Secret Santa Soiree 2013 Final Post

I hope each and every one has had a lovely holiday season. Once again, it is time for the Secret Santa Soiree Swap to come to an end. I still have a handful who do not have their post up, it may be due to computer problems, camera problems, or out of town, however, I am confident I will be able to update the list to 100% soon. I have heard from every one who is lacking their post, so keep checking back.

I'd like to take a moment to share some thoughts I have had the past few weeks. Most of you who read my blog, know I tend to speak my mind and ramble on....so expect that would be no different with this post. 

There have been situations I have either been a part of, or heard of someone experiencing the same type of situation and it has given me several things to think about. I decided to share them here on this last post and if it is something you can take away from my thoughts and find them useful, then that is great, if you don't get anything out of it, well...just chalk it up to me rambling as I am inclined to do.

Sometimes, the biggest disappointments come from expectations. Now, clearly, there are always expectations in most every thing we do, but I am talking about expectations from people we may not know personally, or expectations that are just too high and not attainable. Sometimes, people have unrealistic expectations of family or friends and when their expectations are not met for what ever the reason may be, they feel slighted or upset. I have learned in the last few years, expectations can lead to misunderstanding, disappointment, and a deeply wounded spirit if I let it.

Secondly, there are no two people on this world that have the same 100% taste in their likes or dislikes. I personally, throughout my lifetime have received gifts that were truly not my taste at all. I have received gifts that were deliberately given to me knowing I would not like them. (yes, I am afraid there has been someone very  much like this in my life and I allowed them to treat me this way for years...no more.) But the key to handling this type of situation was always smiling, thanking them for the gift, (regardless of the motivation behind the gift) and simply letting it go. There is a huge difference in someone maliciously giving terrible gifts, and someone sincerely trying to buy something they think someone will like and just missing the mark. It falls back to no two people have the same taste in all things.

Thirdly, no matter what, no matter how your expectations were not met, no matter what you think should have happened, it is always good manners to thank anyone who does something for you. Period. No matter if it is a small thing, or a big thing. Showing gratitude is very important these days, as we live in a world where very little gratitude is ever displayed.

Likewise, we live in a world where so many types of people interact with each other on various levels. Within our own families, there are difficulties that arise and our own families seem to disappoint and leave us feeling like they just don't get us. It is a fact, I know lots of folks feel this way. When the people closest to us miss the mark at times, how can we possibly expect total strangers to get it 100% right? Yes, there is disappointment but I think it all falls back to unattainable expectations. Clearly, the only thing we can control is how graciously we hold our heads up high, and do the right thing and display a thankful and grateful attitude even if we wish things had been different.

My expectations in hosting this swap each and every year is to give bloggers an opportunity to get to know someone they may not already know. It is ideal if that person has many different interest than myself. I have found if I have someone very different from myself, I usually find that once I have shopped for them, I have truly enjoyed thinking out of my comfort zone in trying to please someone who holds different interest.

Do I always get it right? Maybe not, I really don't know for a fact if I always get it right, but it is not from lack of trying. I am wondering if this is not they way to do things, and maybe I need to try and swap people with similar interest. Please know, it is always in the past and again this year been done in random draw when I assign someone their person. I don't look at names, I use numbers to make the assignments. Please know hosting this swap is a lot of fun for me, and I enjoy all the fun seeing the gifts when the packages arrive. I have not visited all of the participants yet, but I will do that in the next few days. Please take a moment and check out all the participants post about their gifts, it is always great fun~ and thank you to my Secret Santa this year....I am still over the moon about my gifts!

Thanks again for participating this year, and I hope you enjoyed yourself and enjoyed shopping for your swap person!

Below is the list of who had who......please refer to the original LIST to see who's blog belongs to what number.

for example

31 was Coloradolady and she had 21 tweloquilting

1 - 8
2 - 25
3 - 15
4 - 11
5 - 32
6 - 27
7 - 2
8 - 4
9 - 23
10 - 26
11 - 28
12 - 30
13 - 37
14 - 35
15 - 20
16 - 10
17 - 3
18 - 14
19 - 17
20 - 18
21 - 38
22 - 9
23 - 22
24 - 5
25 - 29
26 - 7
27 - 1
28 - 13
29 - 34
30 - 36
31 - 21
32 - 16
33 - 30
34 - 33
35 - 19
36 - 12
37 - 24
38 - 6

Please if you have not done your post, let me know when you do. I had a hard time this year as some of you were in multiple swaps, and I hope I got the right post linked in to the original list! Forgive me if I made a mistake, if you let me know, I will fix that!

Have a very Happy New Year!! I hope 2014 is the best it can be for each of you! And, once again, thank you all for participating this year...I hope you experienced a little Christmas cheer along the way!

" Guess What Doctor......I Am Clearly Not A Cat"

If you read the post last week about me deciding to have a surgery I postponed for far too long and are looking for the rest of the story I promised. Well, here ya go!

These days, I guess it is standard procedure to admit you into surgery in the wee early morning hours and by afternoon, you are all bandaged up, drugged up and sent home like a  walking barely walking zombie. Yea, that is exactly how that feels or at least that is how I felt on that day a few weeks back.

Luckily, we got home without incident and so as they say...the healing begins. If I do say so myself, there is a lot to be said for those words. The hardest part is the healing part, the few short hours that come with being sent home from a major surgery are the most trying and of course the most nerve wracking.  You honestly don't know what to expect, how much pain to expect, and you don't know what to expect out of the ones who are all of a sudden your care givers while you are rendered helpless.

Luckily, for said caregivers, the day was almost over and I am sure in the back of their minds nighttime was coming and that could only mean the good patient would sleep while they got a good nights rest as well. Funny, how things don't turn out the way you plan.

Truth of the matter is, those next few days were passed in a blur. I credit that to the pain medicine and chocolate pudding that was given in four hour intervals. But I can say, during that time of healing....the worse pain I have ever experienced in my life consumed my whole being. That first night, when I was presumed to be resting peacefully was everything but peaceful. Beside the fact that I was not able to make a single move without help, the pain was so sever it was mind crippling. I could not move for if I did the pain was so bad I thought I'd faint. I could not breath or catch my breath, for if I did, I felt I surely not be able to stand it, but then if  I didn't, I'd surly pass out. Of course, with this intense pain that was out of control, you can imagine the intense drama that unfolded and the out of control pleas for my poor caregiver to do something..ANYTHING.....or just let me die. Yea, that is the truth of the matter.

