty which overrides the pain, and there has been so much beauty! So much joy! So many things to smile about and to be thankful for!

Wishing you days filled with Joy!

© 08Aug2016 ajj

Brothers... Charity Yard Sale... Helping Hands

My mind has been on "brothers" this week.  My brother, Tom, has been gone 10 years today.  I still miss his laughter, hugs, and our conversations.  His birthday was July 31st, so it's been a time of reflections and remembering.  You can see pictures of him on a birthday post I did a couple years ago... Click HERE.

I've been busy the past couple weeks preparing for a Charity Yard Sale.  It was this Friday and Saturday, and went really well.  The "brother" connection was... the sale was to raise money for a family who recently found out their 2 year old son has Leukemia.  It will be a minimum of three years of treatment.  About forty-three years ago, I lost my 3 year old brother, Donnie, to Leukemia.  I remember the agony in my Dad's eyes and in Mary's (his mother's) face.  I remember thinking how sad it was that Ronnie did not have his baby brother anymore.  I had hoped to scan pictures of Ron and Donnie, but unfortunately my scanner is still unresponsive.  I may need a Printer/Scanner Surgeon... or a shopping trip...

I was so happy to help raise money for this family.  No parent should have to lose their baby.  And, his brother needs him in his life.  Remember them in your prayers. 

God is so good, He will meet their needs if we just ask... and sometimes His answer is to put our hands to the task.  That is what He required of me this week... to give a helping hand.

Blessings to each of you today!

Nothing Much To Say

I've been in a quiet state of mind the past few days.  Some changes happening... not all good... not all bad.  My heart is sad this morning for a dear friend, Robin.  She lost her brother to cancer yesterday.  I know how hard it is to lose a brother.  I still miss mine after 10 years...  What I do know is her faith will sustain her... when the tears just keep coming, God's loving arms will hold her close... when it feels lonely and unbearable, her friends and family will provide love and comfort.


Also, my writing muse seems to have left me.  I haven't worked on a story or poem for weeks.  I think I'll throw myself into some other projects that I've been neglecting... so if you notice I'm rather sporadic in posting, just imagine me knee-deep in other jobs around my home...

God bless your day.
Nita Jo