In each family a story is playing itself out, and each family's story embodies its hope and despair.
-Auguste Napier
Monday, April 30, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Books Books Books
My daughter is putting on a book drive for a small school in Florida. This school is in the second poorest county in Florida and they are in need. 90% of the students in this school qualify for the free lunch program.
The goal is to collect 400 new or gently used books, one for each student. The grades are K-5th, books for young readers is what we are collecting.
If you would like to help leave me a post and I will contact you and give you more information. I think this will be an easy goal to reach with your help.
The goal is to collect 400 new or gently used books, one for each student. The grades are K-5th, books for young readers is what we are collecting.
If you would like to help leave me a post and I will contact you and give you more information. I think this will be an easy goal to reach with your help.
Friday
“Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how
anybody or anything outside ourselves will affect us.”
~Stephen Covey
Thursday, April 26, 2007
http://www.icueyewear.com/
If you are like me (over 40 and goingblind) and LOVE to buy cute and sassy readers...try this site.. They have the cutest glasses ever...
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Wait...I do have something important for all of you....
If you are like me and are always wondering "what would I do if...."
this is one answer that should ease your mind...
How to Get out of a Car That's Hanging over a Cliff
In almost all serious auto accidents, your best chance of survival is if you manage to stay inside the protective cage of the car. But if your car goes over a cliff, you don't want to be in it. If you're "lucky" enough to have your vehicle stop at (rather than hurtle over) the edge of the cliff, with one set of tires dangling precariously over nothing but thin air, will you know how to escape before the car plummets to the bottom?
Steps
Stay calm. It's quite a shock to find yourself teetering on the edge of a cliff, but the more calm and methodical you are, the better your chance of escape. Unless the car is rolling or shifting--in which case you just need to get out as quickly as possible--take a moment to determine your best route of escape.
Keep your foot on the brake. If you came to a rest with your foot on the brake pedal, leave it there until you can set the parking brake. It may be the only thing that's preventing you from rolling off the cliff.
Set the parking brake. Pull the brake handle very slowly and smoothly, and stop if you detect any movement. If your foot is on the brake pedal, slowly remove it.
Open the windows. If you have to move within the car to get to a safe exit door, prepare for the possibility that you may need to exit through the window. If you have electric windows, roll the window of the target door down before you leave the drivers seat (only do this if you can do so without starting the vehicle). If you won't be able to roll the window down, pick up a small tool that you can use to smash it, such as a wrench or screwdriver, and bring it with you when you move to the door. You only want to try a window if the door won't open or if opening the door will cause the vehicle to shift.
Turn off the vehicle. If your car is still running, turn it off.
Take off your seat belt. When you unbuckle it, make sure that it's positioned so that you won't get tangled up in it when you try to move. Instruct your passengers to do the same.
Unlock the doors In the confusion of the situation, it's easy to forget that the doors are locked. If this happens, you or your passengers may panic when you try to open the door and it doesn't open. A person who panics may try to force the door open, and their movements may cause the vehicle to shift. It's especially important to remember to unlock the doors if you have passengers in the back seat, such as small children, who may not be able to unlock their doors.
Move in planned unison. If there are multiple people in the car, make a plan before anybody moves. Typically, those who are seated closest to the cliff's edge should get out first if possible. This will maintain a favorable balance of weight in the vehicle. They should climb over the other passenger(s) if necessary, but this should be done as smoothly as possible. If people can get out simultaneously--if the only occupants are in the front of the vehicle, for example, and they can both exit the doors nearest them--they should exit at the same time.
Watch, listen, and feel for movement. If you feel, hear, or see a slight movement, immediately stop what you're doing. Your instinct will probably be to push off from the car and leap out as quickly as possible, but this is not wise if there are other passengers who have not yet exited the vehicle. Instead, stop for a moment to see if the movement stops. If you detect a more pronounced movement or movement that doesn't immediately stop, it's time to scramble out as quickly as possible and hope for the best.
Tips
Leave everything behind. It should be obvious, but don't try to take anything with you (except, perhaps, your cell phone if it's in reach). Trying to carry things out of the car will make it more difficult for you to exit, and even picking things up or rearranging them may cause the vehicle to become suddenly and fatally unstable.
Infants and small children should be passed through the window or door from a person inside the vehicle to one outside. If no one is outside yet, and you cannot safely carry an infant with you out of the vehicle, reach out the door to put the child on the ground or, if you cannot open the door, toss the child out of the window, aiming for a good landing space such as a bush or patch of grass.
