LET THE GAMES BEGIN......

The 2012 Olympic Games that is....

The Host Nation being London. The Opening Ceremony, a celebration showcasing the best of London.  The eyes of the world is on London for the Opening Ceremony...does it even come close to the 2008  Olympics in Bejing?

The name of the Olympic Opening Ceremony show is "Isles of the Wonder".  The ceremony kicks off the sound of the largest haromically tuned bell in Europe, "BIG BEN".

The Parade of the atlethes participating in the games, nation by nation, procede into the arena, by alphabetical order (except for the Greek teams, they enter first, and the host team last.)  Then the Olymic flag is carried into the stadium, then the torch, the cauldron is lite, and continues to burn while the games are being played.

With the opening and closing ceremonies, there is a total cast of 15,000 people particiapting, which will be watched by an estimated audience of 4 billion people.

The Olympics are so meaningful to me.....I love the commentary and all the stories behind the altheltes lives, and i have a few that come to mind.

PEGGY FLEMING... known for her beauty and grace on and off the ice.  She dominated women's figure skating in the 60's.  At age 19, she was the only American to take home Gold.  After Olympic's, she turned professional, signing with the Ice Follies.  I have never met her, but she is a Fleming, greg's 3rd cousin ( greg did meet her).

Then there's "BRUCE JENNER".  He captivated the world when he broke the world record in the decathilon at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal and earned the title of "Worlds Greatest Athletic", and he was one of many on the Wheaties box.

GREG LOUGANIS" is probably the greatest American diver of all time.  Over 3 Olympic's he won 5 medals, 4 of which were gold.

"MICHAEL PHELPS"... after winning his 8th gold metal in Beijing, Phelps became the most decorated ever Olympian with 14 gold in total.

"CASSIUS CLAY/MUHAMMED ALI" won gold at the 1960 Summer Olmypics in Rome. (I think he was fast as a butterfly yet stings like a bee?)

What about "SHAWN JOHNSON".  She is now a retired american Artistic gymnast.  She was the 2008 Olympic balance beam gold medalist and all arounder.  In 2009, Shawn became the winner of Dancing with the Stars....

"APOLO OHNO"... an American short track speed skating competitor and an 8 time medalist (2 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze) in Winter Olympics.  He is the most decorated american Olympic athlete of all time.

The 2012 Summer Olympics in London have begun, and we have been glued to them!  Swimming, Biking, Volleyball and gymnastics so far....

With His AMAZING GRACE.....

GO USA!!!!



MOVIES AND ME.......

Movies that I love and they do say something about me.....

 

I'm open to most movies....well nothing scarey! and as long as they are love storeis and chick flix's!

 

I have to say my all-time favorite movie is "HOPE FLOATS" with Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr.  Doesn't matter how many times I see it I cry... especially when she dances with her daddy.

 

Once in a great while a movie comes along that truly grips and uplifts you.  "An Officer and A Gentleman" is a story of romance, friendships,and growth.  (Richard Gere, Louis Gossett Jr and Debra Winger  ) The main story line is Officer Candidate school, hoping to become a Navy Pilot in 13 torturous weeks, along with friendships, falling in love and a life being taken.

"TOP GUN" is right up there with An Officer and Gentleman.  Tom Cruz... again a story of romance, freindship and growth.

Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis and Macaulay Culkin in "MY GIRL".     This is an incredible story of first love and loss.  Vada, an 11 year old tomboy and Thomas J... their summer adventures- from first kiss to last farewell.   Another tear movie!!!

While I'm on tear movies....."BRIAN'S SONG"...A true story of a special relationship between 2 professional football players, Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo.  both star players for the Chicago Bears.  One blows out his knee and the other...yes... stricken with maligent cancer, and of coarse dies.  It is an unforgetable movie.

I am a Denzel Washington fan...ok, a "JOHN Q" fan.   When John Q. 's son collapes at a baseball game, him and his wife learn that their only child needs a heart transplant.  Without enough health insurance or money to cover the operation, it seems like they are out of options.  But, John Q. takes matters into his own hands in the race against time to save his son's life.

Onto a happier movie....

"FORREST GUMP"  ...."Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get".  Tom Hanks and Sally Fields give an outstanding performance.  I love Forrest  and his simple innocense.  He loves jenny and he never gives up on his everlasting love for her.  I love the shrimp boat friends, and how they go together like peas and carrots.