I am not a wimp when it comes to pain, and I can tolerate pain rather well. After all, I had both of my children without the aid of pain blockers as I was more afraid of the needles of an epidural than I was the actual pain of childbirth. So I don't credit all of the unpleasantness that came during the days that followed surgery for my lack of pain tolerance, because that just is not a factor. It was rough, and I mean that with every ounce of my being.

Four days after my surgery, I had a follow up visit to my doctor. Let me say this, in my pre-op visit before the surgery, I was assured that I would be able to return to all normal activity right away, I could drive if I felt up to it and I was told I should have minimum discomfort. Well, I am here to tell you there was no way I could drive myself, much less barely dress myself and my good friend took me to that appointment. It was at this very appointment that the beginning of  the end with that doctor/patient relationship was on the fast track out the door.

As to be expected, the doctor asked how I was doing? Well, I guess I did not sugar coat any of it well enough, and explained how the last four days had gone at home, truthfully. I mean after all, I think they have a right to know that this was not the easy walk in the park they had promised. I knew the bewildered look on the doctors face was not a good sign. The words that came next was so offensive to me, I was at a loss for words, and honestly, that is something that rarely happens if ever.

The doctors story went like this: "Well, you know, I once adopted two cats. One was male and one was female so right away I took them to the vet to have them neutered and spayed. I picked the cats up and brought them home and let them out of their kennel. The female walked around a bit and then she decided she wanted to jump on the window seal and look out. She jumped up and made a little "meow/eeep" sound, you know, like there might have been a little discomfort in jumping, but she laid right down in the sunshine and fell fast asleep.  Then, the male cat ate a bite of food and he did the same thing, he found his way to the shelving unit and jumped up, and he too made a little "meow/eeep" sound but settled right down and slept the afternoon away. Now, I wondered about that and wondered if animals don't feel much pain. I decided, no that was not it at all, that what it boiled down to was the fact that animals have no pre-misconceptions of pain. It seemed they had no expectations of pain so therefore, the recovery involved hardly any discomfort because they did not expect it to be that way. So maybe as humans, we expect to experience pain and therefore we bring the pain to our own selves because that is what we expect."

So there I was, sitting on the darn table in the doctors office, hardly able to have the strength to keep from swaying back and forth as I was feeling lightheaded. I was so weak I could barely stand or walk and had loaded up on pain medicine just to make it to the office that day. I had just experienced the worse four days I could remember in all of my life and clearly the worse pain I could not even imagine feeling and this doctor has the audacity to compare it all to their own two cats getting fixed and having no expectations of pain. All of the hardships in my recovery was chalked up to my own expectation of it and that was the issue. I was stunned into silence. I mean, after all, what do you say when  you realize you trusted your life to someone who clearly has little empathy for their patients or worse, who is clearly an idiot.

This is the fourth week since that day I walked into the hospital for a surgery that was promised to be a piece of cake but proved to be most difficult at best, and I guess by my own doing according to the doctor......It has been rough finding my strength to just make it through most days even when I started feeling better. Maybe it is because I am older now, and it is harder to spring back from this sort of thing quickly. But as each day comes and goes, I do move a little closer to being back to my old self. It has just taken time.....and taken a fair amount of time that I did not expect it would take.

I have my last follow up visit on Thursday, which by the way I am not looking forward to. Once that is done and I am released to return to work I will begin looking for another doctor. I have thought over and over about what that doctor said to me that day and compared me to a couple of cats. If I was upset at first, you can just imagine by now with weeks of thinking about it and how I feel now.

My husband and I laugh about it now, somewhat, and wonder if I had been compared to a couple of dogs, then maybe it would have been an easier pill to swallow. I mean, everyone knows I am certainly not a cat person and surly that was the sting of the words that day. Hump.....don't believe that for one minute!

Menopause Should Come With Instructions

Do you ever feel like you have experienced most of the unpleasant things surrounding womanhood and fully expect all of those types of things to end when you approach or experience menopause? If you are like me, you will quickly agree that pre-menopause or menopause certainly don't come with a list of instructions. Fifty million women across North America are approaching or experiencing menopause and most have an average of five menopausal symptoms. But no two experiences are exactly alike. I would be interested to see how many of those fifty million women go through it alone and do not consult their doctor to ease some of the discomfort of this stage in life. I can honestly say that because if I am honest here, I would fall under that category myself. I certainly don't recommend going through menopause alone, and consulting a doctor to ease some of the unpleasant symptoms is really a good idea. But if you are like me, you feel that menopause sort of sneaked up on you and the symptoms can be trying at best to deal with.

I was offered a chance to review some products by Poise Feminine Wellness Line and was pleasantly surprised with the results of the products I tested. In fact, The 2013 Product of the Year award-winning Poise Feminine Wellness line was introduced to help women approach these changes with confidence. The line consists of five products designed to help women with feeling fresh, staying cool, and intimacy.

The line of Poise Products includes: Roll-On Cooling Gel and Body Cooling Towelettes provide hot flash comfort. My package included the Body Cooling Towelettes and these were the first products that I tried. These towelettes are hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested and provided instant cooling. Specifically, one of the most amazing things about these towelettes was that they provided an instant cooling sensation. Body Cooling Towelettes offer instant cooling and refreshment. Gently wipe the towelette on wrists, chest or neck to feel cool and comfortable. Featuring a portable, re-sealable package, these towelettes are easy to use anywhere you go. This is a product that would be great for women of any age. Personal Lubricant provides long lasting lubrication to enhance your intimate experience. This lubricant features an easy to use bottle and is made without Fragrance, Glycerin or Parabens. While there are many types of lubricant out on the market, I have to be honest here, and say I had never tried any of those types of products before. I am learning that "dealing with these unpleasant" bodily changes is not something that has to be endured. Poise  has designed wonderful products for women our age who are going through all of these types of symptoms, and these products really help comfort during this stage in life. After trying the personal lubricant, I can wholeheartedly recommend this product and I feel sure my husband would have no complaints as well. All I wanted to ask myself was "Who Knew?"  This really is a wonderful product, beautifully and discretely packaged and this will be something I continue to use in the future. Panty Fresheners and Feminine Wash provide daily freshness from odors. Panty Fresheners have a fresh and clean scent that lasts up to four hours. I was most excited about the Poise panty fresheners.