If the rear of the vehicle is on the safest ground it might be worth opening the boot/trunk (there is often a control at the driver's seat) and everybody moving back until they are seated on the back of the car with legs hanging outside before everybody steps off together. Depending on the car's design, you might need to fold down rear seats to do this.
Warnings
Unless you are someplace really isolated, consider just staying put and waiting for rescuers! Any movement, no matter how careful, can disturb the vehicle's delicate balance... and if you are the driver, you are probably sitting on or forward of the balance point, making even the slightest movement VERY dangerous. If you are safe for the time being, don't put yourself or others at risk by trying to get out. Trained rescuers will have equipment, numbers, and experience which could prove vital in saving you and maybe even your car.
Do not attempt to start the car when you are balanced on the edge of a cliff. A lot of movement occurs when a car starts or while the motor is running. Unless you're absolutely sure you can move the vehicle out of danger, don't risk it.
Once outside, keep your distance from the car, and do not try to reenter it. If you're lucky enough to get out of the car, don't risk going back in to get something. Don't even lean in. Just stay away.
this is one answer that should ease your mind...
How to Get out of a Car That's Hanging over a Cliff
In almost all serious auto accidents, your best chance of survival is if you manage to stay inside the protective cage of the car. But if your car goes over a cliff, you don't want to be in it. If you're "lucky" enough to have your vehicle stop at (rather than hurtle over) the edge of the cliff, with one set of tires dangling precariously over nothing but thin air, will you know how to escape before the car plummets to the bottom?
Steps
Stay calm. It's quite a shock to find yourself teetering on the edge of a cliff, but the more calm and methodical you are, the better your chance of escape. Unless the car is rolling or shifting--in which case you just need to get out as quickly as possible--take a moment to determine your best route of escape.
Keep your foot on the brake. If you came to a rest with your foot on the brake pedal, leave it there until you can set the parking brake. It may be the only thing that's preventing you from rolling off the cliff.
Set the parking brake. Pull the brake handle very slowly and smoothly, and stop if you detect any movement. If your foot is on the brake pedal, slowly remove it.
Open the windows. If you have to move within the car to get to a safe exit door, prepare for the possibility that you may need to exit through the window. If you have electric windows, roll the window of the target door down before you leave the drivers seat (only do this if you can do so without starting the vehicle). If you won't be able to roll the window down, pick up a small tool that you can use to smash it, such as a wrench or screwdriver, and bring it with you when you move to the door. You only want to try a window if the door won't open or if opening the door will cause the vehicle to shift.
Turn off the vehicle. If your car is still running, turn it off.
Take off your seat belt. When you unbuckle it, make sure that it's positioned so that you won't get tangled up in it when you try to move. Instruct your passengers to do the same.
Unlock the doors In the confusion of the situation, it's easy to forget that the doors are locked. If this happens, you or your passengers may panic when you try to open the door and it doesn't open. A person who panics may try to force the door open, and their movements may cause the vehicle to shift. It's especially important to remember to unlock the doors if you have passengers in the back seat, such as small children, who may not be able to unlock their doors.
Move in planned unison. If there are multiple people in the car, make a plan before anybody moves. Typically, those who are seated closest to the cliff's edge should get out first if possible. This will maintain a favorable balance of weight in the vehicle. They should climb over the other passenger(s) if necessary, but this should be done as smoothly as possible. If people can get out simultaneously--if the only occupants are in the front of the vehicle, for example, and they can both exit the doors nearest them--they should exit at the same time.
Watch, listen, and feel for movement. If you feel, hear, or see a slight movement, immediately stop what you're doing. Your instinct will probably be to push off from the car and leap out as quickly as possible, but this is not wise if there are other passengers who have not yet exited the vehicle. Instead, stop for a moment to see if the movement stops. If you detect a more pronounced movement or movement that doesn't immediately stop, it's time to scramble out as quickly as possible and hope for the best.
Tips
Leave everything behind. It should be obvious, but don't try to take anything with you (except, perhaps, your cell phone if it's in reach). Trying to carry things out of the car will make it more difficult for you to exit, and even picking things up or rearranging them may cause the vehicle to become suddenly and fatally unstable.
Infants and small children should be passed through the window or door from a person inside the vehicle to one outside. If no one is outside yet, and you cannot safely carry an infant with you out of the vehicle, reach out the door to put the child on the ground or, if you cannot open the door, toss the child out of the window, aiming for a good landing space such as a bush or patch of grass.
If the rear of the vehicle is on the safest ground it might be worth opening the boot/trunk (there is often a control at the driver's seat) and everybody moving back until they are seated on the back of the car with legs hanging outside before everybody steps off together. Depending on the car's design, you might need to fold down rear seats to do this.
