Fast-Forward

Almost Hell Instead Of Almost Heaven If THIS Nasty Bill Passes!!!

2007-01-28T13:18:00.000-05:00

The woman who sent me this (Vicki S.) isn't some kind of do-gooder outsider who has no idea about the needs of the handicapped.

She, herself, has cerebral palsy to the degree that she needs a wheelchair.

Whether or not you're from West Virginia, please sign this petition! I'm from Indiana, and you can bet my signature will be on it shortly after I post this!

P.S. I thought there was a petition to sign, but there isn't. However there are certainly a lot of names to contact, and I would encourage you to contact at least some of them and stop this dangerous bill!

For immediate release 1-28-2007

HB 2506

ADAPT WV

Vicki L. Shaffer

304-598-0346

For a few years now the West Virginia Legislature has had a "Do not resuscitate Bill." With the help of many disability advocacy organizations we have been able to defeat this bill - even though it scarily swept through the House last year.

This is a bill that if passed will give doctors the final say on your life. It will not matter what your Advanced Directive says or what "your wishes" may be. Doctors will have the final say on whether or not to perform CPR on you or your loved one. The text of this bill can be found by going to:

http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?year=2007&sessiontype=RS

Even though the bill claims it is for terminally ill patients we have learned how "terminally ill" can be misinterpreted. Terri Schindler-Schiavo was not terminally ill. Even though this year our legislators who introduced the bill have taken out language such as people with disabilities - we are quite certain due to the vulnerability of these individuals and how society views people with disabilities there is a chance this bill will once again target the disability community. We also feel that those lives of our aging community will be disregarded.

We, at ADAPT WV are asking that our legislature view the wishes and lives of all West Virginians of importance and to not support this bill. We are also calling on the support of the disability community, Not Dead Yet, West Virginians for Life, AARP, The Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation and other organizations or people who believe that an individuals rights should be protected to help stop this bill.

The bill is now in the Judiciary Committee of the Legislature. We are asking that people write, call or email those members to stop the bill before it goes out of that Committee. Those members are:

Delegate Webster-Chair cwebste1@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3252

Delegate Proudfoot-Vice Chair bproud@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3248

Delegate Ellem- Minority Chair jellem@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3394

Delegate Overington-Minority Vice Chair john@overington.com Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3148

Delegate Brown bbrown1@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3106

Delegate Burdiss mburdiss@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3111

Delegate Fleischauer barbaraf@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3169

Delegate Guthrie nguthrie@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3156

Delegate Hrutkay lhrutkay@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3134

Delegate Kessler mkessler@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3163

Delegate Long mclong@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3120

Delegate Longstreth llongstr@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3124

Delegate Mahan vmahan@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3102

Delegate Miley timmiley@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3145

Delegate Moore cmoore@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3189

Delegate Pino jpino@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3170

Delegate Shook ashook@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3173

Delegate Stemple wlstempl@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3112

Delegate Tabb rtabb@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3274

Delegate Varner svarner@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3187

Delegate Tom Azinger tazinger@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3202

Delegate Hamilton bhamilt@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3167

Delegate Lane patlane@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3275

Delegate Schadler rschadler@adelphia.net Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3191

Delegate Sobonya E-mail: ksobonya@mail.wvnet.edu Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3175

Imitation Is The Best Form Of Flattery

2007-01-27T15:07:00.000-05:00

Hosted by Sparkle Tags

IMITATION
Is The Best Form Of Flattery

(shared by Jackie C.)

A few people emailed me and said that there is this singer that copies everything I do, LOL. If I make a move, she copies it. If I do a page a certain way, or take a photograph a certain way, she copies it. My reactions was, "So what." I don't really pay attention to her or anyone else really. Imitation is the best form of flattery. If someone is copying you it is because they aren't creative enough on their own to come up with their own ideas, and there must be something about you that they admire.

People have always said that I write unique lyrics and they ask how I do that. I know this may sound funny, but it's because growing up, I never listened to other people's music that much. I would hear songs on the radio now and then, don't get me wrong. I would hear a Paul Simon song I liked, Don Henley, I even flew in a private plane with Don Henley all the way to Nice once and we talked the whole time, I mean, I would hear songs, in fact, Smokey Robinson lives around the corner from me, LOL and I have chatted with him and his wife), I've met lots of artists. My husband's station helped to make Jim Brickman "Valentine" with Martina McBride, famous, because they pushed him, and I've met him, gosh, the people I 've met through the years, and the songs I've heard that struck a chord through the years, there have certainly been some. But I never stopped and said, "I've got to copy that artist." And that's why I sound like Jackie Carlyle. It's because I'm heartfelt, and what comes out of me, is "me." And I suppose you appreciate it because you leave such loving comments on my site.

But not everyone has their own unique perspective on life and they need a little help, so they have to copy others. I'm flattered, more than anything, that someone would look to me to copy anything I do, a website, a song, a photo. It just says they admire me.

I never compete with anyone. I don't care what someone else does with their live. That's their life. I have my own life to live. Isn't one life enough? It's enough just trying to be a better person. Hahaha. I've lived through Cancer, and 2 near death experiences, and the loss of a brother to cancer 4 years ago and my father when he was just a young man. He was a quadrapalegic and we took care of him at home for 4 years, where most people would have put a paralyzed man in an institution. My character speaks for itself.

