Is there a possibility that we could title the month of May as the "Coming Together" month? Having my own personal reasoning for this title, is quite apparent. Frankly, the main thrust, as I see it, in May, encompasses many , many things, not just one particular subject.

End of School...........at least for the majority of the students, however, I understand that schools in other states are planning to extend school until June in 2008. Reason? Have no clue, but for now, end of school is a major factor for parents and students alike during the month of May. Final tests, moving arrangements, moving back home, looking for summer employment, or for a permanent job for some. End of school used to mean, at least to me, that 'wow, summer is here, think of all the fun we can have'. No time schedules for mornings, sure there were chores around home but for the most part, and until high school, summer and end of school meant 'play time'. I particularly liked the last day of school activities. It usually meant a school picnic and lots of good, good homemade food. One thing I remember, in particular, was Mrs. Karst's homemade cream puffs. To die for! She brought pans and pans of them, and everyone fought for the last one in the pan! And homemade ice cream. All flavors, topped with chocolate syrup! After the meal, then it was baseball game time! Kids, grabbing a few parents on their teams for support, playing against the other parents. What fun! Now that I am to the age where I appreciate the effort that goes into participating in these events, I would imagine there were a lot of sore, aching bones in the community the day after! But, for that day, it was fun time!

Mother's Day............always a special event, from day one. Buying a bottle of perfume, or maybe a new pair of earrings, or during WWII, scouting until we found mom a new pair of nylon hosiery was extra special. Then dinner, after church, with the rest of the siblings coming home to make the day a memorable one for mom. Bear in mind, no dishwashing for her that day, she was priviledged to sit at the dining room table and watch everyone else cook and do the dishes! Later, when I was blessed to be a mother, it usually meant breakfast in bed, then after church, possibly dinner out or a nice relaxing day with the in-laws. Those homemade Mother's Day cards, scrawled in all colors of the rainbow, usually on colored construction paper, made many a heart of a mother do a little quick pitter patter of appreciation. "I Love You, Mom". Can't be beat to this day! EXCEPT, coming in a close second is when one reaches the stage of life when it is really a GRAND thing to be a mother of a mother....that is why the world calls us "Grandmothers". YEH!

Graduation and Commencement Exercises.............Why here it was where the families really came together. Far and wide, they traveled to celebrate with the younger generation, give them support for a new step in the life ahead for them. Thrilled to see one of their favorites honored with 'Suma Cum Laude", or win a scholarship to travel abroad for further study. I was priviledged to share in this position with both of our children. Hopefully as we gather for these events, we are able to share that life is God's gift to each of us and the way we live each of our lives, is our gift back to God. And here, I need to share with you what a wonderful surprise, when, on a Saturday morning, several weeks ago, I received a call from a cousin's daughter, here from the east coast, traveling with her daughter and family, including a precious brown-eyed 6-month old, who had came all this distance to attend the high school graduation of a nephew and visit with a sister, who asked if they could drop by for awhile. Joy of joys! We had a memorable time. Two and three generations represented by both sisters. I felt honored to be remembered and will cherish, always, the time we were able to be together! Special photos will keep the memory of that special visit close to my heart for a long, long time!

Memorial Day...............This particular day seems to hold a special place in the hearts
of many. Not only does it mean honoring the war heroes of today and times past, it means a coming together of remembrance for those who are no longer in our midst. A time to share. To think back on the 'good ole days'. To maybe gather for a family picnic, attend Memorial Services at the various cemetaries or the VFW or American Legion homes. Of late, it appears to be a favorite time for the celebration of class reunions as well. What a coming together. From everywhere. Every walk of life. Every age. All remembered!

The month of May appears to open the door to the unexpected in your life. It could open the door to a new friendship. It could open the door to a chance to be a shining light in someone else's dark world. Opportunity is there, we just have to take it!

Simple challenge this week:

'Make peace with your past so it won't screw up your future!'

I know, and you know, that Memorial Day is a national holiday to celebrate the fallen soldiers who have given their lives for their country. They gave their lives freely. For us. For our safety. For peace. In love. In honor. We do honor them. But, also, in honoring them, we are given the blessed honor of giving honor, also, to those who have gone 'home' before us! Spouses, children, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and on down the line.

I am wondering how many people only visit a cemetary once a year. Just on Memorial Day. How sad. You know, I have a friend, and she will know who I am talking about, who would rather spend a day in the cemetary, just walking from one grave to the next, especially in this particular area, and reading the names on the head stones and reminiscing, then eating, I do believe that for a fact.

Now, you must remember, that the early German settlers that formed this part of the country, were dedicated to the United States. They respected and revered the freedom that they were able to know by coming to this new world. These immigrants, for the most part, cherished their new homes. They sent their children to school to let them learn the English language, they learned to speak the language then, from their children. They homesteaded land, they built herds of cattle and planted fields of wheat to provide income to support their families. As a matter of fact, our pastor touched on that very subject in his sermon this evening. How the tongues of fire, Penetcost, burn from generation to generation. How, when the immigrants came to this area, and formed our congregation, they had no idea what legacy they were leaving to their heirs. Really, really amazing when one takes time to think back on those events!

Getting back to my friend, we used to give her a really bad time about the facination that she had with cemetaries, until, must admit we tried going with her one time. It happened several years ago. We had lost a mutual, very special friend not too long before that day. A relative, a cousin, a dear friend, her life had held different meanings to each of we four friends. Our mutual friend had enjoyed spontaneity during her lifetime. She like to laugh, to dance, to enjoy her family, her friends, and we wanted to remember her in that fashion, so we sort of honored her that day. We decided that that particular Memorial Day was not going to be humdrum! It was not going to be sad or morbid! We were going to do something different! So, something different we did! We started out with our home church cemetary as there were graves of former spouses, sons, daughters, parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and the 'greats' to visit and decorate with flowers. From there, we headed north on the ever familiar Canyon Road. Many of you will recognize these towns that I name....... Fairport, Natoma, Paradise, Osborne (where our special friend had been laid to rest), Waldo, Lucas, Luray, and from there we stopped at every little cemetary we could find as we wound through the rolling hills north of Russell. Bear in mind, we left about 9:30 in the morning and did not return home until after 6:00 that evening. What a day. As we meandered through the rows and rows of headstones, we reminisced. We laughed in memory and we cried as well. We shared, we discovered and we bonded. Yes, we are more tolerant of our special friends little whimsical pleasures these days, but have to admit,as a result of knowing this fine lady, and becoming such a good friend, I have visited more cemetaries that I would ordinarily have visited in my entire lifetime! I do know for a fact, however, if you ask her which of the four friends does not like visiting a cemetary after dark, she will have the answer!