Warnings
Unless you are someplace really isolated, consider just staying put and waiting for rescuers! Any movement, no matter how careful, can disturb the vehicle's delicate balance... and if you are the driver, you are probably sitting on or forward of the balance point, making even the slightest movement VERY dangerous. If you are safe for the time being, don't put yourself or others at risk by trying to get out. Trained rescuers will have equipment, numbers, and experience which could prove vital in saving you and maybe even your car.
Do not attempt to start the car when you are balanced on the edge of a cliff. A lot of movement occurs when a car starts or while the motor is running. Unless you're absolutely sure you can move the vehicle out of danger, don't risk it.
Once outside, keep your distance from the car, and do not try to reenter it. If you're lucky enough to get out of the car, don't risk going back in to get something. Don't even lean in. Just stay away.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Integrity
“Be such a man, and live such a life, that if every man were such as you, and every life a life like yours, this earth would be God’s Paradise.”~Phillips Brooks
Today's Affirmation
I am aligned with right thought, right intention and right action.
Today's Meditation
Dear God,I don’t have to do anything great in order to add to the greatness of the world.I simply align myself with Your Will the best that I can each day.I do this in meditation, in prayer, in service to others, and in loving myself.I take no thought of anything outside of my highest ideals, and I keep moving ahead.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007 – Turning Downs into Ups
“When you are in a low, there is a proven method of moving your consciousness up to a new high. Spend time in the silence of your heart, and let the winds of your inner spirit lift you!”~Greg Barrette
Today's Affirmation
I let the silence within lift my mind, body and spirit!
Today's Meditation
Dear God, Sometimes people, situations, or my own thoughts pull me away from a centered place. When this happens, I let go of everything that is happening and especially my thoughts about it, and get quiet. I spend time in the silence of my heart, and I let the winds of my inner spirit lift me into a calmer, more receptive space. From that higher awareness, I receive any understandings I need to move me forward. Thank You, God, for helping me turn my downs into ups!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Today
"Know, O my child, that each thing in the universe is a vessel, full to the brim with wisdom and beauty. Know, my child, that each thing is a drop from the burning river of His infinite beauty." ~Rumi
Thursday, April 19, 2007
So, I woke up at 3:40 am this morning with a Panic Attack. It was about a 6 on the scale but then of course as I laid there trying to relax it reached about an 8. I had to get up and take an ativan, then get up again and take an aspirin (in case it really was a heart attack). By this time it is 4:30 am and I know I have to get up in a couple of hours, which makes me freak out more. I try to remember my Yoga chants to help me to relax and take my mind of the fact that I can not breathe and my heart is beating irregularly
But, of course I am so focused on my impending heart attack that I all that keeps going through my mind is ‘OM CHAKA LAKA’,
Which then makes me laugh, and then I can’t stop repeating it, even though I want to because this is a serious matter.
Finally, the ativan kicks in and I get to sleep a little and now I am at work looking like a crazy person. I already started sympathy crying because the receptionist here was missing her daughter. So, together with my PMS and not sleeping most of the night, it should be a real fun day!!
But, of course I am so focused on my impending heart attack that I all that keeps going through my mind is ‘OM CHAKA LAKA’,
Which then makes me laugh, and then I can’t stop repeating it, even though I want to because this is a serious matter.
Finally, the ativan kicks in and I get to sleep a little and now I am at work looking like a crazy person. I already started sympathy crying because the receptionist here was missing her daughter. So, together with my PMS and not sleeping most of the night, it should be a real fun day!!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
Authentic Self
"It is better to be disliked for who you are than to be liked for who you are not. How much easier to be authentic than to pretend to be someone you are not. What a relief just to be. How clear and simple. How honest. How real. The only thing you really have to share with anyone, anyway, is your own state of being." ~Judith Ann Parsons
Today's Affirmation
I am free to fully be me.
Today's Meditation
Dear God, As we connect more and more deeply with You we learn that who we are is magnificent by divine design. We let go of the old pictures we cling to of ourselves or the people we know. We let go of our impressions and notions about people who seem to be unlike us. You are the sweetness that we have kept hidden in our hearts. Today, we invite our most authentic selves to rise up in consciousness and expression. We dare to live the love we talk about. So it is.
Friday, April 13, 2007
rambling
Isn’t funny when someone hurts your feelings or insults you and then when you question them they say, “You are too sensitive”.
Well, is it that you are too sensitive or they are too insensitive?? I have been accused of being too sensitive on many occasions. But last night I started thinking about the way people talk to each other. It’s like if they don’t understand what you are saying or they don’t agree with it, they instantly start talking to you as if you are the dumbest person on earth.