My friends, there will always be bullys and copycats in life. And their work reflects who they are. If you spend your time looking inward instead of busy worrying about what everyone else is doing, then you will find that unique connection to the Higher Power. That's where it is. I will quote you a line from one of my songs. This person can never write like this because they don't think like this. They are too busy competing with everyone on the outside. You have to "Be a real person" to write like one. There is no copying that will allow you to write this kind of material. It comes from a real connection with a Higher source. It comes "through you" as a gift you were given; a gift you were born with.

NO ONE EVER SAID THAT LIFE WAS EASY
AND NO ONE REALLY KNOWS WHY WE ARE HERE
SOMETIMES I THINK OUR LIVES ARE LIKE A CANVAS
IT'S BEST TO START TO PAINT WHEN WE ARE CLEAR

AND SOMEWHERE THERE MUST BE A HIGHER POWER
'CAUSE SOMETIMES I CAN FEEL IT IN MY CORE
IT MAY BE THE KEY LIES HIGH UP IN THE HEAVENS
BUT INSIDE OURSELVES IS WHERE WE'LL FIND THE DOOR

If she needs to keep looking to me for inspiration or to find the right road. I'm here for her too.

With love,

Jackie Carlyle

To my friends, please repost if you have time because it's a good message to remember for everyone. If you don't have time, that's okay too. BE YOURSELVES!!!

The Cab Ride (Sent by Vicki S. on 1/22/07

2007-01-22T14:47:00.000-05:00

THE CAB RIDE

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. When I arrived at

2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a

ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers

would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, and then drive

away.

But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on

taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation

smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger

might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to

myself.

So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute",

answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being

dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80's

stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox

hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as

if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered

with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on

the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with

photos and glassware.

"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the

suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. "It's nothing", I told

her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my

mother treated".

"Oh, you're such a good boy", she said. When we got in the cab,

she gave me an address, and then asked, "Could you drive

through downtown?"

"It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly.

"Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to

a hospice".

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I

don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I

don't have very long." I quietly reached over and shut off the

meter.

"What route would you like me to take?" I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed

me the building where she had once worked as an elevator

operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her

husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull

up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a

ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building

or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying

nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly

said, "I'm tired. Let's go now"

We drove in silence to the address she had given me.It was a

low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway

that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up.

They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They

must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The

woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

"How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse.

"Nothing," I said

"You have to make a living," she answered. "There are other

passengers," I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and

gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

"You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said.

"Thank you."

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning

light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of

a life

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove

aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could

hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or

one who was impatient to end his shift?

What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once,

then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more

important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great

moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped

in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT 'YOU DID,

OR WHAT YOU SAID, ~BUT~THEY WILL ALWAYS

REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

You won't get any big surprise in 10 days if you send this to ten

people.

But, you might help make the world a little kinder and more

compassionate by sending it on.

Thank you, my friend...

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here

we might as well dance.

Now You See It--Now You Don't...

2006-11-30T14:45:00.000-05:00

This is just a note to apologize for when graphics go blank in this blog. Some graphics are meant to be permanent, while others are meant to be for just a glimpse. Hopefully, you'll get a glimpse of even the most temporary ones. No matter what, please return to visit often...

Big, Special Rock Shared By Vicki S.

2006-11-30T04:44:00.000-05:00

I'm told that there is a huge rock near a gravel pit on Hwy. 25 in rural Iowa.For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times. A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job, and since then it has been left completely undisturbed. It's quite an impressive sight. Be sure to scroll down and check out the multiple photos (all angles) of the rock. I thought the flag was draped over the rock, but it's not. It's actually painted on the rock too.

Here's the artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen.

AWESOME Work, RAY...Thank you!

"God Bless America"

There Are People Who Believe This Woman Should Get The Death Penalty--Do You?

2006-11-23T23:36:00.000-05:00

I've just received a very moving Thanksgiving message from one of my favorite e-pals.

There are some people in this world who believe that she should get the death penalty, but I definitely don't agree with that kind of mindset.

No, Vicki isn't on some prison death row.

Her only crime is having cerebral palsy to such a degree that she's dependent on various people for her care.

Sadly, there are people in this world who might want to euthanize her because she doesn't meet their standards of having a good quality of life (whatever *THAT* is supposed to mean...).

Don't even *THINK* of telling me that I'm talking crazy!

This has happened before!

Yes, you say, in Nazi countries, and it happened over 60 years ago. It can't possibly happen now!

Don't put on blinders!

We saw what happened to Terri Schindler Schiavo back in March of 2005. We hear the reports of doctors who have even gotten the right to refuse to treat handicapped babies and children even when their parents want treatment to take place. Not a choice (as in living will) of those babies--and not even a choice of those who should be seen as their primary caregivers: their parents.

In other countries such as The Netherlands, active euthanasia is even used to "off" little babies with spina-bifida--this in spite of the fact that there are adults out there living actual normal lives who were diagnosed and treated for this condition. Even the ones whose lives have challenges that aren't of the average kind are living happy, high-quality lives.