Possibly as you find yourself meandering through the cemetary this Memorial Day, you, too, can stop and think about the person or persons grave you are viewing. How they were, possibly a part of your life at one time or another. A mutual encouragement, a willingness to meet the other, a steadfast commitment to a purpose over personal tastes or preferences, an openness of honesty and faith and trust you shared whether it was in a personal relationship or a business partnership or a wider community organization which you learned from having known them. Wasn't that, after all, the mutual dynamics that fueled the healthy relationship that you remember? That you appreciated? That you shared? That you enjoyed and valued? And, isn't it very special that you have this opportunity to do this at least once a year?

Everyone has aspirations. In everyones life, in real life, there are BREAKdowns, and LETdowns and PUTdowns, no one is perfect. But as we remember those who have gone on before us, we can remember patience, and gentleness, forgiveness, honesty,...... and take from those experiences, honoring the priviledge that we each have a new day, a new morning, to come together in a new life and a fresh beginning in whatever endeavor we face.

Challenge of the Week:

"Put LOVE on your list and always remember that KIND words and KIND deeds are eternal. You never know where their influence will end".

Joining nearly 40 other adults, the students quietly took their places on the floor and side tables where they were then each given a bright shiney nickel by Mrs. Dean Banker. Next came a tasty brownie, followed by a rowsing, enjoyable talk by local retired merchant, Dean Banker. Dean entertained the group by sharing his experiences of his 91 days as a German prisoner of war, during WWII.

The first question Dean asked the group regarding the significance of the coin which they had received, was "What is printed on every coin that is minted in the United States?" Most answered, "In God We Trust", but the correct answer was "LIBERTY".

With "Liberty" emphasized, Dean led into his talk entitled "Barbed Wire, Rutabagas and Lice".

With Mrs. Banker pointing out points of interest on the map of Germany, Dean helped the students share in his experiences during a time in his life when he was denied "Liberty". Sharing the experiences of extreme cold winter conditions, lack of heat and where their main diet consisted of coarse bread, often with fillers, and rutabago soup, he told how his weight dropped from 130 pounds to 86 pounds. One of the students came forth, sharing his current weight of 86 pounds to show as an example of what happened to Dean as a result of his ordeal.

Name, rank and serial number was the answer that most prisoners gave to their captors. In spite of low morale, but knowing Dean as a natural motivator, we could hear behind all his words the enactment of the African Proverb, "However long the night, the dawn will break".

At the end of the hour long program, the students learned that a hug is a great Gift. It can be given for any occasion, one size fits all and it is easy to exchange. A resounding "Thank You" sent the students back to their classes, however, not before over a half dozen young men of those Bickerdyke classes, approached Mr. Banker, and standing at attention, raised their right arms in unison, and gave a salute to honor a soldier from Russell, Kansas who is counted now as among the remaining twenty some thousand former prisoners of war which once numbered over one hundred thirty two thousand.

Don't let it be said that Dean Banker does not believe that along with a hug, another important thing to give a child is........ your time!

...........................KINDLY NOTE that the above article was sent to our local newspaper for publication this morning. Since many of you that read these challenges are from this area, I thought you would be interested in these facts that Dean gave.

Did not go entirely indepth, would have been too long, but he told many interesting things. For instance, how they crammed 50 men into a cold train boxcar, forced to ride for 4 days and 4 nights in these conditions bearing in mind that the capacity for each car was 40. They were thankful for the body heat of one another, but had to take turns sleeping and switching places because there absolutely no room. How he traded a $40.00 watch (which during WWII was a high dollar item) for a loaf of bread. Little tiny potatoes did supplement his daily diet and how he volunteered to be on the team that hauled the bodies of prisoners from their pill box homes, who had died during each night, to get an extra tiny potato ration each day in order to survive. Exchanging cigarettes which were rationed to them for food. He highlighted an item in the fact that they got Camels and Chesterfields and the Chesterfield cigarettes burned quicker, so when they swapped, they would swap 2 or more Camel cigarettes for each Chesterfield cigarette.

Liberation Day stood out quite vividly in his mind. He was rescued by the British Army and they were in a camp of 7,000 POW's. The Statue of Liberty is something he will always remember also!

An interesting item he told was his love of reading and how the boredom of their day in day of utter mere existance was practically unbearable so when they finally received a couple of books to read, he discovered that because of his diet, the capability of retaining knowledge of just one page, was impossible. That must have been a horrible experience!

We, here at home, tried to do our part by raising Victory Gardens, rationing of food and clothing, but we will probably never, ever be able to realize or understand just what our service men did then, and are continuing to do today, for our "LIBERTY"!

So, my challenge this week is:

"Even those with nothing else to give.....can give encouragement!"

Of course, it does not have to be just 'Mom', terms of endearment can be other descriptive phrases as well. Like 'Ma' or 'Mother' or 'Mamma'. 'In my day" as I am sure my children get tired of hearing that phrase....however, it was taught to us by our parents that it was disrespectful to call elders, who we considered our parents to be, by their first given names, so unless it was our parents, they were addressed as 'Mr.' or "Mrs.'. In my particular case, 'Mom' was my chosen way of addressing my mother. The word 'Mother' seemed too formal at the time, again time changed this.