As my body seems to not be able to make up its mind if I am through menopause or not, these were great to try and keep on hand for a "just in case" moment. For most of my adult life, I have been pretty loyal to one or two products to help ease the unpleasantness of once a month accordance. After trying Poise panty liners, I was pleasantly surprised at how fresh and clean I felt and how easy they were to carry with me on the go. I would recommend trying these for yourself, I found the long liners gave me the extra confidence I needed to not worry about any mishaps during my day. The Feminine Wash provides daily freshness with a unique formulation that is pH balanced for your intimate area. Glycerin and paraben free, this gentle wash will help you feel clean and confident. I found the Feminine Wash pleasant to use and added the feeling of clean and refreshed during the days I needed a little extra. I myself, know I am not completely out of menopause yet, and honestly I don't know how many more years or months I will have to deal with this stage in my life. I often wish I had had a guide for what to expect and how to deal with things a couple of years ago. That would have explained a lot and I maybe would have done things a bit differently. I do know however, that no matter what the time frame will be for this stage to pass, I have found several products that will make the journey a bit easier.  Women can go to the Poise Facebook page to learn more about the Poise Feminine Wellness Line and sign up for a coupon or sample.

Now, since I have shared some rather personal life facts here about myself, I have to ask you all a question. “How are you approaching life's changes confidently?” Are you just trudging along like I found myself doing, or are you embracing the changes and marching forward? There is no right or wrong answer here, I just think it is a sensitive subject that many women could benefit from themselves by reading others experiences. Each comment will automatically be entered for a $100 Visa gift card.

 
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry"; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 4/04/13-4/30/13.
Be sure to visit the Poise brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

March Roared In Like a Lion......and not in a good way.

March roared in like a lion for me this year. With the coming of March, also unexpected things happened and the most eye opening lessons learned as well. I was happy to bid March goodbye as even up until the very last second of that month, the lion still roared. I still hear the loud lengthy roar in my head and am most weary from it all.

Short version of the month past is the first of the month my husband fell ill and was hospitalized in ICU. He is better now and is feeling better, but not where I want him to be. That might have been just enough of out of the ordinary to handle, but that ole lion had other plans for the rest of the month. He decided to make his presence known around every turn and keep his paw in more than what should have been allowed. It has been a draining time. I know just because the month ended that does not mean the shadow of that lion is not still around. I hope his presence weakens and hope I have the courage to face whatever the shadow cast on our walls.

With that being said, I certainly learned a lot from the month of March. Sometimes it takes a crises to open our eyes at what we choose not to see. It is easy to overlook what you really don't want to face and pretend things are not as they are. What the Month of March taught me are listed below, a reminder if I need to re-read them as I keep thinking of days ahead.

1. I learned that my thoughts on growing older have been easier to handle by totally ignoring any of the signs that presented themselves to me. It is easier to dismiss what you don't want to see or acknowledge, then it is to face it head on. I remember feeling utter shock as I sat in my husbands hospital room and wondered how and when we became "old". Seriously....how did that happen....the only way to describe that was shock. I learned that our hourglass has run out of sand and now it is time to face the music and do something about all the things we have ignored. Total wake up call.

2. I learned that the people who should be there for you in a crisis won't be. I also learned it is in those who you would never expect to fill those shoes do so and do it so willingly. I also learned that it does not matter how much you have done for individuals in the past, how much time you have invested in them, how much thought and love went into trying to enrich their lives and make their life easier when they needed it. You can never expect the same in return. It is better to expect nothing. Less hurt that way. (I also know it is not in the things that I have done that should make me deserving of anything. It is just when the people who you would expect to be there in some capacity, and when they are not...well.....you get the idea.)

3. I learned where I focus a lot of my time is time wasted. I learned that things that occupy my free time is not what is really important in the grand scheme of things. I am making adjustments.

4. I learned that my own fear is crippling. So much so it clouds good judgement. So much so, that no matter the fact, I know what I need to do, it is so hard to take that first step. I am a work in progress. I need to find the courage and find it quick.

5. I learned that everyone will not respect your story as your own. After much thought, I am not sure it is a lack of respect of the story, but of the people themselves. I find that folks want to know all the details of a crisis, not because it is any of their business, but simply they want to have something to go tell every person they can think of from the far regions. Funny thing is, these are the same people who demand respect for their particular stories and expect them not to be told. I have a dear friend who in passing told me she did not give out any details of what was going on...she told me it was not her story to tell. Respect and care for me was her concern. She really has no idea how this radiated with me. I know the value of this friend.

6. I learned that from now on, when I offer to help someone and ask if there is anything I can do, I know that question is just is not enough. I learned that when a person is going through something hard, they have no idea what they need. Seriously. I told caller after caller that I did not need anything but thanks anyway. Luckily, some folks decided they would take matters into their own hands. They provided exactly what I (we) needed even with strong protest from me in the process. I told myself that I would never ask again....I would put something into action. Big lesson learned here.

7. I learned to never take for granted the people who fill your heart with happiness....because it can all come crashing down in a blink of an eye.

8. I learned that life is so short and for years I have overlooked that fact and lived like I had all the time in the world. I am so fearful I won't have the time left to do all I had hoped to do. Make each day count...we are never ever guaranteed another day after this one.

9. I learned that there are things that happen that can not be explained where others understand them. It is not a part of their story and if they choose not to believe like you do that is ok. If I have learned one thing about myself it would be I am gifted many unusual things that occur in my life and it is because I am open to the unexplainable and I believe and see the meaning when they occur. It is a blessing.

10. I learned that no matter how heavy your heart is, no matter how tired you are, no matter how fearful you are of the truth, no matter how you feel you can't take another step towards the unknown - you can. You must. You will.

I am expecting that lion to decide to sleep again soon and things return to how I would prefer them to be. This photo sorta sums up how I feel about that....better keep a look out for that lion even if he decides to sleep....he might be peaking around the corner of his eye. 

Things very well may be different than what I had a month ago, but different is better than not at all. Here's hoping for a wonderful Spring as we welcome in April and hoping I don't hear that roar in my head for a while.

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Toddler and Tiara Moments

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a really good time each and every week!!!
If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week. Lastly, if you link in, LINK back to my blog, so everyone can see all of the vintage goodies on display that day. If you don't link back here, they won't know who to visit......thanks so much.

With this week being Christmas, and my daughter home for the holidays, we were watching a marathon of Toddlers and Tiaras. We love that show....the momma drama....the beauty queen drama, the whole disgusting drama, we love it!