Anyway, let me share with you what Vicki sent to various ones of her friends--and I don't see how anyone, after reading this, could say that Vicki is a useless feeder and should be euthanized.

Yet, there are those out there who might still believe that this is the way that it should be.

The link at the bottom to Terri's memorial website was part of what she included in her message rather than being added by me...

I have much to be thankful for with friends like you

I have De'vante and Johnna which equals angels of two

I had a very big delicious meal with friends and people I consider family

I am thankful for my many Internet friends

Especially Cheryl and Paul which equals more angels of two

I miss my dear friend Terri that sometimes makes me blue

I have a message to her family be thankful that she is the angel that looks out for us

Remember those that hold you in their hearts

As I have done today

I am thankful that I am not in a nursing home, jail or institution

I am thankful that I talked to all my family today with just the ring of a phone

I am thankful that I can laugh to my favorite comic Josh Blue

I am thankful for the friends that keep fighting for justice

Especially those who fight for me when I can't fight that day

I am thankful that I have a mouth that talks

I am thankful for the pumpkin pie that touched my lips today

I am thankful that I can right these thoughts to you.

Happy turkey day to all of my favorite turkeys

I love you all this Thanksgiving night

Written By: Vicki L. Shaffer

Vicki

To read about Terri Schindler-Schiavo order the book Our fight4terri at www.fight4terri.com. We must keep up the fight for people with disabilities, and FREE OUR PEOPLE!

Thanksgiving Divorce (From Fran)

2006-11-14T11:36:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Divorce

A man in Phoenix calls his son in New York the day before Thanksgiving
and says, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your
mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.

"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams.

We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the father says.
"We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you
call your sister in Chicago and tell her."

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone "Like heck
they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this." She
calls Phoenix immediately, and screams at her father, "You are NOT
getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling
my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a
thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "Okay" he says,
"they're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own way."

Boy Howdy! This Chili Tale Is HOT!!!

2006-10-18T19:34:00.000-04:00

Sent my way by Ron D.

If you can read this whole story without laughing, then there's
NO Hope for you. I was crying by the end. Apparently, this is an actual
account as relayed to paramedics at a chili cook-off in Texas.

Note: Please take time to read this slowly. If you pay attention
to the first two judges, there action of the third judge is even better.
For those of you who have lived in Texas, you know how true this is.
They actually have a Chili Cook-off about the time Halloween comes
around. It takes up a major portion of a parking lot at the San Antonio
City Park.

Judge ..3 was an inexperienced Chili taster named Frank, who was
visiting from Springfield, IL.

Frank: "Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a
chili Cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment
and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table, asking for
directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was
assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't
be all that spicy; and, besides, they told me I could have free beer
during the tasting, so I accepted and became Judge 3."

Here are the scorecard notes from the event:

CHILI .. 1- MIKE'S MANIAC MONSTER CHILI...

Judge .. 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.

Judge .. 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.

Judge .. 3 (Frank) -- Holy crap, what the hell is this stuff?
You could remove dried paint from your driveway.Took me two beers to put
the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.

CHILI .. 2- ARIAL AUSTIN'S AFTER BURNER CHILI...

Judge .. 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.

Judge .. 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be
taken seriously.

Judge .. 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not
sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two
people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in
more beer when they saw the look on my face.

CHILI .. 3- FRED'S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI...

Judge .. 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick.

Judge .. 2 -- A bit salty, good use of peppers.

Judge .. 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My
nose feels like I have been snorting Drano.Everyone knows the routine by
now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back,
and now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting
@!&&-faced from all of the beer.

CHILI .. 4- BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC...

Judge .. 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice.
Disappointing.

Judge .. 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish
for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.

Judge .. 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but
was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burnout taste buds? Sally, the
beer maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. This 300 lb. Woman
is starting to look HOT...just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is
chili an aphrodisiac?

CHILI .. 5 LISA'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER...

Judge .. 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly
ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.

Judge .. 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato.
Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.

Judge .. 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my
forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted, and four people
behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told
her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from
bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if
I'm burning my lips off. It really ticks me off that the other judges
asked me to stop screaming. Screw them.

CHILI .. 6- VERA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY...

Judge .. 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good
balance of spices and peppers.

Judge .. 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions,
and garlic. Superb

Judge .. 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with
gaseous, sulfuric flames. I crapped on myself when I farted, and I'm
worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand
behind me except that Sally. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe
my butt with a snow cone.

CHILI .. 7- SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI...

Judge .. 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned
peppers.

Judge .. 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a
can of chili peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am
worried about Judge 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is
cursing uncontrollably.

Judge .. 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin,
and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world
sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili,
which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match
my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've
decided to stop breathing. It's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting
any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the
4-inch hole in my stomach.

CHILI .. 8- BIG TOM'S TOENAIL CURLING CHILI...

Judge .. 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili.
Not too bold but spicy enough to declare itsexistence.

Judge .. 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili.
Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge
..3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top
of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. poor feller, wonder how
he'd have reacted to really hot chili?

Judge .. 3 - No Report.