The first "M" of 'MOM', to me stands for MEMORIES, and my mother left many for me to share. I can honestly say, there is not a single day in my life, that I do not think of my mother. You know, there are days when I wish I was a little girl again because scraped knees are easier to heal then broken hearts or disappointments. Mom was always there though. Throughout all the scraped knees, the hurts, the disappointments. She was one of those whose heads turned in that crowd of people when that precious word was uttered. She, along with my dad, taught me that we are to live each day as it comes. The memories of going to church each Sunday, and not being afraid to seek help are strong. Memories of family gatherings, special times like Mothers Day, appearing just on the threshhold. Buying her a corsage to wear to church, not only to honor the fact that she was loved as a mother, but also to let her enjoy one of the pleasures of her life, flowers. The times she gave me hope, strength, guidance. All, very very precious memories.

"O" can stand for nothing other then 'Optimism' in my mothers vocabulary. She was amazing. Raised five children, with nearly all of us born in the days prior to the convenience of electricity and plumbing facilities. She braved cancer and heart attacks. But she could always laugh and smile. She was always looking for 'that silver lining in the sky'. When I read a little quote from Eleanor Roosevelt which said, 'The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams' I sincerely felt that she had to have collaborated with my mother on that statement. She taught us never to give up on anything, on anyone. 'There is always good in everyone and everything, but sometimes you really have to look hard to find it', she used to say. I have had those infamous words of hers return to me time after time, after time.

The second 'M" in the word 'Mom' stands out as MORNING. Mom was a morning person. Chipper, 'upper-'n-attem' attitude. You know, many of us have forgotten how to greet the day. Sometimes the knowledge is all but lost to us that a new day is sacred, a gift from God, a rare and precious gift. This new day brings with it just another opportunity to start all over, to raise one's head from the pillow with a glad heart, to watch the clouds roll across these Kansas plains, diffusing pink and being able to say a prayer of gratitude, that yes, 'again, one more day of life'.

I believe I have shared with you my daughter's love of sunsets. The memories of her bouncing in the door, running to her bedroom to gather her camera to catch the last glimpse of the red and golden rays which were so easily seen from our front door is something this mother will always treasure. So, I compare her with my mother. They each have a beauty to share of life, Mom was morning and the eastern skies, and my daughter, the evening, enjoying the beauty of what the western skies have to share with us. Interestingly enough, they were both quite close in a grandma-granddaughter relationship as well.

And, upcoming Sunday, being Mothers' Day, is a special day for all of us. Sharing memories of our mothers for those of us whose mothers are no longer with us, but such a blessing to those who can spend the day with their mothers, or pick up the phone and give them a jingle, just to let them know they are not forgotten, are loved. Hey, why not serve the mothers breakfast in bed, hang that sprawling paper, covered with crayola scratchings which include the words "I Love You" on your refrigerator door, wear that corsage to church and share its beauty with other families and friends. Make it special because when we come to a stage in our life when we have to use the most cruel word in the English language , the word "Goodbye", to our mother, we will have no regrets, only precious memories that will carry us through the years ahead..

The challenge I have chosen for this week reflects my mothers attitude for life and living.

Challenge of the Week:

FEAR less....HOPE more...WHINE less...BREATHE more,
Talk LESS...Say MORE...Love MORE and all good things are YOURS!

And for all Mothers out there..........have a "Happy Mothers Day!".
Nadene

If I had to chose a time when 'ansy' was more pronounced in my lifetime then any other, it would have to be Christmas time. It was difficult to help mother with all those candy preparations and not be able to eat them until Christmas eve. And, all those presents wrapped, sitting under the tree in anticipation of opening after church services, again on Christmas eve. Anxious to see if mom, dad, sisters and brother would like what you had selected as their special Christmas gift. And, the whole family 'coming home', to share in the food, the fun! Talk about being 'ansy'!! I was beside myself.

So, along with age and experience, the word 'ansy' takes on a new dimension in our lives. Why wouldn't it after staying up wee hours into this morning, listening to incoming reports of devastation to a town south of our area, Greensburg, hit by a tornado. Reports continued to grow in dimension of magnitude as the evening hours waned. Finally, about 3:30 this morning, the tornado alerts were lifted. Needed rest was welcomed. But, guess what, it is nearly straight up noon, on a Saturday morning, and we are under a tornado alert until ten o'clock this evening again! Winds are strong, gusts up to 40 MPH, the entire cloud cover is deepening in hues of blue and grey, there is a heavy feeling in the air, and as I look out across the fields, it is like a light fog is sitting heavily just above the soil. Latest reports from the town of Greensburg is that its' over 2,000 residents are being asked to evacuate. Possibly to open the doors to the crews working to restore utilities, possibly to assist rescue workers locate those needing help as several deaths have been reported along with a number of hospitalized residents. Grave concerns. Personally, I have friends living there and our thoughts and prayers reach out to them, their relatives, their friends.

When things look bleakest, God has a way of making the most of a situation. In our own minds, we can imagine the transition of that town that occured last night, and continuing on into today. The caring, sharing.... hate replaced by love, boldness replacing shyness. They are all evident and in place, without a doubt.

So, if you were to ask me, at this very moment, just what my definition of 'ansy' is, well, it would go something like this. I am nervous! I hurried and got my taxes in the mail, they are due the 10th. I put some extra medication in my purse, just in case. I am worried! I called my sis (who has a basement), only to find out that she and her hubby had slept through all of last nights ordeal. But, she has been alerted already this morning by the news media, so we discussed plans of safety areas within their basement and she called later to say she had made preparations and I was to come over anytime and bring an overnight bag, and the best part, she even invited my favorite companion to come along. I am excited! Will I hear the tornado alerts in time to allow the travel time required to drive to her home several blocks away? OK, so nothing wastes more energy than worrying, I know, but worrywort or not, I want to be ready, can you blame us for that?

We should not let our fears hold us back from following our normal routine of life, so guess I will do what I had planned originally. A healthy attitude can be contagious, but we don't have to wait to catch it from others, so maybe I should be a carrier. Wash that load of clothes, empty the dishwasher, cook some lunch, plan what I need to prepare for a meeting at one on Monday, possibly catch a little nap after being up most of the night. We can still watch, wait, be diligent in observance but enjoy this day! Why not????