While we were in the middle of watching a particular episode, where the moms are pushing the kids to practice for the pageant and rather unsuccessfully I might add, I had a memory.

I looked at my daughter and said, " I was in a pageant once."

daughter: as her mouth gaped open...."What?.....When?.......WHAT?????"

me: "Its true.....nanaw put me in a pageant....Little Miss Waco."

daughter: mouth still gaping open...."WHAT???? Did you win?"

me: "No, I am pretty sure I did not win....I hated it."

daughter: "What???"

So of course, I had to prove that this impossible bit of information had a shred of truth to it. I found a couple of pictures that I am assuming the pageant took of the contestants. The back of the photo said, "4 years old, 1966, First Beauty Contest"

My poor mother,  I can only imagine she just knew I was the future Miss America and this was going to be my start to fame. Yes, it was my first beauty contest and  I assure you my last. It was not for me. I was a tomboy and wanted no part of this beauty pageant thing.
 

This is the Beauty photo. And exactly like the television show, my mom made me practice in our living room. She tried and tried to teach  me how to curtsey. Even at four years old and still today, I remember I thought that was the silliest thing ever. I could not figure out how to do it correctly, and finally my mom gave up and told me just to bow at the end of the runway. Like I said, I did not win and was sure it was all my fault because I did not curtsey. I can still remember thinking that was the reason I lost, all because I did not practice that curtsey.

I have no idea what this was...maybe sportswear. Looks like a play romper and a sand pail. I do wish I still had that pail, but I don't think I liked the shoes. This is a far cry from what you see from a kids pageant today. I remember my mom telling me to stay in the middle of the stage and not close to the edge of the runway, as I could fall off......so what do you think I thought about the whole time? I was sure I was going to fall off....and embarrass myself....or worse, my mom.....or worse....hurt myself.

My poor mom was probably disappointed that I was not a pageant queen. Luckily, she did not push the issue and this was the end of my claim to fame. Maybe she figured out I was not good at it, or maybe she just decided to let me choose. Mom's today however, don't give their daughters the same options.....pageants today are so over the top I swear it is the mom's who wish to be on the stage other than the daughters.

When my daughter asked why I never put her in pageants.....I just smiled and told her I did not put her in pageants because she would have cried.....alot!!!

Hope you enjoyed the vintage "Toddler and Tiara" photos of me as a four year old....but no trophies or crowns were won....it ended really before that career ever began!!

Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday!!

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Precious Memories

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a really good time each and every week!!!
If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week. Lastly, if you link in, LINK back to my blog, so everyone can see all of the vintage goodies on display that day. If you don't link back here, they won't know who to visit......thanks so much.

This is a old snapshot photograph of a house in the country, which was a place where memories upon memories were made.

This photo must have been taken shortly after my aunt and uncle purchased it and moved it to their property. I was a little girl, most likely under eight years old when they purchased this house, so it must have been in the mid 1960's. I can remember in the back of my mind walking through this house when it was not even a home yet. I remember that front porch, as it had some soft slats on the floor of the porch and my mom telling me to stay off those boards. I remember hardwood floors that were in need of lots of work and I remember large cracks on the walls. I remember a wasp nest in the corner of one of the bedrooms that housed wasps. And as a very young girl, that was scary. I remember my mom telling my aunt that they had lost their minds with this house. Funny, what your mind will recall when you let it drift back in time.

However, that shell of a house over the years became a home. I remember they worked on it and remember seeing it in stages of being complete. I remember they added a large living room off the back and when it was under construction, it reminded me of a garage. I remember that very house as I grew older became an idea in my mind of how romantic (reminder of just an idea here) of how living on a farm or ranch would be when I grew up and got married. It always seemed like an ideal to me, a romantic sort of life, so different from the life I lived in the city.

But I know now, it really was not the house at all, but the two individuals that made it a home and who loved each other in the most romantic way. They always sorta seemed so mismatched to me, as my aunt was so girly and so pretty and you just had a hard time visioning her working on a cattle ranch or help with planting crops or baling hay. My uncle, was the picture of a rugged cowboy and a hard worker. He was the first REAL cowboy I ever knew. I remember how he would walk in the door and his very presence and size filled up the door frame. He'd be dirty and sweaty from working and most likely tired as all get out, but he always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Always. Their relationship was magical. Special. They were a team and they made it work during good times and bad.

We lost my Auntie in 2003 and my Uncle Dee, who was already suffering from Parkinson's disease struggled with the loss of his wife and friend. The laughter that used to be present in that house was put to rest and the laughs and smiles were few and far between. The last few years have been hard for him. But the toll that disease took on his body and spirit never could shadow the person he always has been in my eyes. Strong. Present. Faithful. Rugged. Authentic.

He was the one of the ones who were there with my beloved grandmother when she left this world. He was with my Aunt as well, holding her hand. When my father passed, and my aunt was too sick to come to the service, my uncle came. Not out of any loyalty to my father, but because it was the right thing to do. A real example of what it really means to be a man. That is what I think of when I think of my Uncle Dee.

This week my rugged, cowboy uncle was put on Hospice and he is on his journey to forever green pastures as I type this out. I know my aunt will be waiting for him when the time is right. It is hard to say goodbye. But it is a little easier knowing he will be free of this horrible disease and will be holding my aunt in his arms again.

I am thankful that I had such wonderful examples in my life that fairytale endings that really do come true. Two people who were really different as night and day who had the most loving marriage of any I can remember from my youth. I am sure it was not perfect and I am sure there were lots of struggles, as that is how life is. 

However, for a young girl looking in from the outside, it was as perfect as I could imagine. I treasure the great memories of love, laughter, oh the laughter, I can still hear it today, and family that worked with and for each other. Some people live their whole lives and only read about this kind of marriages in novels or books. I am lucky to have lived in a family where I got to experience it first hand and have the memories to cherish of special people and special times.

The Voice Of Your Comments

Blog Comments.....we all love them, we love getting them. For many, even in the hustle and bustle, we read a post and comment, or maybe we don't comment at all. That comment could take the form of a pat on the back, or a high five at a great find or a word of encouragement.

What happens when a comment you left for someone takes on a voice in that persons ear that is totally not the voice you had in your heart? It happens, and it happened to me and I have to say, I was left feeling pretty bad about the whole thing, still do.