Tribute To Steve Irwin

2006-09-29T20:54:00.000-04:00

Sent to me by Denise D. who discovered it at a place called Break. Not the original link, because I put it through TinyURL (more on that in a minute).

Enjoy the tribute!

I found out about TinyURL by reading a review by Margaret. I've been going wild with it ever since. I guess that--along with its being practical--I just like its name because it reminds me of this place. (So does Steve Irwin and his critters!).

Very Moving And Meaningful!

2006-09-28T02:34:00.000-04:00

Better get a tissue and if you're scared to cry in front of other people because of a stupid email, then wait until you get somewhere private to read this one. Very sad.

I was walking around in a store. I saw a cashier
> hand this little boy his money back saying "I'm sorry,
> but you don't have enough money to buy This doll."
>
> Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to
> him: ''Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?"
>
> The old lady replied: ''You know that you don't
> have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.''
>
> Then she asked him to stay there for 5 minutes
> while she went to look around. She left quickly.
>
> The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand.
>
> Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who
> he wished to give this doll to.
>
> "It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted
> so much for this Christmas. She was so sure that
> Santa Claus would bring it to her."
>
> I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus will bring
> it to her after all, and not to worry.
>
> But he replied to me sadly. "No, Santa Claus can't
> bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the
> doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my
> sister when she goes there."
>
> His eyes were so sad while saying this. "My sister
> has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy
> is going to see God very soon too, so I thought
> that she could take the doll with her to give it to
> my sister.''
>
> My heart nearly stopped.
>
> The little boy looked up at me and said: "I told Daddy
> to tell Mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I
> come back from the mall."
>
> Then he showed me a very nice photo of him where he
> was laughing. He then told me "I want mommy to take
> my picture with her so she won't forget me."
>
>
> "I love my Mommy and I wish she doesn't have to leave
> me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my
> little sister."
>
> Then he looked again at the doll with sad ryes,
> very quietly.
>
> I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy.
> "What if we checked again, just in case you do have
> enough money?''
>
> "OK" he said "I hope that I have enough." I added some
> of my money to his without him seeing and we started
> to count it. There was enough for the doll and even
> some spare money.
>
> The little boy said: "Thank you God for giving me
> enough money!"
>
> Then he looked at me and added "I asked yesterday
> before I slept for God to make sure I have enough
> money to buy this doll so that mommy can give it to
> my sister. He heard me!''
>
> "I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white
> rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for
> too much. But He gave me enough to buy the Doll
> and a White Rose.''
>
> "My Mommy loves White Roses."
>
> A few minutes later, the old lady came again and I
> left with my basket.
>
> I finished my shopping in a totally different state from
> when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind.
>
> Then I remembered a local newspaper article two days
> ago, which mentioned of a drunk man in a truck, who hit
> a car, where there was one young lady and a little Girl.
>
> The little girl died right away, and the Mother was left in
> a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull
> the plug on the Life-assisting machine, because the
> young lady would not be able to recover from the coma.
>
> Was this the family of the little boy?
>
> Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read
> in the newspaper that the young lady had passed away.
>
> I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white
> roses and I went to the funeral home where the body
> of the young woman was there for people to view and
> make last wishes before the burial.
>
> She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white
> rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the
> doll placed over her chest.
>
> I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had
> been changed forever.. The love that this little boy
> had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day,
> hard to imagine. And in a fraction of a second, a
> drunk driver had taken all this away from him.
>
>
>
>
> The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:
>
> "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control,
> mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms
> tearing up the country from one end to another,
> and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks.
> "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out
> of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
>

Have A Wonderful Day - - GOD BLESS YOU - - JAGUARDOG - RON

Thi$ I$ From $haren!

2006-09-24T02:17:00.000-04:00

Read to the end for a solution.

Verily I say unto ye..........
Money

It can buy a house

But not a home

It can buy a clock

But not time

It can buy you a position

But not respect

It can buy you a bed

But not sleep

It can buy you a book

But not knowledge

It can buy you medicine

But not health

It can buy you blood

But not life

So you see money isn't everything

And it often causes pain and suffering

I tell you this because I am your friend

And as your friend I want to

Take away your pain and suffering!!

So
Send me all your money

And I will suffer for you!

Cash only please!

After all, what are friends for, huh??

I HOPE THIS MADE YOU SMILE!!!
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE!
MONEY CAN'T BUY GOOFY E-MAILS, EITHER!!
They come from your crazy friends!

Ron Has Just Sent Me Murphy's Other Laws--ENJOY!

2006-08-24T17:56:00.000-04:00

MURPHY'S OTHER LAWS

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

A day without sunshine is like, well, night.

Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.

Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.

Just remember...if the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off.

The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.

It is said that if you line up all the cars in the world end to end, someone would be stupid enough to try to pass them.

If the shoe fits, get another one just like it.

The things that come to those that wait may be the things left by those who got there first.

Flashlight: A case for holding dead batteries.

The shin bone is a device for finding furniture.

A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well.

When you go into court, you are putting yourself in the hands of 12 people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.

Have A Wonderful Day - - GOD BLESS YOU - - JAGUARDOG - RON

Princess Treatment Aboard The Princess!