"FRIED GREEN TOMATOES"... the best of the best! This movie is hard to talk about, it's just one you have to see... a great story of laughter, devotion and special friendships that defies all odds.

Julia Stiles in "SAVE THE LAST DANCE"...A combo of dance and drama.  A small town girl(Sara) with a big dream, to become a world class ballerina.  A tradegy in her life forces her to go live with her estranged  father in Chicago.  The south side, a white girl in a pre-dominately black neighborhood.  She feels out of place-until she is befriended by a classmate and her handsome brother Derek.  Sara and Derek not only share the love for dance, but sparks fly and it leads to a special romance.  As their relationship grows so does opposition from their family and freinds.   Thumbs up to this movie!!

While I'm talking about dance and music, it brings me to ..."PREACHING TO THE CHOIR".  Estranged since the death of their parents years ago, twin brothers have taken radical different paths in life, one becomes a minister in a Harlem gospel Church, while his brother lives the gangster lifestyle as a Hip hop star.  Throughout the movie they must confront their own demons and attempt to work out their differences.  Great Movie!

Not big on scarey movies for sure, but occassionally I'll step out of my comfort zone and watch a suspenciful movie...

The Client with Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee Jones.  A District Attorney out for a conviction, A new lawyer out of her league, and a young boy who knew too much.  Basically settle in, take a deep breath,and on hold tight.  One of the best John Grisham novels made into a movie. 

"FOOTLOOSE"  is at the top of my list of favorites.  The orginal  and the recent remake.  The movie wants me to get up and dance!!

Ok...only a few will know this movie is tied with "HOPE FLOATS' (Kim will know).  Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, play Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.  A singer, a rebel, an outlaw and hero, the legendary "MAN IN BLACK."

"WALK THE LINE".... A true story of Johnny Cash's unwavering devotion to his sound, his message and the greatest love of life.  The music is great, the drama is great, the writing is great and the performances are great!  YES, I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!

MOVIES, MOVIES AND MORE MOVIES..... Oh yeah, I love Shriek, Lion King, Happy Feet and Ice Age!  I guess the kid in me comes out... Did i mention Now and Then and Joyful Noise? 

Because of HIS AMAZING GRACE......

 

ODDS -N-ENDS

Thought I'd share some odds and ends since no legitimate post has made it from my brain to the computer.  I have many blog topics on my heart.  So yes, I'm still around, just quiet and busy.

*A WEIRD THING I DO;  chew on the tip of my tongue and have play with my hair since I had hair (weird to others but not to me!)

*RIGHT NOW (Saturday July 28th)... camping in the redwoods, enjoying a campfire and the Olmypics.

*BEST THING I ATE THIS WEEK:  a salami and cheese sandwich made with love.

BIGGEST LAUGH OF THE WEEK:  when lex asked me if I was doing homework so I could get smarter.

A NO WAY MOMENT:  when i wrote "thru" instead of "Through" or "w/o" instead of "without" or tried to spell "cinomin" instead of "cinnamon" or didn't know what a "fragment or run-on's" were.

*LOOKING FORWARD TO : my daddy feeling better once he gets his pacemaker in 5 days (Aug 5)

*ENJOYING: the Olympics, and God's beauty in the Redwoods.

*READING:  Upper Downer"s and All-Arounder's ( text book for my night class)

*JUST FINISHED;   my narrative essay (yeah!!) well still has to be proof-read and final copy.

*WISHING:  I could be in Missouri  with my parents for my dad's surgery.

*RECENTLY SEEN IN:  something other than my scrubs or pj's!

*LOVING;  my free-time (which isn't much)

*LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH:  Greg, Lex and Corky laying together

*DREADING;  this next week of 100 plus degrees, who knows maybe i'll even swim!

*JUMPING FOR JOY; ummmmm I don't jump! yet I have alot of joy!

*MISSING;   Renee and my mom and dad, thank goodness of texting and facetime.  And if Heaven wasn't so far away... I miss you Jeff!

*HAPPY; all the people in my life

*LUCKY;  to have all I do.

*TRYING TO:  learn English 101 and how a brain works.

*LEARNING FROM: anyone, everyday!

*WANTING TO: be more like my mother, she is an angel on earth!

