A Grateful World Is a Happy World

David Steindl-Rast It is not happiness that makes us grateful, it is gratefulness that makes us happyCreative Commons License BK via Compfight

As Thanksgiving approaches, I have to admit I’m struggling with gratitude. My emotions are mixed and my heart is conflicted with unrest from the recent Paris and Mali shootings and the rants of hate.

It’s hard to put everything into perspective and settle down to celebrate with a quiet dinner and give thanks with so much going on in the world. I will, not because of tradition, but because it’s what is so desperately needed and there is so much for which I’ve been blessed.  Continue reading

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Acknowledgements: BK Photo via Comcast at https://www.f more...

11th Month – 11th Day – 11th Hour: Lest We Forget!

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Greenlight A Vet shines a light on the impact transitioning veterans make in and out of uniform in communities across the country. (Photo: Photo courtesy of Walmart Corp.)

It’s the time to pause, pay tribute and remember those who have fought for our freedom today on Veteran’s Day. It falls on the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month of every year and many are still giving the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe.

It’s not just this day but every day we’re reminded of the dangers and horrors of war. Many of our families have an empty chair at the dinner table. Some of us will fly flags, mount poppies, put flowers on graves, tie a yellow ribbon around a tree or (new this year), shine a greenlight for a vet to acknowledge their sacrifice and say a heartfelt thank-you. Continue reading

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Acknowledgements: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/ more...

Ghosts

Ghost

Ghost ~ Old MSN Clipart Image © 2008

In 2008, I wrote a story on my old blogger site about some true, personal ghostly adventures I had, when I was a child. I thought it would be fun to revisit it again and share it with you, especially with Halloween just around the corner. So, here goes . . . hope you enjoy:

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Making My Way Back

Poppies

Poppy Photo by Leon Roulette Posted at Discover Art

Hello everyone ― it’s been awhile! I can’t believe how fast this year has flown by and ­­now it’s fall with winter just around the corner. I’ve written and rewritten this post so many times thinking, “where do I start ― a lot has transpired?”­ Be prepared, though, it’s a long one, as I open my heart and get personal. You may want to get a cup of coffee and pull up a chair. Continue reading

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Acknowledgements: Leon Roulette at Discover Art https:/ more...

Been Off The Grid — In Between Worlds

door ajar

Door Photo – © 2012 by Jim Ruppel

I’ve been off the grid with cataract surgery. I feel I’m in between worlds now with surgery done on one eye and the other scheduled for next week.

It’s like I’m walking in one door seeing the world the way I’ve always seen it and now feeling a transformation where I’m beginning to see what I’ve missed for so many years.

I don’t know what it will all be like when I come out the other side. Only, if what I’ve experienced so far is any clue, I’m in heaven.

I’m waking up to many things connected to my eyes — ha, even discovering that I didn’t know I was lost. Continue reading