2006-04-17T15:55:00.000-04:00

Pam sent this cutie to me! I'm not sure how long the picture will last, because a lot of these pictures fade with time, but enjoy it while you can. Even after the picture is gone, the message will still be there, and it certainly is a message that will make you think...

Hmmm...looks as if cute picture is gone already. Anyway, message is still there, so enjoy!

Here it is....

NO NURSING HOME FOR ME

No Nursing Home for Me

About 2 years ago my wife and I were on a cruise through the western Mediterranean aboard a Princess liner. At dinner we noticed an elderly lady sitting alone along the rail of the grand stairway in the maindining room. I also noticed that all the staff, shipsofficers, waiters, busboys, etc., all seemed veryfamiliar with this lady. I asked our waiter who the lady was, expecting to betold that she owned the line, but he said he only knewthat she had been on board for the last four cruises,back-to-back.

As we left the dining room one evening I caught hereye and stopped to say hello. We chatted and I said, "I understand you've been on this ship for the last four cruises". She replied, "Yes, that's true." Istated, "I don't understand" and she replied, withouta pause, "It's cheaper than a nursing home".

So, there will be no nursing home in my future. When I get old and feeble, I am going to get on a PrincessCruise Ship. The average cost for a nursing home is $200 per day. I have checked on reservations on aPrincess and I can get a long term discount and senior discount price of $135 per day. That leaves $65 a day for:

1. Gratuities which will only be $10 per day.

2 I will have as many as 10 meals a day if I can waddle to the restaurant, or I can have room service(which means I can have breakfast-in-bed every day of the week).

3. Princess has as many as three swimming pools, aworkout room, free washers and dryers, and shows everynight.

4. They have free toothpaste and razors, and free soap and shampoo.

5 They will even treat you like a customer, not apatient. An extra $5 worth of tips will have the entire staff scrambling to help you.

6. I will get to meet new people every 7 or 14 days.

7. T. V. broken? Light bulb need changing? Need to havethe mattress replaced? No Problem! They will fix everything and apologize for your inconvenience.

8. Clean sheets and towels every day, and you don't even have to ask for them.

9. If you fall in the nursing home and break a hip you are on Medicare; if you fall and break a hip on the Princess ship they will upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life.

Now hold on for the best! Do you want to see South America, the Panama Canal, Tahiti, Australia, NewZealand, Asia, or name where you want to go?

Princess will have a ship ready to go. So don't look for me in a nursing home, just call shore to ship.

PS: And don't forget, when you die, they just dump youover the side -- at no charge.

Start Spreading The News!!!

2006-04-13T18:01:00.000-04:00

I've just gotten the following e-mail from Can who has sent this message out to a whole bunch of us and definitely giving her blessing to pass this along--and so I am! This includes here; at least one other blog; to people on my e-mail list who don't mind getting forwarded mail; and anywhere else I can think of! Take note of the e-mail option at the bottom of this blog-entry so that you can be a big help and further spread the great news in this e-mail...

Hello, friends!

At last it's come! It's come at last! The day I knew would come at least has come at last!!!

TEEN TREND MAGAZINE IS AVAILABLE FOR SUBSCRIPTION!!

As many of you already know, I (along with a slew of writers and others) have been working out butts off to crank out the Premiere issue. Well, the premiere issue is now at the press. A limited edition was released, but the testers went over so well that we are now available for subscription! I cannot begin to express to you how excited I am about this.

However, there are only 25,000 copies available for June. And the only people that are going to be able to get free copies are thise that contributed to the magazine. You see, I am about to be interviewed on the Sean Hannity Show which airs over more than 500 radio stations. I know that we are going to get a ton of subscriptions from his listener base. (It is quite daunting and a bit nerve-wracking, to tell you the truth.) I wanted to make sure that I didn't have to turn away any of my friends or my friends' friends who may be interested in subscribing. Plus, the subscription rate from the website is $10, which is less than what The Village Press (our publisher) charges for the subscription. Furthermore, if you just wanted an individual issue, I sell it for $2.25, which is $1.50 less than what The Village Press has our cover price as.

Also, if you are a consultant or a small business or have anything else that you would be interested in advertising, please email me at Candice@teentrendmagazine.com and I will give you information on advertising with us. I will make sure that we fit your budget. No problem! If you haven't noticed, we've got banners all over Shopping.com-- Which includes eBay and Epinions. Lots of exposure!!

Okay, so here are some links for you:

Subscribe for just $10! (Issues June '06 - June '07)

Purchase the June '06 issue for $2.25!

Visit the Teen Trend Magazine Website!

Visit Teen Trend Magazine on MySpace!

Something that we are doing with MySpace is a full-page advertisement for "MySpace Mall." It is just a page of 1.4" X 1.4" ads for businesses, consultants, companies, etc. that have a MySpace profile. These ads are on a page that says "MySpace Mall" in the center with all of the ads around it. It's pretty cool, and there are only 28 spaces on this page left, and they only cost $40. It seems to be going over REALLY well. We might do something like this for eBay, Shopping.com and other sites, too. If you want to take a small ad in the MySpace Mall page, here is the link for that:

MySpace Mall Ad - $40

By the way, if you click on any of those links to purchase, you will see "Hollywood Chick." This is because TTM was originally going to be called "Hollywood Chick Magazine," until we decided to make it for gals AND guys.