Worse yet, being totally unaware that anything I had said would have been offensive, I found out about it via a blog post. My name was not mentioned, but my words jumped off the page at ME as I read the post about the situation. First thing I thought was.."Oh, my gosh...what did I say???" and discovered when I went to reread my words that yes, I did use those certain words, but they were interpreted and taken totally out of content from the way I meant them.

What was worse, I quickly discovered because that is what we do, (go read who the nasty person is that would say such a thing) that my comment was the only one that contained those certain words...so "Outed for all of BLOG LAND to read".......I was crushed. Truly. Not so much as to the "outing" but more so of the fact that my words seemed to carry a voice in someones ear,  that does not match my heart and they were deemed offensive to another person.

In visiting blogs and commenting, I don't know about you, but I read the post and sometimes I just fire off a comment without much thought to how my words will read. I know in my heart and head what I mean by them, but what happens when someone else does not hear it in the same tone or get what you are saying?

It is a lesson for me that I need to be more careful how I say things because the farthermost thing from my heart is to offend someone who I take the time to leave a comment for. I know there are folks out there that do enjoy leaving comments that are not so nice, but I don't fall under that category, that is not who I am.

Likewise, I have often read comments left for others and when I read them, thought to myself..that was rude....but maybe the person who the comment was left for never felt that way. It is all in the way we read something I guess that determines the interpretation. Everyone walks a different path and maybe we pull feelings from words we read from past experiences or hurts in our own lives. What someone says to one person may be fully understood but saying the very same thing to another, well it becomes judgmental and offensive.

My response to all of this was to immediately email the person and tell them that I did not mean what I said the way they read it, and apologize. Honestly, that was probably not the best thing to do either.....but I felt it was right to do.

All I know is I need to be more mindful of how my words will read to someone else because the very last thing I want to do moving forward is to have to apologize for offending anyone and trying to explain that the voice they heard was not the voice of my heart.

Life lesson today: Choose your words very carefully.

A Moment When You Want To Kick Yourself......

Do you ever have those moments......moments you want to kick yourself for doing something crazy.......well, if not....good for you!! I have them frequently and I am wondering about that very thing and how to correct it.


In April, I participated in Bonnie Hunters Yard Sale on the first Saturday. I sold the vintage quilt blocks below as I had them for a while and really felt I was not going to ever put them to good use. Funny thing about that is a lady kept emailing me she wanted the blocks for about a month before I listed them for the  yard sale. That particular lady never followed through and so they were sold right away to Joan.

I received an email from Joan, who purchased the blocks and she wanted me to see what she had done with them. Not many people take the time to follow up on things they purchase and I so appreciate her taking the time to send me a note and these photos of the blocks she purchased. But tell me true.....do you blame me for wanting to kick myself to ever thinking I would not have the time to make a quilt out of those blocks thus deciding to sell them?
 

Here is the note from Joan along with the pictures she sent:

Thought you might like to see what I made from the vintage blocks I bought from you at Bonnie Hunter's yard sale. I have a friend expecting her 4th baby (a girl) on my birthday in August. I thought she deserved a very special quilt. The mom loves vintage everything.

          I cut all the blocks down to 6-1/2". Lost a few points, but who will notice?

The quilt ended up being 51" by 60".


~Joan

Yep....I felt like an idiot for selling those blocks at first, but then I decided that yes, indeed Joan's friend deserved a special quilt for the baby she is expecting and this certainly (in my eyes) turn out to be one special quilt. I simply love what she did with these blocks and truth be told, I don't think I ever would have been able to take the time to actually turn them into a quilt. I hope this treasure is much loved and enjoyed!! I really feel that these blocks did not sell to the first lady, as they were meant for this quilt all along.


 Great job Joan, and thank you so much for sharing it with me!! I hope you don't mind I shared it here for all to admire your amazing work!!

Tell Me Tuesday: Week Seventeen

Welcome to Tell Me Tuesday.....First off the title is a bit deceiving.....it really is not about you telling me anything.... but answering a question truthfully and maybe telling yourself a little something you had not thought about.

I'd love for you to join me each week, and copy the question onto your blog and answer the question....and link back here. I am sure it will be interesting how there will be many different answers to the same question.....and hopefully give each of us something to think about as this new year progresses. My thought is so many people (including myself) are looking for some answers to various things. I have a feeling that the answers are inside needing to be jiggled loose and maybe a question posed a certain way will have a cause and effect in a good way. We will see how it goes! I have committed to this once a week for the whole year of 2012. I'd love for you to take the challenge with me!

I am keeping the rules simple...I'd love to watch this grow as the year goes on.

1. Grab the button on the sidebar if you like so others can find this new writing experience each week.

2. Once you link in, visit the person who linked in before you and leave them a comment. It would be great to visit and leave comments for as many as you can. But at least try and leave the person ahead of you in the link a comment of support.

3. Please link back to my blog and mention Tell Me Tuesday somewhere in your POST. That is it....easy.

Most of all, look at this writing experience with an open mind. Sometimes the questions will be hard...and require some thought. That is a good thing. Other times it will be easy. You can add photos, or whatever you like to your post. It is about you after all. ~ Thanks for joining me.....I hope you enjoy this each week.
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Week Seventeen Question:

What is one thing that people say about you that is not true?


*wince* you know sometimes these questions make me think about things that I would rather just leave alone. Point noticed.


I guess today I would answer this question by saying most people would say I am a good cook, some might even say a great cook. However, in all actuality I feel like I am just average at best. And honestly, if I even fall under the average category these days I am happy to hit that mark. Yes, I feel like I used to be a great cook, but lately not so much. 


For example, this past weekend, I wanted to make a cake I have not made in a long time. I have made it for years and it always turned out great. So this weekend, I proceeded to make that very same cake.....it was not fit to eat. That cake from scratch was so heavy, I feel like if you had dropped it on your foot, you could have injured yourself. Not to mention, I messed the icing up not once....but twice.....such a waste.

This is not the first time I have noticed things not turning out like I know them to be. Sometimes, recipes I have spent years making are just not quiet right. I always secretly wonder what is the reason behind this. 

And if I am honest here, there is always a thought playing in the back of my mind that reminds me of a time when my grandma who was a fantastic cook, but in her failing years, she lost all her cooking abilities. There is always that fear that lurks in the back of my mind and I wonder is that what is happening to me?? Fear is a terrible thing and I really can not believe I have put this out here today. Sigh. Logic tells me I am fine, I feel fine, I know I am fine.....but it bothers me to not have things turn out like I know they have done time and time again in the past. 