So my challenge this week, for both YOU and ME is:

Challenge of the Week:

"Remember, to worry is to draw tomorrows clouds over todays sunshine."

The dandelion is actually a common meadow herb of the Asteraceae, or the sunflower family. Ah, that is why my Kansas lawn proves such a haven for those perky little pesky things! There are only about 100 species of the plant, that's all, and its name, French, means 'teeth of the lion'.

History tells us it was brought to North America by the colonists, where indigenous people saw its value and used it for medical and nutritional benefits.

Its leaves and roots have been used to treat liver, gall bladder, kidney, joint problems (boy I could use that), used as a blood purifier, and for such ailments as eczema and cancer, treat indigestion, water retention and hepatitis. Keep talking, I need convincing.........It is a source of potassium, sodium, phosporus, iron and its leaves are supposedly richer in Vitamin A than carrots. It goes on and on. And guess what, harvest time for the roots, which provide the benefits, is betwen June and August, because it is at this time when they are most bitter. Are you agreeing with me when you read this that ....that is when they are the most pesky also.......agreed? You are to dig the roots up in wet weather and be careful not to break the roots, shaking off as much earth as possible, then clean the roots. Cut off the crowns of leaves, do not leave any scales on the top. Do not cut or slice the roots or the valuable milky juice on which their medicinal value depends will be wasted by bleeding. Fresh young dandelions leaves in the spring are best. Small young leaves best. Larger leaves can possibly be steamed to reduce bitterness. Well, ready to take the challenge and be the first this Spring to dig up a batch of dandelion roots and have a feast? Go for it.

I do not know about you, but in all the years that I have tried, most unsucessfully, to erridicate my lawn of those flowers, whenever I try to pull one up, I find it impossible. The root stays in the ground. Not especially fond of sprays and such, I can no longer bend and stoop to do the digging, so must resort to this kind of control.

Have you ever received a bouquet of these beautiful little flowers from a child?

My neighbor lady has probably not been told this story and when she reads it, she will know, without a doubt to whom reference is being made. He was sweet, so sweet about the whole thing, but what he picked were not the beautiful flowers but the little puff balls. Ringing the doorbell, I opened the door in response to its chime, and there he stood. Proud as a peacock, and said, 'Look", at the same time blowing as hard has his little ole breath would go, and needless to say, all the little 'poofs', did just that. Poof, right into the rock garden. I had to laugh. It was too cute, and too precious not to do anything but. In his heart, he was doing nothing wrong, and I was not about to be the one that broke that precious little bubble he was feeling of generosity. It is possible that dandelions are grown only to be used and enjoyed by children? I prefer taking that stance.

Maybe it is because a dandelion is similiar to a mischievious child is the reason that it will never stay put, never stay in one spot. It travels. You can attack them by spraying or ignore them and hope they will go away by themselves. You never have to fertilize or water them, yet they bloom beautifully. They grow everywhere, even in the most beautiful lawns and best of neighborhoods. They sneak between the cracks in the sidewalks, in fields, in gardens.
They know no boundaries.

I am wondering how our lives would be if we were more like dandelions. We could use our faces as reminders that deep roots are impossible to dislodge. By banding together, we could show the rest of the world that we are not fancy or pampered, we can be everywhere, when needed, not just in fancy neighborhoods or lonely fields. Sort of like kind words and deeds, you never know where their influence will end. That is the life of the dandelion.

Thinking that possibly we might make a change in our lives by jumping out of our so called 'ruts' that we spin, turn and toil to day in and day out, we might go where people least expect to find us, keeping in mind that the door to the human heart can be opened only from the inside, much like the dandelion.

Ok, so I hear the yard man out there now, he sprayed the yard several weeks ago, they are wilting, they look a little sick, but here and there, one or two are as healthy as 'a horse' as mom used to say. Don't believe they 'took' the treatment intended for them, and so today, he is mowing them. But, I bet they return. Wait for the first warm day, there are bound to be one or two pop up. Fresh as fresh can be. Daring, just daring us to try to tear them down, wear them out, destroy their life.

Easy challenge this week:

Challenge of the Week:

"Imitate the dandelion............show your sunny yellow faces in all the spots that need a little brightening up because you cannot, simply cannot, keep sunshine to yourself, it must be shared by all.

Spurred on by the constant reference to the high gas prices by both TV and the general public probably is the cause for this decision. TV more then anything, because I nearly flipped out when it was announced that they were considering cutting the state taxes off the price of gas for the consumers. WHAT???? Anytime you rob Peter, you have to pay Paul. Agreed? State cuts will mean poorer roads, schools will suffer and so will our young people. Just like the tax abatements being debated within our own community. SOMEONE has to pay. Someone will. Example.......if the tax abatement on $300,000.00 house is approximately $7,000.00 a year, that means a $500.00 a month saving estimated. Hey, folks just go to the City Building or to the County Court House each month and get a $500.00 check. What in the world is this world coming to???

Did you know that a human brain cell can hold 5 TIMES, that is right, 5X as much information as the entire Encylcopedia Britannica.........and we all know the size of that set............and yet we sit back and continue to take 'hand outs'. That's right,
'hand outs'. But delve into it just a trifle deeper. Does it benefit the people that it should assist OR does it benefit the people who are already profiting from what is actually occuring in the first place?

You know, we are all products of our era. I am a firm believer in that. If we were raised to not save and be thrifty, we will constantly be standing there with our hands open wanting someone to give us something. Why don't we all take a stand. 'GROW UP', as Mom used to say. Use your own brain. Help yourself. Don't stand around and wait for somebody to be giving you something for free all the time. Recognize the fact that a person grows most tired while standing still.

Well, as I said, tho most of the time my TV remote is put to work rather quickly when certain issues appear on screen, I did give some thought to what we, each and everyone of us could do, to help ourselves and our future generations because, after all, aren't they our responsibility???