Please forward this on to everyone and anyone so that Teen Trend Magazine is a HUGE success!!!

Much love,

Candice

Surviving Your Child

2006-03-28T16:04:00.000-05:00

Eileen Mericle and I have been friends for going on 33 years, having met her through Uncle Kermit when he was teaching at Iowa State University where her husband, Morrie, was a professor.

She's also someone who has sent a lot of neat pass-alongs to me since we both were turned loose with our computers. Eventually, I'll no doubt be including pass-alongs from her in this blog, though I doubt if she's going to be feeling up to sharing them for awhile at this time.

Both of her daughters have websites, and I'd been preparing to present them in another blog, but I don't know how long Margaret's will be up now.

Please keep Eileen, Morrie, and their other daughter, Maureen, in your love and prayers at this time...

Thanks for your medical opinion, Colleen. Our best to Nate too.

Here is a photo that shows Margaret's personality. She sure looked a lot like her dad. And both girls wanted to be like him too.

03/28/2006

Margaret Hilary Mericle

Feb. 1, 1968-March 27, 2006

Margaret Mericle of Aston, Pa., beloved daughter of Morris and Eileen Mericle, died suddenly of a pulmonary embolism Monday, March 27. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at Ames Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames. Burial will be in the family plot in Toledo.
Margaret was a 1985 graduate of Gilbert High School. She held two undergraduate degrees from the University of Iowa, in German and electrical engineering. She was an electrical engineer for the U.S. Navy and did advanced electrical simulations. She loved her family, her cats, her job and her friends. She brought joy to all of us lucky enough to be a part of her life. We will always remember her optimism, eternal humor, and soft heart, and we believe she is not gone as long as she is remembered.
She is survived by her parents, Morris and Eileen Mericle of Ames; and one sister, Maureen Mericle of Minneapolis.
The family requests no flowers. Memorial gifts may be made to the Ames Animal Shelter or to the Ames Off Leash Dog Park fund.

I Was There

2006-03-23T00:17:00.000-05:00

This stunningly-and-comfortingly-beautiful slideshow came my way from Suann whom I've known since seventh grade when she arrived at our school as an eighth-grader. Please watch it for yourself and, then, use the handy envelope at the bottom of this entry to share it with people you know...

Just click your mouse on the "I Was There." This is really awesome! Please send this to those you love and care about including the one who sent it to you. If you care.

I was there...

Life can only be understood by looking backward,

but it must be lived by looking forward.

The Strangeness Of It All...

2006-03-22T19:03:00.000-05:00

Note: In re: to back-of-the-church/front-of-the-event seating, I've come to prefer back seating in both cases because I'm able to take in more of the entire room. I can feel God in any part of the church sanctuary as well as places other than the church sanctuary. Still, I agree with the overall message of this wonderful piece sent my way by Pam.

The first thing you come to reminds me a lot of an anecdote I heard several years ago that went something on the order of this:

A twenty dollar bill somehow ends up in a church offering plate and asks a near-by one dollar bill, "Where am I?"

The one dollar bill says, "You're in a church offering plate."

"Are you sure?" asks the twenty dollar bill.

"No doubt about it!" replied the one dollar bill. "I've been in enough of these places to recognize them right away."

"Well!" the twenty dollar bill responded. "I guess this is the first time for me, because I've never seen anything like it before. I'm much more familiar with ski lodges and sporting events!"

1. Isn't it strange how a 20 dollar bill
seems like such a large
amount when
you donate it to church, but
such a small amount
when you go shopping?

2. Isn't it strange how 2 hours seem so long when
you're at church, and how
short they seem when you're
watching a good movie?

3. Isn't it strange that you can't
find a word to say when
you're praying,
but you have no trouble
thinking what to talk about
with a friend?

4. Isn't it strange how difficult
and boring it is to read
one chapter
of the Bible, but how easy
it is to read 100 pages of
a popular novel or ZANE GREY book?

5. Isn't it strange how everyone
wants front-row-tickets
to concerts or
games, but they do whatever
is possible to sit at the last
row in Church?

6. Isn't it strange how we need to
know about an event for Church 2-3
weeks before the day so we can
include it in our agenda, but we can
adjust it for other events at
the last minute?

7. Isn't it strange how difficult it
is to learn a fact about God to share it
with others, but how easy
it is to learn, understand,
extend and repeat gossip?

8. Isn't it strange how we
believe everything
that magazines and newspapers
say, but we question the words in the
Bible?

9. Isn't it strange how everyone
wants a place in
heaven, but they don't want
to believe, do, or say anything
to get there?

10. Isn't it strange how we send
jokes in e-mails and they

are forwarded right away,
but when we are going to send
messages about God, we think
about it twice before we share
it with others?

IT'S STRANGE ISN'T IT?

Now that you've read this message,
forward it to anybody that you consider a friend, family member or foe(enemy).
If you don't do it, not only will you deprive
yourself from being blessed, but you will also do that to others who may need
God in their life.