So you see why I feel that is the one thing people say about me that is not so truthful these days. I am sure they say lots of other things too.....don't know how much of that would be the truth either...but today....this is on my mind.

Tell Me Tuesday: Week Sixteen

Welcome to Tell Me Tuesday.....First off the title is a bit deceiving.....it really is not about you telling me anything.... but answering a question truthfully and maybe telling yourself a little something you had not thought about.

I'd love for you to join me each week, and copy the question onto your blog and answer the question....and link back here. I am sure it will be interesting how there will be many different answers to the same question.....and hopefully give each of us something to think about as this new year progresses. My thought is so many people (including myself) are looking for some answers to various things. I have a feeling that the answers are inside needing to be jiggled loose and maybe a question posed a certain way will have a cause and effect in a good way. We will see how it goes! I have committed to this once a week for the whole year of 2012. I'd love for you to take the challenge with me!

I am keeping the rules simple...I'd love to watch this grow as the year goes on.

1. Grab the button on the sidebar if you like so others can find this new writing experience each week.

2. Once you link in, visit the person who linked in before you and leave them a comment. It would be great to visit and leave comments for as many as you can. But at least try and leave the person ahead of you in the link a comment of support.

3. Please link back to my blog and mention Tell Me Tuesday somewhere in your POST. That is it....easy.

Most of all, look at this writing experience with an open mind. Sometimes the questions will be hard...and require some thought. That is a good thing. Other times it will be easy. You can add photos, or whatever you like to your post. It is about you after all. ~ Thanks for joining me.....I hope you enjoy this each week.
__________________________________________________

Week Sixteen Question:

What is the best part of being you?

Goodness.....not easy to answer. First, I need to  define "You"

"You" does not mean, mother, wife, teacher, friend, daughter or any other descriptive word....yes those are all things that we are...but not really the "you" part of that question......


I am going to think on this question....and answer later today. Something to think about and look at your "real" self in order answer honestly.......be back later! 
What are your thoughts? What is the best part of being you???  

~ After thinking on this today, I think the best part of being me is the fact I am able to take the hard things that come my way and still weather the storm until better days come. There have been lots of times I felt I would not make it and that my ship would sink, but somehow, with either sheer grit and determination I always pull through. It is not easy as I have found that there are not really enough people in my life that truly understand or take the time to try and understand to lighten the load. It is more of a pull your boots up by the straps and move forward in the muck if you want to see and smell the flowers again. Is it easy? No. But I have done it time and time again. I know some who don't have it in them and never seem to get to the better things in life, they stay in the mud. I am thankful that there is a part of "me" that is able to do that. I am glad I have it in me to know that sunny skies and beautiful flowers are always around the corner.

When Doing The Right Thing Trumps Logic

I told you last week there might be a post about a dachshund this week, and well, I might as well go ahead and share this story.
My brother sent me, my husband and my daughter a text last week with info about a free dachshund. He said the owner needed a good home for the dog. The dog it seemed got the short end of the stick as a result of a major split between a couple and the dog was not being taken care of. First question I asked was it a boy or a girl.

Of course it was a  boy. Now, I really don't have a thing against male dogs...but I really prefer females as a personal choice......at least in the past.

I spoke with the lady about the dog on the phone. Yes, there had been a split between the couple, she took one dog but could not take both. She said the dog was not being taken care of, had lost lots of weight and was not happy at all and she wanted to find him a good home. there goes the tug on the ole heart strings...ahem.

I told her I'd like to come see the dog before I committed to taking him. I explained to her I had three females who were not fixed and of course this guy had not been fixed either. I told her my oldest dog Sophie was just coming out of heat and I needed to wait until that was over before I could bring him home. She said that was not a problem, they would hold him until I could take him, but I still wanted to see him first so I scheduled a time on Saturday to see him.

We met the man at a parking lot (not his home) which, I did not say anything to my husband at the time, but that sent a red flag for me right away. I really wanted to see the dog in the environment in which he had been living.

When the man got out of the car with the dog, I was shocked at what I saw. Not only is this dog the thinnest dog I have ever seen, but his nails were so long, they curled up under his feet and he was covered in fleas. He clearly was not being fed or properly taken care of and that was all it took for the decision to be made.  I told the guy we were taking him right then and there did he have anything he wanted to send from home with the dog. Of course he did not.

Fist thing we did when we got home was put the three girls outside and cut his nails. Next a bath and then the introductions. It is a fair understatement to say that was a fiasco!  My three girls, one thinking they are the queen (Sophie) and the other two thinking they are princesses (Dora and Bailey) were not having any part of some stranger invading their castle.....but as they say, after a bit of time and Sophie reinforcing who was boss...all sorta calmed down.

Dora does not care much for him, but she has taken on the ignoring stance! Bailey, is so docile that she just sorta snarls when she wants to be left alone. Sophie on the other hand, after she was sure he knew who was boss....decided he might not be so bad. And if you don't think I am worn out by keeping these two apart...well, it has been a sight! So far so good....thank goodness, Sophie is almost out of this heat business and once that happens, it will be a lot calmer. Sleeping arrangements for my husband and I have been slightly altered. But at this point it can not be helped! And no, we don't want to kennel him. We feel he needs lots of love and he is already so attached to me it is like he is my second shadow in line behind Bailey.

The photos don't really show how thin he is. In fact, my brother stopped by our house last night and was shocked as well at how thin he was. He even commented that he did not look so bad in the photos I had posted on facebook. He is on a diet of cooked chicken breast and dog food twice a day. He won't eat treats, but I am sure in time he will figure out what those are in due time. He will be going to the vet as soon as I feel he is back on the road to getting a little meat on his bones. He is still very young, just a little over a year.....and he is sooo sweet!!

Sunday, I wanted to put a collar on him and try to get him used to a leash and collar. I only had girly collars the the other dogs had out grown, and I thought he needed something a little more for a big boy!! So I took this princess collar and added some scraps and turned it into this....

I think it is so cute!!! This is the only sewing I got done over the weekend, besides a doggie diaper for Sophie....it was more like must do sewing -  but it had to be done!!!

Look how cute he is in his new collar! We put a leash  him and well and that was like a bucking bronco show at the rodeo, but he will take to that too, in time.

So this little guy is here to stay, he really is a sweet little guy and he minds well, and learned right away what the doggie door is for! He certainly wrapped himself all around my heart rather quickly....go figure!!