"Coffee Shop" lingo of late was telling of how the truckers were slowing down on the I-70 highway to conserve gas useage. Interesting? So, this past week, having an opportunity to travel a longer distance then I usually do, I tried it. The trip to my destination, setting the cruise control at 68 made an amazing difference on how fast that arrow on the gas tank dropped. Instead of using over half a tank going at my usual rate of just under 75 and using a little over a half tank. WOW! And, I did notice that SOME of the trucks have actually slowed down. Which, in my opinion is a good idea anyway, especially when the Kansas winds are kicking up. Being even more conscious of conservation in the energy field as you drive along I-70 near the Lincoln and Ellsworth Exits and see all those beautiful wind mills, as I call them, dotting the hills to the north. They are facinating. Each going at a different speed. It makes you think. 'Someone cares'. Now, I must admit. Few private cars have slowed down for the most part. Especially I note that the Colorado license tags, my goodness, they fly by me.....Must be the flat plains after all those mountains, I do not know what it is.......... Of course, on my return trip of yesterday, I noted that over half a dozen drivers were being visited by our ever present Highway patrolmen also.......So, on the return trip yesterday, I slowed down to 65. Set the cruise and enjoyed a leisurely trip back home. Yes, true, it took me about 25 minutes longer, but you know something, I used just over a quarter tank of gas in the process! IT WORKS! With gas at $2.44 a gallon, did a little 'conserving' there.

So, why don't we adopt a more positive attitude to this entire process and give out awards to people who take it into their own hands to promote the welfare of all, instead of just a few.

I am a 'bumper sticker' reader/observer. I notice all the red, white and blue ribbons for our soldiers overseas and when I see them, my thoughts go to that cause. When I see the yellow ribbons or pink ribbons for breast cancer causes, I think of the people that are affected by this disease...........good time for a silent prayer also. When I see "Parent of an Honor Student", I remember those days with pride even tho those stickers were not available during my era. Also, I recall the time I had a favorite bumper sticker put on my car, SURPRISE, by a friend, unawares one evening at square dance, which read "I love to Yellow Rock". You have to be a square dancer to recognize this chargrin. It means, you like to hug, which is a favorite pasttime of that profession, with most dances ending with the caller saying, 'Yellow Rock' and you know the response to give. That is why those people have so much fun!

Instead of the Highway patrol having to stop the speeders to give them speeding tickets which you know is not a happy occurence............thank goodness I have never had that happen...........have them stop the people who are trying to conserve our energy forces, give them a sticker which says, maybe something like...........'I Care', or 'Safe Driver', or maybe 'Think Green'. Then, whenever you come upon a car, with you speeding along at 90 MPH, you think, 'Oops, I better slow down, this person knows something'. Reward rather then penalize. We need to take pride in our actions. We need to pass on a good legacy to our children, to our grandchildren, to our greatgrandchildren. It is our duty. Our obligation. We can do it. Together, yes we can for the more things you do, the more you can do!

So, let up on the gas throttle! Recycle food, learn to use leftovers! Give away instead of throwing away! Praise and reward instead of punishment! Love instead of hate! Share and share alike! Teach and be willing to learn, remembering that possibly the two lasting requests we can ever hope to give the future generation is ROOTs and the other, WINGS!

BIG Challenge this Week:

"We can do no GREAT things, only SMALL things, with GREAT love"!

Have a good 'un. Nadene

Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted. This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.

For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.

This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.

And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football , hockey or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and mean it.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.

This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the (grand) mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.

This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.

For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "Just one more time."

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.

This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.

For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.

For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting.

For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.

What makes a good Mother anyway?

Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?

Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time?

The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?

The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home?

Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a! child dying?

The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation. ..

And mature mothers learning to let go.

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.

Single mothers and married mothers.

Mothers with money, mothers without.

This is for you all. For all of us.

Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them every day that we love them. And pray.

So, the Challenge this week is appropriately:

"Home is what catches you when you fall, and we all fall."

Nadene

Earlier this morning, as I reached into my cupboard for a cup to fill with that much needed morning caffeine jag, there, greeting me, was a familiar cup which I had received from my daughter-in-law, as a gift some nearly nineteen years ago, one of my favorites..............a cute little cup. On on side, it bears Big capital letters which say..."GRANDMA to" and then a picture of a big bright yellow and black bumble bee. I have used it all these years. Several times I have given some thought of possibly returning it so it could be passed on down the family, but you know something, I am just not ready to 'turn loose' of it just yet.........and maybe being able to drink in the memories, along with the coffee this morning, was the reason for that decision!

This is a big monumental day, week, month and past months for Claire as she is graduating from high school, with plans to attend college come Fall! You know the saying, 'Nothing makes a child so smart as having grandparents', and yes, Claire, it is true about you. You are a dear, dear part of all of our lives! I firmly believe that God always gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him, and we did right in obeying Him when it came to Claire Elizabeth!

If I could describe her to you, friends, I would have to say that she treats people the way she wants to be treated. She is compassionate, loving, caring. Though I have never been able to live as close by during her growing up days as I would have liked to, I am blessed to have been able to observe the type of person she has developed into. She is sensitive to other peoples hurts. She has proved that in order to get ahead in this life, and stay ahead, you have to use your head!............(This she conquered after she learned to drive, ahem!!!)

I was raised under the firm belief that, true we could give our children many other gifts like new cars, all the clothes they want, our wealth, a good family name, or maybe even going so far as to say a reputation for integrity, but I think you will agree with me that what children, a child of any age, really wants, as well as NEEDS from a parent is a relationship with us! They want to know you, they want to know your heart. Should we fail in that area, we sometimes close the door to them being able to know and give themselves to their Maker and their family as well!

And so, yes, I just completed my annual call to Claire. Something I try to do for all close members of my family is a call sometime during their special day, and sing to them as least the first line of 'Happy Birthday'! Rather then finding her still in bed, or just laying around for the day, well, will tell you on just a little further what I discovered.......!!!

Now, 'in my day of a few years ago'... birthdays were considered to be extra, extra special days in the lives of my family. A characteristic learned from my mother! And so, I have tried to carry it over into my family as well.