*GRATEFUL FOR:  so much, but without my loving, forgiving God none of it would be possible.  I am grateful for 3 days, 6 months and 3 years of clean time, and a second chance at life.

Isn't God amazing, the way He leads and nudges us to do "little things" that turn out to be "big things" for someone eles, and sometimes He does little things for us that turn out to be really "BIG".

Because of his AMAZING GRACE......

SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN......

THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN........

My Daddy, the 6 million dollar man.... and more!!

THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN is an American television series about a former astronaunt with BIONIC implants woriking for the OSI ( Office of Scientific Intelligence)

It aired on ABC network as a regular series from 1974 to 1978.    The title role of Steve Austin was played by Lee Majors.  Austin is severely injured in a crash and is "REBUILT" in a title-giving operation that costs at least 6 million dollars.......6 million in 1973 adjusted for inflation in 2012 using Bureau of labor statistics would be 31 million.  His right arm, both legs, and the left eye are replaced by "BIONIC' implants that enhance in strenght, speed and vision far abovehuman norms.  He can run at speeds of 60 mph and his left eye has 20m zoom lens and infrared capabilities while his limbs all have the equivalent power of a bulldozer.  He uses his enchance abilities to work for the Office of Scientific Intelligence as a secret agent and as a guienea pig for bionics.

Today when I called my daddy on his cell phone... I felt bad... I woke him up.... He was taking a little nap while he was hooked up to the "big Kidney" getting  re-entergized..... after a few minutes he says in 2 weeks he will be soooo much better, maybe even chasing the nurses.... cuz he is getting a pacemaker.  So yet another obstacle... another hurdle to jump over, but knowing the results, what a defference it will make., its a no-brainer!  once i got off the phone, i just kept thinking why, why ,why...When we he get a break?  Through out the rest of the day, my mind wouldn't stop,,,,,as i kept thinking about 'ALL' he has been through, and all of a sudden, the SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN came to mind.....there is no price tag on people,..... yet once comparing the Bionics Man  to my daddy, I saw paralle lifes....oh and his name was Steve Ausitn, and my daddy's name is Ausitn....

so, i will share his successful obstacles....yet first, i want him and you to hear what a "Everything DAD " is....

a little girl needs her daddy

to love her with manly charm

to soothe her when she's hurt

and keep her safe from harm

a girl needs her dad

to show her a man who's good

to help her make right choices

as only a father could

a woman needs her father

just to be aware

he'll always be there for her

to substain her and care

You've been all these things, dad

i hope that you can see

how much i treasure you,

you mean everything to me.

As long as I can remember my dad has been insulin dependent.  Always testing and writing down his numbesr of his blood sugar, then giving himself shots. It was simply just part of his everyday life......many years later, in fact in 2004, he saw a 20/20 with President Bill Clinton on it talking about his symptoms and his bypass surgery ( that is if my memory is right), My dad's symptons wee almost right on.  In 2004, i took a red eye flight to Kansas City, rented a car and made it to there before the surgery..... open heart surgery... instead of the 3 bypass they intended to do, he had all 5 bypass's.  His chest was opend and the surgery was performed.  Blood vessels were taken from his leg and used to bypass the vessels in the heart that had been damaged or blocked.  It was to improve supply to the heart and then improve the delivery of oxygen and nutriends to the heart muscle. Pretty simple right? Not in this case! Eleven days in  ICU  .... intabated, not able to talk and most of the time in a induced coma. Talk about pray and given a second chance...... finally, on the road to recovery!

The standing joke with my dad was.... he was always ready to go, because his bags were packed.... the bags under his eyes!  They were droopy and full of liquid, then his upper eye lids wouldnt fully lift and it was hampering his sight, he couldn't see.  Visual capabilities were becoming diminished. and his vision was obsured...   so once again surgery, 2007.  One eye worked and the other one didnt, so a repeat in 2010.  Not a complete sucess... yet better than it was.

Being diabetic can cause many other health issues, and over the years yes, it takes it toll..... lack of energy, high potasium, depleted vitamins,  no feeling in hands and feet, lose of eye sight, and kidney failure.  Kidney failure was next.... Watching his kidney function numbers be less and less, to a point where he now needs kidney dialysis.  But first, another surgery...March of 2011.  A dialysis fistula was surgery placed in his arm.   Through the surgical connection of a vein and an artery, this enables greater blood flow, causing the vein to become stronger and larger. once healed in a couple of months hopefully , it would provide an easy access to the blood stream with a lower rate of complications.   a fistula must mature before  it can be used, but once it does it is strong enough to withstand the insertion of dialysis needle on a regular basis. It's now 7 months later and his fistula is ready to be used......