Clay Balls

2006-03-08T21:29:00.001-05:00

Sent by Vickie G. 3/8/06

> A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he
found
> a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone
had
> rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake.
>
> They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took
the bag
> out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would
throw
> the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.
>
> He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls
and it
> cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!
>
> Excited, the man started breaking open theremaining clay balls.
Each
> contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of
jewels
> in the 20 or so clay balls he had left. Then it struck him.
>
> He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60
of the
> clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead
of
> thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of
> thousands, but he had just thrown it away!
>
> It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even
ourselves, and
> we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the
> outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it.
>
> We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or
> stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to
find the
> treasure hidden inside that person.
>
> There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the
time to
> get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the
way He
> sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem
begins to
> shine forth.
>
> May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have
thrown
> away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of
clay.
> May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
>
> I am so blessed by the gems of friendship I have with each of you.
Thank
> you for looking beyond my clay vessel.

2006-03-05T22:00:00.000-05:00

If you're reading this anywhere right now, it can only mean one thing:

AJ's Absolutely Delicious Website

now open-to-the-public

!!!

What this means is that you will, hopefully, be very anxious to check it out.

If you see this, it means that everything on the website, itself, has been (for the near future, anyway) completed to the satisfaction of yours truly, and all that's needed now is to just add visitors that will, hopefully, sign my guestbook (even though it isn't required).

My message to people visiting is this:

Just make yourselves at home and check out whatever you might find interesting. With very few exceptions, all links make their destinations open into new windows, meaning that you don't have to even leave the website completely behind in order to take side-trips.

About those destinations...some will already be leading to places that are already going and active. Others will lead to places that are either relatively-new or else absolutely brand-new and not yet developed.

If you were to come back to every last one of those places in anything from a day or so to a week, you would see a lot of exciting changes there.

In short, what I'm offering as of today (March 5, 2006) is a completely built website, some exciting and completed destinations, and the chance to watch construction work going on.

That's all for now, so enjoy the journey...

!

2006-03-03T04:39:00.000-05:00

If you happened to be hanging around, you might be noticing a lot of changes going on in my neck of the woods.

New blogs are starting to be developed in different ways.

Old blogs are being promoted more (as in being added to Weblogs.com right along with the newer ones).

Are you becoming curious?

If you are, I'm going to enlighten you some...

At this time, I'm building a website that's state-of-the-art (that is, as state-of-the-art as it can be coming from someone who began using The Internet back in 1998 when almost 46 years old--anyway, I'm quite proud of it!), and I'm hooking up various blogs to it.

I'm being very thorough when it comes to building it, so I can't tell you just when it will be done, but I'm hoping that it will be done before the first of next week, and the sooner the better.

When my website opens, I'll be making another announcement here, so be watching for it.

In the meantime--when you have the time and want to--enjoy watching the construction going on...

Marie Waited Too Long To Leave Abusive Husband

2006-02-28T10:41:00.000-05:00

From Steve & Karen F. on February 28, 2006

MAYBE YOU HEARD THIS ONE ~

Marie tried.

Several times…

But she just couldn’t… couldn’t leave him.

Mike was so charming, warm, giving when they met.

He swooped her plumb off her feet!

At 20 he asked her to marry, and she was thrilled.

After several years however – it wasn’t going so well.

He constantly berated her, checked the odometer for how many miles she drove, relentlessly questioned her.(Later, it was found he stalked a previous girlfriend…)

Surely things would get better if she was more loving, giving, did exactly what he asked.

When he kept losing jobs, she automatically would take up the slack – cut back on items for the house, not buy clothes for herself so he could look great.

She loved him but what could she do?

She felt she was trapped. How could she disappoint her family…

How could she possibly endure his rage if she tried to leave? Perhaps he would seek retribution on her cats or worse, her family…

Co-workers noticed the bruising and “pinch marks”, though she tried to hide them. Jackie, her best friend, confronted her about it – as best friends should do – and Marie struggled to explain. Later, Jackie told the family that Marie confided that she and Mike had a huge fight and Jackie suggested that Marie come and stay.

But Marie didn’t want to cause trouble.

That decision of Marie’s ultimately cost her life, though she would suffer in almost complete silence for a number of years before she finally died.

How familiar does this sound?

We constantly hear tales of battered women’s plight in our society, women that suffer in silence. Women from good homes, with often little outer sign of trouble… “A smile to hide the tears” as the song goes.

So why don’t we, as a society, as friends, as family members, help women like Marie? Do we just not know? Can we turn a blind eye and say it doesn’t affect me?

Later it would be discovered through medical records sealed for years and finally opened, that Marie had fractured both hip joints, cracked or broken multiple ribs on both sides, both knees, the upper part of her right leg, her right and possibly her left ankle and several vertebrae – yet she clung to life, desperate to tell her story, perhaps hoping to save someone else from this injustice.

After she was found unconscious in the hallway of their home and taken to the emergency room, Mike’s lawyer arrived even before Marie’s family did. Interestingly, Mike never performed CPR on her, though he had just completed the training. After several court cases, therapies were begun, only to be stopped repeatedly. Written records of her progress by her therapists (such as eating jello and purposeful interaction) were expunged from her files before the next business day.