Then when you say, “Hey, why are you talking to me that way”? They either say, “You are way too sensitive” or “I was just kidding”.
When my daughter gets to talking to me like that I instantly say, “Can you hear yourself”? “You need to start that sentence over”.
I tried doing that last night to some adults, but of course, it was me that was wrong!!
Anyway, I just think that when someone says “ You are too sensitive, it is just there way of placing the blame on you, so they don’t have to take any responsibility.
I have really been watching my words and my thoughts and I have always been very aware of other people’s feelings, so I guess you could call me sensitive, but it is better than not….
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Today is Yellow
Thursday, April 12, 2007 – Fresh Look
"To think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted." ~George Kneller
Today's Affirmation
I look at the world from a new and fresh perspective.
Today's Meditation
Dear God, Help us all see the world around us threw a new lens. One that is made of love and illumined by Your light. Break through our cold and blind places. Shake us and wake us from our slumber. Help us see what is real.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Good Thoughts
Renaissance Unity
Wednesday, April 11, 2007 – Minding Our Minds
"Each of us sends out positive or negative vibrations, often without being
conscious that we are doing so. What if we made an effort to be consciously
positive, to resonate messages of the highest good for others and ourselves?
What if we made a deliberate attempt to keep our thoughts aligned with God's
spiritual optimism, to refuse to be stuck in self-centered fear? Our
thoughts speak louder than our words. In order to change what we create, we
must change our thinking. We must mind our mind."
~Albert Clayton Gaulden
Today's Affirmation
I am mindful of my mind and choose my thoughts carefully and deliberately.
Today's Meditation
Dear God,
We have learned that what we dwell upon, what we give energy to, comes into
expression.
It is our intention to think loving, positive, uplifting thoughts;
to dwell on peace, joy, serenity and love.
We choose to bless the world by aligning our minds with Your mind.
Guided by Your spirit, we pay attention to where our minds are wandering.
We gently refocus what we spend time thinking about.
Help us to learn how to use the minds you have given us effectively.
As we open our minds to You in meditation and prayer,
divine ideas flow into us easily.
Inspired by Love, we intentionally co-create with You.
May Your thoughts be our thoughts that we might experience
life as You intend it to be.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007 – Minding Our Minds
"Each of us sends out positive or negative vibrations, often without being
conscious that we are doing so. What if we made an effort to be consciously
positive, to resonate messages of the highest good for others and ourselves?
What if we made a deliberate attempt to keep our thoughts aligned with God's
spiritual optimism, to refuse to be stuck in self-centered fear? Our
thoughts speak louder than our words. In order to change what we create, we
must change our thinking. We must mind our mind."
~Albert Clayton Gaulden
Today's Affirmation
I am mindful of my mind and choose my thoughts carefully and deliberately.
Today's Meditation
Dear God,
We have learned that what we dwell upon, what we give energy to, comes into
expression.
It is our intention to think loving, positive, uplifting thoughts;
to dwell on peace, joy, serenity and love.
We choose to bless the world by aligning our minds with Your mind.
Guided by Your spirit, we pay attention to where our minds are wandering.
We gently refocus what we spend time thinking about.
Help us to learn how to use the minds you have given us effectively.
As we open our minds to You in meditation and prayer,
divine ideas flow into us easily.
Inspired by Love, we intentionally co-create with You.
May Your thoughts be our thoughts that we might experience
life as You intend it to be.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Wine
So you may not know that I love red wine and I am very big on picking out wine by the label. The cooler the label the better. (not always the better wine though).
So, here is a bottle I found while on spring break!!
You know, living in Northern Idaho you have to find good wine where you can!!
Monday, April 09, 2007
Buddhism: Your Daily Meditation
A family is a place where minds come in contact with one another. If these minds love one another the home will be as beautiful as a flower garden. But if these minds get out of harmony with one another it is like a storm that plays havoc with the garden. - Buddha
LIfe
So, this Saturday is my birthday. I have been complaining a little about getting older and how I wish I wasn’t getting wrinkles and all the other stuff that goes with getting older.
But then this weekend we went up to the ski resort to spend the night and ran into a friend whose cancer has come back pretty aggressively. In fact he has already had a couple of surgeries and will have another one in a couple of weeks to remove his larynx. This last surgery will be pretty invasive. He is still working full time at his business and trying to stay positive. He is really an amazing person, always so kind to everyone.
After he left I felt like such a freakin’ loser, whining about having a birthday and getiing older, I guess I should be saying how grateful I am to have another birthday. And sending all the good thoughts I have to him.