I see at least four trips to the vet in the future.....three spays and one neuter. I am sure once that is all taken care of it will be a lot less stressful!! I just really hope this is the last text message I get about  a free dog that needs a good home.

Logically, we were already full at this inn.....but sometimes logic does not come into play. Sammie (Sam) we already love you and know you will love it with us! After all, it would be hard to find a better home than the one you have landed in....after all.....the dogs here RULE!!

Tell Me Tuesday: Week Twelve

Welcome to Tell Me Tuesday.....First off the title is a bit deceiving.....it really is not about you telling me anything.... but answering a question truthfully and maybe telling yourself a little something you had not thought about.

I'd love for you to join me each week, and copy the question onto your blog and answer the question....and link back here. I am sure it will be interesting how there will be many different answers to the same question.....and hopefully give each of us something to think about as this new year progresses. My thought is so many people (including myself) are looking for some answers to various things. I have a feeling that the answers are inside needing to be jiggled loose and maybe a question posed a certain way will have a cause and effect in a good way. We will see how it goes! I have committed to this once a week for the whole year of 2012. I'd love for you to take the challenge with me!

I am keeping the rules simple...I'd love to watch this grow as the year goes on.

1. Grab the button on the sidebar if you like so others can find this new writing experience each week.

2. Once you link in, visit the person who linked in before you and leave them a comment. It would be great to visit and leave comments for as many as you can. But at least try and leave the person ahead of you in the link a comment of support.

3. Please link back to my blog and mention Tell Me Tuesday somewhere in your POST. That is it....easy.

Most of all, look at this writing experience with an open mind. Sometimes the questions will be hard...and require some thought. That is a good thing. Other times it will be easy. You can add photos, or whatever you like to your post. It is about you after all. ~ Thanks for joining me.....I hope you enjoy this each week.


Week Twelve Question:

What  should you avoid to improve your life?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 


Oh goodness, this is a loaded question and as much as I hate to admit certain things here on the blog I guess the best way is to just say it and be done with it. As I sit here and type these words, I feel a since of dread for writing what I know I am going to say. I am sure some won't think it such a big deal, but for me it has been a great source of mixed feelings and emotions.


Honestly, I think the one thing I should avoid and at the very least limit to at least a minimum is my time on Facebook. I know you have read before my mixed feelings on this subject, but recently it seems to have been pushed to the foremost front of my mind and I still seem to have a love/hate relationship with the whole social networking site. 


One of the things that Facebook does for me in a negative sense is I find I am always comparing my life with others I am friends with. When I read their status updates many appear to have perfect lives full of things I find my own life lacking, perfect friends, perfect families, perfect relationships, perfect happiness. I find myself more times than not, comparing and wondering why I feel at times my own life comes up short when compared to what I read on this social network site. I do have enough sense to know that most of what is put on Facebook is only a fraction of what is true or at the very least you could compare it to looking through rose colored glasses all the time. I know that all of this information is not as perfect as it seems, but yet it still makes me question my own life and it often leaves me feeling not so good about myself.

Another thing is I guess there is an unspoken etiquette surrounding Facebook that I just don't seem to grasp.  Is it expected of someone to read each and every status update and respond appropriately? Whether it be hitting the like button or pouring out a sugar dripping comment to stroke someone's ego? I can not tell you how many times I read comments left on a status update and think, "seriously......." I guess I just don't get it and it causes me lots of pain and frustration in my heart. Almost like the pain of  my teenage years and feeling like I walk around and hold my breath and hope I don't say or do the wrong thing. Don't get me wrong, it is not that I don't leave comments to status updates, but I don't feel the need to leave one every single time someone has something to say. Maybe this is just a problem I have and maybe that is where my focus should really be directed more towards myself.


Facebook for me has taken the personal relationships away and turned it into cyber relationships. I miss the phone calls from friends, as it is just easier and quicker to check a Facebook update and say something there. I have thought about this a lot, and I know the convenience of Facebook has just taken the calling a friend out of the picture. Most of you know how big I am on Birthday cards...especially those for seniors and I work on keeping that important aspect alive today. Facebook notifies you when someone has a birthday or anniversary and all you have to do is type a couple of words and send the message. Don't have to buy a card, or a stamp or take the time to send a personal message anymore...it is as simple as a click of a keyboard. It has become unpersonalized. I have been guilty of this very thing and it does not make me feel good about myself in any shape form or fashion....I am better than that and I know I am.

I really have been looking at this very subject a while, and for all the new cyber-relationships that have been reunited on this social media site, it sure has a lot of undesired feelings of not measuring up for me.  Maybe if I stepped away from this for a while, I'd be able to get my own life and thoughts back in perspective. I know it is not right to always compare yourself with others, and I try not to do that, but for some reason, Facebook is the negative avenue for this very thing in my life. I am sure if you read this silly post to the very end, you are thinking..this lady is off her rocker...and I often wonder if maybe that is just the problem... But I do know that I need to focus more time on what I have to offer and what my journey is about and leave the influences that cause my train of thought to veer off track alone for a while. I am not sure if eliminating this would improve my life entirely, but it sure would improve some of the feelings I have been having surrounding it at least. Seriously if anything you are doing in your life causes distress and negative feelings inside yourself...it is time to re-evaluate what you are doing and make a change. Yep...need to take my own advice......

Update: Quilt Blocks for Shannon

Hello Friends ~ I'd like to thank each of you who has taken the time and effort to send a block for the quilt for Shannon. During the logistics of getting this worked out and live on the blogs asking for help in this project, I am sad to have to report that Shannon lost her battle with brain cancer and has left this world. She is free from all the pain and suffering and now whole and free.

It is my desire to make this quilt in hopes of it becoming a remembrance quilt for her family. I have been informed that the family has requested their privacy and to be allowed to grieve in private in the days to come. I can only imagine if I walked in their shoes, how I would feel and can only respect that.

During this same time, the opportunity came to light about a baby boy named Crew, who was born with his bladder outside of his body, he is so young and has undergone lots of surgeries in a short amount of time. You can read about this sweet boy HERE. Be sure to scroll back in the post to get the whole story if you'd like.

Since, I have received an abundance of blocks, and I know more are on the way. My thinking is I'd like to take the blocks that are gender neutral and combine them with a few boy blocks for this little baby and make two quilts that I hope will bless these two families. I think with the blocks donated, we should be able to hopefully give the parents a boost and encouragement that there are folks praying for their baby and care. I plan on including names and locations of the donated blocks with each quilt and let these folks know that love, prayers and concern came from all over during their walk down these dark days.