But Marie hung on. If she could just hang on long enough to tell her side of the story. But Mike still controlled. He wasn’t about to let that happen…

This true story is ripe for a “John Grisham” to develop into a full-blown detective tale for the wide-screen. And like a good story or movie, you might think you know where the author is taking you or how things will turn out. The fun of a good story well told is that the writer continues to surprise you - to keep you turning the pages long after the light should be turned off.

In this case however there is no fun involved, for you already know who I’m talking about, though probably not by that name.

This is Theresa Marie Schindler Schiavo’s story – Terri Schiavo.

Surprised?

Then examine extensive research presented in Our Fight4Terri by Cheryl Ford, RN and Dr. JE Craddock. ISBN 1-4120-6140-7. Available from www.fight4terri.com .

Peruse copies of actual court records and eyewitness accounts (related under oath), read data from medical professionals and other expert witnesses – all telling a much different story than the one most of us heard. Read the explicit and conclusive scenario developed with the assistance of world-renowned medical and legal forensic experts as the only plausible cause for Terri's condition and injuries. Read the truth about her medical condition and her potential for rehabilitation according to numerous medical experts, including those representing the court review system in Florida's Department of Health.

So – one wonders… How much of this is going on in our country right now? In January, 2006 the news told of 19 workers in a hospice arrested for misuse of funds, neglect and abuse of patients. How many more?

Read Our Fight4Terri to find out how to help the disabled amongst us who are at the mercy of unscrupulous characters. The frightening thing is –any of us might fit that description at one time or another – unless we as a country do something about it.

Permission granted and encouraged to redistribute if in its entirety with proper attribution.

Available NOW....
The book, Our Fight4Terri
Discounted for Fight4Terri supporters at:www.Fight4Terri.com
or, can be ordered directly from publisher at:
Trafford Publishing: Our Fight4Terri

Cheryl Ford, RN (www.Fight4Terri.com) is not affiliated with any other group and works to protect the rights of the disabled community

Fight4Terri does not wish to forward unsolicited mail.
Please type the word "unsubscribe" in subject heading if you prefer to not receive anymore updates about Terri and your screen name will be immediately deleted from Fight4Terri's address book.

Beautiful Piece With A Beautiful Message...Definitely A Keeper!

2006-02-28T04:13:00.000-05:00

From Jan on February 28, 2006

The Mouse Story

2006-02-20T16:18:00.000-05:00

Sent by Wynn on February 20, 2006

Note: It was nothing short of a miracle to receive this particular piece at this time, because I'd prayed to God to find out if His annointing was on a series I'm writing (I'd believed it was, but an e-mail I'd received led me to make sure). Various things that could be signs had come to me, but they didn't confirm it as this one did.

Subject: The Mouse Story

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. "What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered -
he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the
warning. "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and
said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a
mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry,
Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow and said "There is a mousetrap in the house!There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and
dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.
The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught.

The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital, and she returned home with a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock.

To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well; she died. So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.

The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember --
when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk.

We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

The Very Best Day Of My Life!!!

2006-02-19T10:44:00.000-05:00

From Fran A on February 19, 2006
(Keep scrolling down--it's there!)

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever

There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did!
And because I did I'm going to celebrate!
Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger.

I will go through this day with my head held high and a happy heart.
I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts:

the morning dew,

the sun,

the clouds,
the trees,

the flowers,

The birds.

Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice
Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people.
I'll make someone smile.
I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know. Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for them and how much they mean to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.

And tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.

As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow,
I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life.
And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child,
excited with expectation because
I know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!

I NEEDED TO RECEIVE THIS MESSAGE TODAY!

Do you know of others who might be waiting to receive it from you?

Everyone should give encouragement...Encouragement is oxygen to the soul.

Now, THAT's COLD!

2006-02-19T00:42:00.000-05:00

Sent by Vickie February 19, 2006

(Note: graphics didn't turn out in the e-mail itself, so I've just sent them separately)...

In my e-mail I got a couple of cold graphics. They weren't visible in the actual body of the letter but, fortunately, could be found in the attachments, so here they are...

The first one is nothing less than cute:

The next one is beautiful, historical, and rare--not to mention nostalgic (and before my time but taken the same year my maternal grandparents got married: 1911)...

Niagara Falls Completely Frozen Over--a very rare occurance...

God Said "No"

2006-02-17T20:59:00.000-05:00

Received from Wynn on 2/17/06

God Said No

I hope that you can get the effects on your computers! The words are great, but the movements of the faces add a lot....

I asked God to take away my habit.

God said, No.

It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.

God said, No.

His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, No.Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;

it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.

God said , No.I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.

God said, No.Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares

and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.

God said, No.You must grow on your own! ,

but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.

God said, No.

I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.

God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

If you love God, send this to ten people and

back to the person that sent it.

THIS DAY IS YOURS DON'T THROW IT AWAY

May God Bless You,

< /SPAN>

"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just m ight be the world"

"May the Lord Bless you and keep you,

May the Lord Make his face shine upon you,

and give you Peace.....Forever"

"Good friends are like stars...You don't always see them,

but you know they are always there