MEMORIES CAN

BE A BIT TOO MUCH! I ran across a quote recently, and because of my recent quote, it resonated.

This is mine -- "Squeeze joy from each minute; time does not return, yet memories do."

And, here is the one I heard -- "When your memories exceed your dreams, the end is near." Unknown

I've missed blogging. A full-time job can get in the way a bit. -A Tidbit is not far away, and moving back to blog more about things that I find interesting. A different environment takes a bit of getting used to. I seem to have begun the process by joining a Friday morning breakfast group. Each Friday it is a different person's responsibility to bring in breakfast. Last Friday it was my day. I made granola bars from scratch, and purchased blueberry scones on the chance that the granola bars were more like bird food. Also, I added fresh strawberries for color. The granola bars were a hit; how could they not be with over a cup of light brown sugar. So it is back to the test kitchen to try another recipe with less sugar, yet maintain yummy flavor. Any suggestions WITHOUT raisins, by the way. I abhor raisins.

Suggestion: Again, if you are unsure what to do - simply take a step, move into your own "test" kitchen and try something. I once made mini cream puffs. The first two batches were thrown out, and the final batch was deemed a rousing success by many who attended a super bowl party. In fact when I arrived carrying them, it was announced - "The cream puffs are here." The laughs started there and continued.

Resurrect those dreams - test them out. Did you dream of being a cowboy? Go rent a horse. Or, OK, a pair of cowboy boots. Get back into the dream state - the vision state, the possibility state and have a ball.

HENRY DAVID THOREAU

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." - Henry David Thoreau


Another word for vision -- give it legs -- then see what happens. Sometimes the only way to begin is to be one. If you want to write -- then, write. If you want to paint -- then paint. If you want to teach -- then, teach. If you want to be a comedian -- then, be funny and have fun.

Digging a foundation is not glamorous, yet it is necessary for anything to be solid -- a relationship, an occupation or a bank account.

Roll up your sleeves and discover what is necessary, step, by step, by step. If it rains, you might have mud. So, clean up, and begin again.

Step, by step, by step, by step, by step. Each time you wipe the dust from your eyes the picture will be clearer and brighter. Just like a plant which naturally is drawn toward the sun. Every cell's natural desire is to be drawn toward the sun. So, relax and enjoy the ride. Every bump, every bruise, every acknowledgement, very victory, every........... It gets sweeter - honest.

Maya Angelou

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.
Don't complain." - Maya Angelou

Could not resist posting this one. It about says it all - don't ya think?

Hey - best wishes for a delightful Memorial Weekend. And, a reminder that it is about saying thank you to the servicemen and women who have tirelessly kept us safe and secure. Please take a moment or two and give thanks. If you have a few more minutes, perhaps discover a way to say it in another way. And, don't hesitate to post it on this blog. It is a wonderful opportunity to share and expand what you are doing.

Cheers - Susan

SIMPLY STATED -- BEING IS WHERE "IT'S"AT

Are you tired of striving, searching, seeking, struggling in the process? This might sound simplistic to some, perhaps to regular readers not -- yet, here is a quick suggestion:

Simply stated --- BE

Some days I have questions or find myself rushing around, striving, and simply working hard. Once I realize it, I change my focus to a "being" focus. Then I begin to slow down. I can actually feel my heartbeat slow and my body relax. Then, I become more effective, thorough, and make less errors.

Have fun in the process -- and be who you are. You will continue to move forward and make accomplishments, yet with more ease and grace of motion.

Squeeze joy in each minute............

New Bern, NC

How marvelous to hear from someone who lives in New Bern, NC. Thinking back, I'm not certain I have posted about New Bern, yet I lived there, in Fairfield Harbor, specifically, for about 11 months in 2006. From March, 2006 through January, 2007. I am now back in upstate New York for a few reasons, yet what a very sweet town and region of the world.

That bridge that expands the two rivers, as wonderful as it is, truly needs some lights. Hopefully, that will happen sooner than later.

Hearing about the Chelsea restaurant brings back such fond memories. They had a tuna dish that I have since been searching. It was served with pickled ginger and something else. We would go there just for that specific dish.

Thank you soooooooooooooooo much for posting from your world. That is so cool, that you live in New Bern, NC. We may have crossed paths without knowing. Also, congratulations on enjoying the day and celebrating.

Yet, as I continue to say -- Squeeze the joy each minute......................

OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES

It appears blogging is becoming the new TV or media sensation. I may be a bit late in the awareness of what is happening with other markets, yet I heard on a local news channel about a blogger that is making $40,000 + in ads on her blog EACH month. It is a Mommy blog, and the writer lives in Utah. She is a former Mormon who blogs about her life, her husband's and her daughters. She gets something like 1,000,000 hits a day.

Granted TV, movies, etc. have more income, yet they also have more expense.

Here is a question for you? And, yes, it is coming from a blog, which is ironic. To what expense to your own life, are you checking out blogs, tv and sites of interest. If you are seeing a return on your time investment, you are making a profit and benefiting. Yet, if you are still searching, still hungry, and uncertain what it is you want, there is a cost aspect to your computer time.

It is rather like going to the kitchen, looking high and low, moving things around in the freezer and fridge, and, still, there is nothing to eat.

What are you hungry for? Consider the cost to your time, energy, and life in general. After all, YOU could be the one who is bowling that 300 game. Or practicing dance moves for Dancing with the Stars, more importantly -- presenting "Dancing in Real Life --- IS.........................."

Enjoy your day - take some time, if you typically don't, to be simply quiet and ask the universe a question. I suggest you be specific. Let me know if it works. You may not get exactly what you wish for, yet something just might happen when you least expect it. Take a minute, and turn the page of life and see what the next day brings.

Squeeze the Joy from Each and Every Minute, Time Does Not Return, Yet, Memories Do!!!

FYI -- Every Now and Then

I publish a post that has previously been drafted in blogger. And, it pops up under the date that I drafted it. So, if you are a faithful reader, and I understand there are some, you may want to check out a few of the older ones.

My intention is to create in Microsoft Word and move the posts into blogger; yet I'm rather a spontaneous writer with the blog.

And, for all you who are mothers, I hope you enjoyed the day. It, to me, is rather a Hallmark day, so I don't put too much energy into it. Yet, it is a time for all women to unit and check in to see what they would like different, and perhaps do something about it. And, for me, most importantly, to simply realize and appreciate the opportunity I was provided to have children and the wonderful ones that I do have. That is what I did. I took time for, oh, yes, my mom and my daughter. Yet, I also took time for me.

AND, a very special treat today was my roommate, and friend, took us out to dinner. Yummy - I had sesame tuna and a very nice wine - Rex Hill Pino Noir. I recommend it - a bit of raspberry or similar fruit flavor. If you try it, please let me know what you taste.

(I have since discovered that it was cherry and perhaps pomegranate that I tasted in the Rex Hill Pino Noir. It was quite nice.)