I want to let you know my plans and if you sent in blocks for one quilt, you may find them placed in the second quilt for the little boy, and I hope that does not offend anyone. Some blocks that were sent may be split up and will go into both quilts. Please pray for both of these families and the days ahead.

If you have any thoughts or concerns, please let me know either by email or in the comment section. I so appreciate the outpouring and love everyone displayed in this project. Some things just are not in our hands and we have no control over.

Blessings~ When these tops are constructed and ready to be off to the quilter I will post the photos here on the blog. I am working on these now and hope to make some good progress this week.

Tell Me Tuesday: Week Nine

Welcome to Tell Me Tuesday.....First off the title is a bit deceiving.....it really is not about you telling me anything.... but answering a question truthfully and maybe telling yourself a little something you had not thought about.

I'd love for you to join me each week, and copy the question onto your blog and answer the question....and link back here. I am sure it will be interesting how there will be many different answers to the same question.....and hopefully give each of us something to think about as this new year progresses. My thought is so many people (including myself) are looking for some answers to various things. I have a feeling that the answers are inside needing to be jiggled loose and maybe a question posed a certain way will have a cause and effect in a good way. We will see how it goes! I have committed to this once a week for the whole year of 2012. I'd love for you to take the challenge with me!

I am keeping the rules simple...I'd love to watch this grow as the year goes on.

1. Grab the button on the sidebar if you like so others can find this new writing experience each week.

2. Once you link in, visit the person who linked in before you and leave them a comment. It would be great to visit and leave comments for as many as you can. But at least try and leave the person ahead of you in the link a comment of support.

3. Please link back to my blog and mention Tell Me Tuesday somewhere in your POST. That is it....easy.

Most of all, look at this writing experience with an open mind. Sometimes the questions will be hard...and require some thought. That is a good thing. Other times it will be easy. You can add photos, or whatever you like to your post. It is about you after all. ~ Thanks for joining me.....I hope you enjoy this each week.


Week Nine Question:

 Is it out of reach? Or have you just not stretched yourself far enough?
 _________________________________________ 

This week, the question is very interesting. The first part reads:  is it out of reach? What is the "It" part of that question for you? For me, the "It" part could mean a number of things. The answer really should be nothing is ever out of reach if you really want it.


I hear over and over people that reach the "it" in their lives tell others how they too can get to the same point. The are quick to tell us all what we need to do to get there and while it seems so very easy hearing them speak of how they got the "it" they wanted, I wonder why it is not easy for others.


I think we all are individuals who want to walk the same paths as those who have achieved what they want in life, but honestly we are all not the same. I know for myself there are lots of variables that have kept me from stretching myself like I know I can. For others, there is a lot of muck in their lives that keep them from stretching to their full potential and achieving the goals the want. The hardest part of this equation is to know if you want to follow a certain path or reach a goal that you have set for yourself you must first be willing to walk through the muck.


Sometimes, people will hinder your growth or achievement with negativity. It does not matter if you have the best idea or intention in the world, if the people who you surround yourself with are not individuals to offer support and encouragement it will be hard to follow through. Many people are just sitting waiting to grab on to your shirt tail and let you make things happen for yourself so it will benefit themselves. That has happened to me so many times that so many great plans were tossed away because the burden of carrying everyone else should I reach my "it" was just more than I could carry. I know some of the best things in my life were stopped cold with negative energy others offered when I presented an idea I had about something. They may have not had the gumption to say it to my face, but they sure talked it to death behind my back and sent the negative vibes my way. I don't care what anyone says, negative energy effects us all.


Stretching yourself means you have to believe in yourself, that is key. It means when others don't see the dreams you have the way you do, it is ok. Stretching yourself sometimes means not sharing your plans but working towards them on your own. Stretching yourself requires eliminating the negative energy from your life and replacing it with positive things and influences. Stretching yourself means knowing it is possible to reach whatever "it" you are wanting to get to in your life. It is knowing you may have to fight to get there, but pray for the strength to endure the hard walk to get where you want to be. Stretching yourself means fighting all the "what if's" in worrying that something might not work out and start worrying about the "what if's" if I don't do this.


Out of reach? No......just need to visualize yourself holding that "it" in your hands and stretching over the muck that has been holding you back.


What about you?? Thoughts??

Tell Me Tuesday: Week Eight

Welcome to Tell Me Tuesday.....First off the title is a bit deceiving.....it really is not about you telling me anything.... but answering a question truthfully and maybe telling yourself a little something you had not thought about.

I'd love for you to join me each week, and copy the question onto your blog and answer the question....and link back here. I am sure it will be interesting how there will be many different answers to the same question.....and hopefully give each of us something to think about as this new year progresses. My thought is so many people (including myself) are looking for some answers to various things. I have a feeling that the answers are inside needing to be jiggled loose and maybe a question posed a certain way will have a cause and effect in a good way. We will see how it goes! I have committed to this once a week for the whole year of 2012. I'd love for you to take the challenge with me!

I am keeping the rules simple...I'd love to watch this grow as the year goes on.

1. Grab the button on the sidebar if you like so others can find this new writing experience each week.

2. Once you link in, visit the person who linked in before you and leave them a comment. It would be great to visit and leave comments for as many as you can. But at least try and leave the person ahead of you in the link a comment of support.

3. Please link back to my blog and mention Tell Me Tuesday somewhere in your POST. That is it....easy.

Most of all, look at this writing experience with an open mind. Sometimes the questions will be hard...and require some thought. That is a good thing. Other times it will be easy. You can add photos, or whatever you like to your post. It is about you after all. ~ Thanks for joining me.....I hope you enjoy this each week.


Week Eight Question:

What three words would you use to describe the last three months of your life? 

At the end of the next three months, what three words do you hope to be able to use to describe your life at that point?
 _________________________________________ 

The three words that would describe my life in the last three months would have to be routine, challenging and stressful.

The three words that I hope will describe the ending of the next three months of my life would ideally be accomplished, productive, exciting. 

Side note: I thought this would be easy. Not so. Very thought provoking for me. I found myself trying to use words that described my "feelings" and not actual words that truthfully described my "life" not anything else. Interesting for me.  What about you? What three words come to mind when asked this question?