....Growing up, here is what I remember. On our special day, we did not have to make our bed, we were able to select the menu for one meal of the day, and as a general rule, cake and ice cream was mixed with a little gift giving sometime during that special day. Moms words, heard many times during my era, were....... 'whatever you do on your birthday, you will end up doing for the whole year'................but shucks, I could not get by without making my bed any other day of the year?????

Getting back to the call to Claire, as I said I delayed in making it, only to discover this fact................... Where did she answer the phone? On the lawn of a church to which one of her teachers attended, and of all things, ....... pulling weeds!!! Surprised at finding her there, this early in the morning, I asked the reasoning for such! Well, it seems, she is earning extra money for a Mission Trip to Mexico which she plans to take in July. That's Claire, through and through!!!

Opportunities are seldom displayed in neon lights, but I do not think I have to emphasize that saying too much to you, dear Claire, but as you face a definite challenge in today's fast-paced culture, you will always hold a very special place in the hearts of those who love you and whose lives you touch day in and day out! You can't touch another's heart with anything less than your own. You know full well that a persons ability is usually rated by what she finishes, not by what she starts. And, dear, I hope you will let all the readers of this challenge share these same basic thoughts with you as well as I know there are lot of other proud grandmas and grandpas and moms and dads, experiencing these same feelings at this very special time of the year! Even though it happens time after time after time, during May and June of each year, these moments are very very special to each and everyone when graduations happen. An end of one era, a beginning of another!

And so, my challenge to you is this:

TIME - Quality time is important. Time is finite, so use it wisely!
TOUCH - Regular hugs (sometime kisses) say 'I Love You'. Give them often.
TALK - (Here dear, I am afraid you admit you have a little of Grannys 'gift of gab' in you).....It is vital that others know your values, your goals, your expectations, for you....... yourself.......... as well as for them! Share.

God Bless and I await, eagerly, for next weekend to arrive so I can be with you and the rest of our family, sharing in that special 'walk across the stage'!!!.......................GO CLAIRE!!!!

Earlier this morning, as I reached into my cupboard for a cup to fill with that much needed morning caffeine jag, there, greeting me, was a familiar cup which I had received from my daughter-in-law, as a gift some nearly nineteen years ago, one of my favorites..............a cute little cup. On on side, it bears Big capital letters which say..."GRANDMA to" and then a picture of a big bright yellow and black bumble bee. I have used it all these years. Several times I have given some thought of possibly returning it so it could be passed on down the family, but you know something, I am just not ready to 'turn loose' of it just yet.........and maybe being able to drink in the memories, along with the coffee this morning, was the reason for that decision!

This is a big monumental day, week, month and past months for Claire as she is graduating from high school, with plans to attend college come Fall! You know the saying, 'Nothing makes a child so smart as having grandparents', and yes, Claire, it is true about you. You are a dear, dear part of all of our lives! I firmly believe that God always gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him, and we did right in obeying Him when it came to Claire Elizabeth!

If I could describe her to you, friends, I would have to say that she treats people the way she wants to be treated. She is compassionate, loving, caring. Though I have never been able to live as close by during her growing up days as I would have liked to, I am blessed to have been able to observe the type of person she has developed into. She is sensitive to other peoples hurts. She has proved that in order to get ahead in this life, and stay ahead, you have to use your head!............(This she conquered after she learned to drive, ahem!!!)

I was raised under the firm belief that, true we could give our children many other gifts like new cars, all the clothes they want, our wealth, a good family name, or maybe even going so far as to say a reputation for integrity, but I think you will agree with me that what children, a child of any age, really wants, as well as NEEDS from a parent is a relationship with us! They want to know you, they want to know your heart. Should we fail in that area, we sometimes close the door to them being able to know and give themselves to their Maker and their family as well!

And so, yes, I just completed my annual call to Claire. Something I try to do for all close members of my family is a call sometime during their special day, and sing to them as least the first line of 'Happy Birthday'! Rather then finding her still in bed, or just laying around for the day, well, will tell you on just a little further what I discovered.......!!!

Now, 'in my day of a few years ago'... birthdays were considered to be extra, extra special days in the lives of my family. A characteristic learned from my mother! And so, I have tried to carry it over into my family as well.

....Growing up, here is what I remember. On our special day, we did not have to make our bed, we were able to select the menu for one meal of the day, and as a general rule, cake and ice cream was mixed with a little gift giving sometime during that special day. Moms words, heard many times during my era, were....... 'whatever you do on your birthday, you will end up doing for the whole year'................but shucks, I could not get by without making my bed any other day of the year?????

Getting back to the call to Claire, as I said I delayed in making it, only to discover this fact................... Where did she answer the phone? On the lawn of a church to which one of her teachers attended, and of all things, ....... pulling weeds!!! Surprised at finding her there, this early in the morning, I asked the reasoning for such! Well, it seems, she is earning extra money for a Mission Trip to Mexico which she plans to take in July. That's Claire, through and through!!!

Opportunities are seldom displayed in neon lights, but I do not think I have to emphasize that saying too much to you, dear Claire, but as you face a definite challenge in today's fast-paced culture, you will always hold a very special place in the hearts of those who love you and whose lives you touch day in and day out! You can't touch another's heart with anything less than your own. You know full well that a persons ability is usually rated by what she finishes, not by what she starts. And, dear, I hope you will let all the readers of this challenge share these same basic thoughts with you as well as I know there are lot of other proud grandmas and grandpas and moms and dads, experiencing these same feelings at this very special time of the year! Even though it happens time after time after time, during May and June of each year, these moments are very very special to each and everyone when graduations happen. An end of one era, a beginning of another!

And so, my challenge to you is this:

TIME - Quality time is important. Time is finite, so use it wisely!
TOUCH - Regular hugs (sometime kisses) say 'I Love You'. Give them often.
TALK - (Here dear, I am afraid you admit you have a little of Grannys 'gift of gab' in you).....It is vital that others know your values, your goals, your expectations, for you....... yourself.......... as well as for them! Share.

God Bless and I await, eagerly, for next weekend to arrive so I can be with you and the rest of our family, sharing in that special 'walk across the stage'!!!.......................GO CLAIRE!!!!