Kidney Dialysis time.... wait.... Franklin Roosevelt once said: "When you come to the end of your road, tie a knot and hang on"  i think we all felt this way, so we tied a knot and hung on....

me just being me....i insisted we explore the possibility of a kidney transplant..... why not?  after many phone calls and doctor appointmetns we were headed in that direction.... St. Louis bound.  A National kidney ttansplant hospital.  a million tests were done, and finally he was placed on the National kidney transplant list.  Ok, but what about a living donor.... remember my daddy is everything to me.... in my heart, i felt it, and knew i wanted nothing more than to give him the gift of life.... sure enough we were a match...Negative 0 blood type, it was a beginning and so much hope.  All i want to say is the man is charge had other plans, and me being a donor wasnt in God's plan.  Next.. Renee, his only grand-daughter a match, once again, not in God's plan. 

so, we go on from here... 7 months after the fistula was placed, dialysis is started.  My dad started his "walk down Dialysis road.".  not always a smooth road, there have been bumps, and detours and really narrow areas.  But having the hand he was dealt, he chose to play the hand with all he had.  He has done that very well, in fact, he even got an ipad and an iphone and has widened his skills and abilities with the leading edge of technology!  He's great with pandora, dice with friends (i let him beat me every now and then!)  texting and even facetime.  This passes the time on his dialysis days! The nurses love him, and the feeling is mutal!  He spoils them ( or i should say my mom spoils them)  by bring them homemade goodies, things from the garden and just by being who is is... his personality and big compassionate heart will brighten any room or any one's day! 

Well, now it's time to tie yet another knot is our rope... a BIGGER KNOT... was just given the news that on August 2nd... yet another surgery.

A small device, about the size of a pocket watch, will be placed under the skin near his heart to help control his heartbeat.  Normal aging of the heart, heart muscle damage, some medications, genetic's (going back to the cards he was dealt) are just a few reasons a pacemaker is needed.  For your heart to function properly, the heart's chambers  must work in a coordinated fashion. Your heart must also beat at an appropriate rate- normally from 60-100 beats a minute in resting adults.    If your heart beats too slowly or too rapidly, not enough blood flows through your body, leding to fatigue, fainting, shortness of breath, confusion and other symptoms.  so, since his heart rate is always in the 40's... its time for yet another surgery\!  But like my mom says... they have faith... this will be the last surgery! 

With the BIGGER KNOT in our rope and with the help of God, my daddy will rise above and continue to live a full and meaningful life.  so from heart surgery, to eye surgery, to kidney failure, to fistual surgery, and disalyis to now pacemaker surgery... it is that srong knot that is allowing him to lengthen the rope of life and to continue seeing the beauty that life has to offer and in store for all of us!

I have to say... there is a unique bond of love, faith and understanding between a father and a daughter, and we have that !  Many things are learned and many things are taught.  Everyday i am grateful that I am a "daddy's girl"

So, as you can see..... he is bigger and worth more than a "six million dollar man" He may not have bionic implants where he can run 60 mph or his limbs may not be as strong as a bulldozer or his eyes may not have infared capabilities.... but his heart, his soul and his every being is prescious and priceless......

and with "HIS AMAZING GRACE......"

trulyadmired and adored..xoxox

God has his back....

JUGGLING AND BALANCE......

JUGGLING & BALANCE.......

Going to school takes a lot of time.  Working takes a lot of time. Managing a home, the love and passion for my yard/flowers, grocery shopping, laundry and cooking.  Doing all these things at the same time,....well, there isn't  alot of time left for anything eles.  I would love to be super organized, love to have a spotless home, where i didnt have to worry who was knocking on the front door because I wouldnt be embarrased to invite anyone in.  I would love to get up at 5 am everyday and  start my morning off with a refreshing workout and a healthy breakfast, and id love to write or blog for hours a day, and get all the thoughts that spin around in my mind, out on paper, but let's face it...none of these things are going to happen.  So, I need to get better at juggling and find some balance.  I have a lot on my plate right now...and although the end is in sight, even though week 2 is complete and only 22 more weeks!