I need to remember to start writing down all that I am grateful for here again. I try to say to myself every day, but writing it down would be good.
1. My Birthday
2. Rain
3. Love
4. Friends
5. Hope
But then this weekend we went up to the ski resort to spend the night and ran into a friend whose cancer has come back pretty aggressively. In fact he has already had a couple of surgeries and will have another one in a couple of weeks to remove his larynx. This last surgery will be pretty invasive. He is still working full time at his business and trying to stay positive. He is really an amazing person, always so kind to everyone.
After he left I felt like such a freakin’ loser, whining about having a birthday and getiing older, I guess I should be saying how grateful I am to have another birthday. And sending all the good thoughts I have to him.
I need to remember to start writing down all that I am grateful for here again. I try to say to myself every day, but writing it down would be good.
1. My Birthday
2. Rain
3. Love
4. Friends
5. Hope
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Buddhism: Your Daily Meditation
Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. - Buddha
Isn't that the best truth of all!!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Tagged by Zazazu
I just noticed that I had been tagged to tell you 10 random things about myself....
1. I live in North Idaho but I really really do not like winter, and we have winter for a long time....
2. I love lip stuff. I have lots and lots and lotsof lipstick, lip gloss and chap stick that I really never use. I just keep buying it.
3. I love to read
4. I DO NOT feel almost 45
5. I love the water
6. I want to be a kinder, calmer person...I am usually a worry wart and stress out a lot.
7. I really really want this bike
It is the "Rosie cruiser". I don't think this takes you right to the one I want. You have got to see it....
8. I love love to work in my garden, in the sun, listening to music
9. I am a messy person ( that is hard to admit to strangers) but I am really nice and my mom always told me that was more important.
10. I love to sleep.
So, there you go
1. I live in North Idaho but I really really do not like winter, and we have winter for a long time....
2. I love lip stuff. I have lots and lots and lotsof lipstick, lip gloss and chap stick that I really never use. I just keep buying it.
3. I love to read
4. I DO NOT feel almost 45
5. I love the water
6. I want to be a kinder, calmer person...I am usually a worry wart and stress out a lot.
7. I really really want this bike
It is the "Rosie cruiser". I don't think this takes you right to the one I want. You have got to see it....
8. I love love to work in my garden, in the sun, listening to music
9. I am a messy person ( that is hard to admit to strangers) but I am really nice and my mom always told me that was more important.
10. I love to sleep.
So, there you go
Meditation for the day
Renaissance Unity
Monday, April 2, 2007 – Storms
"When a storm comes, it stays for some time, and then it goes. An emotion is
like that too-it comes and stays for a while, and then it goes. An emotion
is only an emotion. We are much, much more than an emotion."
~Thich Nhat Hanh
Quote is taken from page 37 of: Be Free Where You Are
Today's Affirmation
I am more than I thought I was.
Today's Meditation
Dear God,
I know that storms are temporary conditions and will pass away.
Even when a storm is fierce, my anchor in You keeps me steadfast.
Many things have changed and more changes come,
still I stand in the truth of love and know that I shall not be moved.
Because You are always with me;
I am stronger than any storm.
I can withstand any condition or situation,
I am filled with Your perfect peace,
I am a dynamic and evolving expression of that which You are,
I am happy, joyful, calm, peaceful and serene.
So it is!
Monday, April 2, 2007 – Storms
"When a storm comes, it stays for some time, and then it goes. An emotion is
like that too-it comes and stays for a while, and then it goes. An emotion
is only an emotion. We are much, much more than an emotion."
~Thich Nhat Hanh
Quote is taken from page 37 of: Be Free Where You Are
Today's Affirmation
I am more than I thought I was.
Today's Meditation
Dear God,
I know that storms are temporary conditions and will pass away.
Even when a storm is fierce, my anchor in You keeps me steadfast.
Many things have changed and more changes come,
still I stand in the truth of love and know that I shall not be moved.
Because You are always with me;
I am stronger than any storm.
I can withstand any condition or situation,
I am filled with Your perfect peace,
I am a dynamic and evolving expression of that which You are,
I am happy, joyful, calm, peaceful and serene.
So it is!
Montana
Here we are kayaking in Montana
NOT REALLY!! ARe you kiddng me, I would totally freak out being upside down trapped in a boat. I like my sit on top Kayak, so if you tip over you just fall out.
NOT REALLY!! ARe you kiddng me, I would totally freak out being upside down trapped in a boat. I like my sit on top Kayak, so if you tip over you just fall out.
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