I did, however, manage to learn some of the German language from church attendance as, at my earlier stage of my life, we had church services in both languages, alternating from one Sunday to the next, and, not wanting to be totally bored by not understanding what was being said, I would follow our church Hymnal, and thus learned most of the German language, that I am able to speak today, in this manner.

In so doing, and comparing the words weekly, I became aware of the fact that the English language had many more meanings per word, or so it seemed, than, measured against the German language of course, but don't let it be said that other languages have only singular meanings for various words. They are guilty of the same situation.

It certainly is true that it is not always WHAT we say,.... but it is what they HEAR when we speak. So, we have to watch that ole tongue of ours! Not being judgemental........Though it is quite true that the tongue weighs practically ZERO, so few people can hold it ! (Pun)..... Mere intonations,..... voice fluctuation,...... facial expressions ..........all carry a heavy stick when it comes to impacting messages to others as we verbalize.

I have had the following poem thumbtacked to the bulletin board beside my computer for quite sometime, now, but a little incident this past week, brought highlighted attention to that fact, so hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I do.

Read it aloud and enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What's Up With Up?

There is a two letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word in the English language, ....... and that is the word........"UP".

It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list; but when we awaken in the morning, who do we wake UP?

At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP and what are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secreatary to write UP a report? We call UP our friends . We use the word UP to lighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car.

At other times this little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite and think UP excuses.

To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special.

And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is STOPPED UP!

We open UP a store in the morning, but we close it UP at night.

We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP!

To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look UP the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4th of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.

If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.

When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it wets UP the earth. When it doesn't rain for a while, things dry UP.

One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now my time is UP, so............as I personally view the definite of UP.........its....

TIME TO SHUT ......."UP"!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

"Remember it is not always WHAT we say........ but it is what others HEAR when we say it"!

For those of you blessed to still have your mother with you on this special day, do make it extra special for the time will come when that will be a thing of the past, as it has already done for many of us!

The one that I seem to be bombarded with this year is entitled 'Being A Mother'! And, it is really great, brings back many memories of years by-gone and the raising of my own family as am sure it has done for you!

The first little tidbit addressed the fact that somebody said that it takes 6 weeks after birth to get back to normal. FALSE. Now, in my day, when we had our babies, we stayed in the hospital several days, a week if you were nursing the baby. Today in many instances, it doesn't amount to much more than an overnight stay! Wow! In this instance, I would have an issue with the word 'normal'..........it appears that every household becomes topsy turvey when a new child, or human being, joins the household. Feeding every couple hours, diapers to be changed, crying when they have upset stomachs. It goes on and on, the whole household is disrupted. There is no such thing as 'normal' in a household with a new baby. Do all you readers attest to that statement?

Being a Mother is boring???? Hello!! It is one of the most important events in a womans life. Who else depends on you totally for its survival for more than just a few months? Who can find time to be bored? Certainly wasn't a mother that made that statement. I can never recall having a dull moment raising my children.........

Is it true that a good mother never raises her voice? Tell me, when the washing machine is going full force, the mixer sounds tell you that the cake is just about mixed sufficiently to be poured into the pan to be put in the oven to bake, the front door bell is ringing, how else can a mother gain the attention of her child sitting on the floor beneath her feet totally absorbed in building a house of blocks...........what else is a poor mother to do but to raise her voice. 'Please answer the door for Mommy'.

Get this one......if you are a 'good' mother your child will turn out good! Now, must admit that Dr. Spock was quite popular in my era and gave much good sound advice to many, but the best advice I could obtain was from MY mother and parents..........and of course following the proceedures that they followed when raising me. That is something you never forget. It is one of the saddest situations in the world to be told of abuse, all kinds, done to children in their 'growing up' days............sometimes the stories that one hears are unbelievable! SAD! Having a baby is quite different than buying a car..........they do not come with instructions or return guarantees. With a child, it is take l day at a time. Play it to its fullest. Make the most of it. Enjoy it while you can, for the time is short when you 'look back' over the days that you were raising your children. Time moves too fast!

And smart kids??? Hey, have you seen the advertisements on TV recently that have programs that you can use to teach your child to read before he can walk?.....That is pretty hard to beat. I thought it was hard enough to have a first grader look up into the stars one night and say to me, 'Mom, if the astronauts do no re-enter the atmosphere at the right, exact moment in time, they will be lost in space forever'.................this came from my son, sitting in the back seat of our car as we were returning to our home one evening after visiting with family members. I had to compete with this!!! Why, my Science book was only about an inch thick, and we were fortunate enough to learn the names of the stars let along all this jibberish 'about entering the earths atmosphere'. Todays mother, sorry, best keep her education updated, in all areas!

This one I loved....a Mother can find all answers to child rearing questions in books................that Mother never had a child stuff beans up her nose. After all mom, the lastest song craze was, 'Beans in your ears, beans in your ears'........but they fit better up the nose!

There were times, I must admit that I felt like I could do certain jobs with my eyes closed and one hand tied behind my back................doing the washing, the ironing, the house cleaning, making sure the children were ready for school each day..................after a time, of course, it became easier, and IF you had not mastered that project by that stage of your life, you best be a 'stay - at - home- mom' who did nothing else, because nothing else is what you were doing! Time waits for no one........

Leaving the 'nest' is hard! To say that a parent stops worrying about a child after they leave home, start up their own homes and family is certainly a farce! True, the responsibility diminishes, but my 5-finger prayer, done several times a day, will vouch for the fact that my children, my grandchildren are always foremost in my mind and prayers! Added to this fact as well, is the wonderful addition of a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law to a mothers heartstrings!

To even 'think' that a mothers job is done when the last child leaves home is unthinkable! For the next course in life, is ONE of the best! That being, a GRANDPARENT!

Often I have said, that when I die, and go to Heaven.....one of the things I want to tell God is that he should have given us Grandchildren BEFORE he gave us children........would have made life so much easier. One very, very wise person gave me some early advice on this thought, however.........the Grandchildren would not have turned out as well as they have had YOU not raised their parents in the manner in which they were trained!!!!?????

Oh, and please, please, never lend your ears to the person who ever suggest that a mother does not need to be told you love her!!! Don't listen to them! Each and every day. Every contact you have with one another, share your love, and it will be something you will never ever regret~

"Happy Mothers Day".........friends.

Challenge of the Week:

"Treasurer every moment you have and share with your families"!

As with everything in our ever changing world, it seems that the respect for Memorial Day has declined while commercialization and vacationing have increased.

What is the reasoning behind that statement?

Well, each individual, am sure, would have an answer of their own. Possible distance traveling to visit the families graves is out of the question for just a 3-day period. Yes, it is warmed up, great day and weekend to go fishing...........grandma and grandpa can tend to the graves. And for some, they just don't care!!!! Just another weekend. Maybe long enough that they can get that back fence painted they have been wanting to do for ages. Maybe the neighbors are planning a wing ding of a party and you sure want to be there. Many reasons.

Maybe we need to 'take the bull by the horns' and do more 'visual' celebration to let others know that YES< WE DO CARE!

Show visual RESPECT and HONOR for the men and women who have fallen in battle! For those still in Miliary, wear their medals and ribbons for all to see! For civilians, FLY YOUR FLAGS. We can even wear little red, white and blue ribbons on our shirts and blouses. We do care!

To me, there is nothing more beautiful than to drive into our cemetary at the east edge of town, see all the graves of those who have served in the miliary adorned with a flying flag as well as the flags on the large poles which are beside the roads in the cemetary. If that doesn't take your breath away and make you stop and think about what Memorial Day is supposed to be about...........well, sorry, folks, but you aren't living!

Artificial flowers have replaced real flowers, to the major extent, in placement of flowers on the graves of loved ones! Yesterday as I went about my yearly duty, I felt it to be an honor and a priviledge to be able to do it. True, I have replaced mom and dad, who are no longer with us, and hopefully, when I am no longer able to do it each year, another family member will replace ME~. To me, it is like I make an annual pilgrimage to visit my two sets of grandparents..........none of whom I ever was given the privilege of knowing as they had all died before I was born, or could remember them. I visited an uncle, killed in a car wreck, same scenerio. An aunt whose family can no longer travel to put flowers on her grave. A little flower on the grave of a baby cousin, born in May of 1907 and died in July of 1908. A bouquet of flowers beside the flag holder that will soon hold a flag honoring my only brother who served his country well during World War II......and then all the many friends and other relatives. As I walked from grave to grave I could not help but remember that it is important that we all TREASURE EVERY MOMENT THAT WE HAVE! And, I had to marvel in the wisdom of the words which say.....................It is better to have a rose and a kind word from a friend while I am here rather than a whole truck load of roses when I am gone!

Get out that red shirt, that blue pair of jeans, tie a red ribbon in your hair, put on your medals and ribbons if you have them, and above all, FLY THAT FLAG...for THIS, THIS is Memorial Day Weekend and we have things to share with others!

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

'What we do in life, echoes in eternity!

Helping mom with cooking and I added the wrong ingredient at the wrong time.........it was a 'mish ke babble'. Trying to learn my math and added a problem wrong, and at correction, it was a 'mish ke babble'.

To me making a 'mish ke babble' meant that I had made a mistake and I was not being scolded for making the mistake. I was not being discouraged in learning that, yes, I had not done something correctly, rather I was being told that I had made a mistake and rather than to be a discouraging factor, it was meant to be a reason for growth. In learning that most things can be corrected. It was up to me to make the correction.

I appreciated that way of learning, then and even later in life for I was to learn, after having my own family what encouragement offers .....rather than criticizism. This matter was brought to light in a very encouraging way when our oldest child was in kindergarten. I had the priviledge of serving as Room Mother. You mothers know what that is......Ah, you get to bake all the cup cakes for the holidays and special events. You get to attend all the special parties. You get to make party favors. But, best of all, you have an opportunity of sharing some important times in your childrens lives.

Well, it so happens that the teacher of the Kindergarten Class was fast approaching retirement but had been, and still was, a wonderful teacher. Her name was Mrs. Ochs. Her way of reprimanding those in class who were restless or misbehaving was absolutely astounding. Instead of calling the child who was misbehaving down, or calling special attention to his or her misconduct, she would instead cite another child in the class who was behaving as a model for the entire class. So, often we would hear, 'oh look at Jimmy, look how he is sitting so straight in his chair, and holding his pencil in his hand and his paper is in the right position as well'.......or it might be.....'my goodness Susan, you are certainly showing us how we can be on our best behaviour today and show our mothers how well we are doing in our manners for them today'...............that was all it took. This went well up until several weeks before the Christmas party, and she, unfortunately, contracted a severe case of the mumps.....know she was nearing the age of 65 at the time.......and was quite ill, and a replacement met us at the door of the classroom the day of the Christmas party. Well, were we mothers ever in for a big surprise. There was no praise.....only shouting at the children to sit down and take their chairs so the Christmas party could begin..........no admonishment or praise. Discouraging words poured through the room the entire several hours we were there...........Must admit, I went home with one big headache. But, from that I learned a lesson. A big lesson.

Have you ever heard the expression that goes something like this............You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar?

Thank goodness she was well and back in class for Valentines Day in February!!!

I firmly believe her philosophy in life followed along the lines of 'making a mish ke babble' because we were being taught to let mistakes be reasons for growth, not excuses for being discouraged. Maybe we need to realize that most of the useful work in life is done by people who are pressed for time because they keep busy rather than sitting back and finding condemnation at every corner. It is knowing that one who makes no mistakes makes nothing happen. But most of all, believing that nothing would ever get done if a person waited until it would be done perfect for the first time.

Speaking for myself, I know for a fact, that when I stop making 'mish ke babbles' I am going to be 'kaput'.......and folks, for those of you who are not familiar with the German language, that means......dead. Isn't life grand???

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

"Make a special effort to accent each day with a positive attitude, ........eliminate negative attitudes and encourge those around you to do likewise!"