BALANCE AND JUGGLING OR JUGGLING AND BALANCE....i think they are somewhat the same.  I am so grateful that i can kinda know how to have some balance in my life...Most know some of my past... the treatment i recieved and continued recovery.  I have taken this very serious and not just talk the talk, but i try to walk the walk.  I am very passionate about recovery and know how important it is to share my experience, strength and hope.  It took me some time to be ok with what I have been through and able to share with others when appropriate.  After much research and thought, i made the decision to apply to UOP Substance Absue Counselor Certificate Program.  I started 2 weeks ago... Its Monday through Thursday from 6-10 pm., gosh from never seeing a syllabus, to never doing a research paper, to never stepping foot on a college campus! So, yes, I have made the decision to further my knowlege, skills and experience by grasping onto this opportunity.  Where this will take me, I'm not sure. yet I truly trust God, and he's already got it planned out for me...

SO.... with juggling and balance and knowing God's got my back... i'm gonna be ok...

and all because of ...HIS AMAZING GRACE............. 



I HOPE YOU DANCE.....

Never miss a chance to DANCE... Remember life isnt  a dress rehersal....live every day like your on stage....

Tap dancing is a from of dance charactized by using the sound of ones shoes hitting the floor as a percussive instrument.  Tap dance has roots in African American dancing and Irish step-dancing.     Viana is one of the cutest and bestest tap dances ever!

even 20 some years ago... another great, cute, loveable tap dancer...

Renee...DANCE as though no one is watching you

LOVE as though you have never been hurt

SING as though no one can hear you

yet another dancer... Emily..just remember life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.

BALLET... is a very pretty dance.  1st performed in Italy in early 1600's.  such words as "devant"....."glissate"...."pas"...."releve"

a pretty dancer= a pretty dance

Emily.. the ballerina

Renee... You can dance anywhere, even in your heart.  to touch, to move, to inspire.  Dancers are athletes of God..

Not only do have 3 dancers....we have few more....

Could I have this dance for the rest of my life...would you be my partner every night, When we're together it feels so right, could i have this dance for the rest of my life.  I'll always remember that magic moment, when i held you close to me, as we moved together, I knew forever, You'll all i've ever needed.

put your hands in the air.... all the single ladies...

every reason to dance...

FOOTLOOSE... GO MICHAEL, GO MICHAEL!

I'LL BE THERE... AS VIANA SAYS "MY OTHER DAD"

When i think of dancing this song comes to mind....

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder...

you get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger...

may you never take one single breath for granted...

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed...

i hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean...

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens...

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance..

and when you get the choice to sit or dance..

I HOPE YOU DANCE

I HOPE YOU DANCE....

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance..

Never settle for the path of least resisitance

livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'

Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin'

dont let some heart leave you bitter

when you come close to sellin' out, reconsider..

give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I HOPE YOU DANCE

I HOPE YOU DANCE

With His AMAZING GRACE....

Never miss a chance to DANCE....



29 years of Joy....

There is only so much words can say... and for that reason, son, you'll never know...how dear you are , how loved by everyone...but I hope you'll read between the lines, between the wishes too, and know the love they bring..

29 years ago..... i was a teenager.... about ready to meet the absolute love of my life...you..... my son...Michael Andrew Oien Fleming......life took on a whole new meaning.... i would sit for hours and watch your eyes flutter, admire\ your ten toes and ten fingers, your blue eyes, your tiny whimper, you would lay on me and fit into me like a puzzle piece.... it didnt matter if i needed to dust or do housework, all that could wait, i had much more important things to do now!  Someone depended on me and needed me... no doubt about it... you was my everything!

Michael's handprints..... you not just left your handprints on paper, on windows, but on my heart.... and they will stay there forever...

what a way to end a birthday evening for mike.... I tell Viana "your mommy likes younger men'.... she says 'yes, but mike is taller than my mom and thats all that matters!'

what a cutie... blue eye, blonde hair, outgoing personality little one! you never knew a stranger, and loved loved loved to talk!

anyone who truly knows mike.... knows he is the biggest Saints fan... and a Drew Brees fan.... his jersey is even signed by Drew.... tonite he got a large shadow box to display his jersey in....and he know exactly how many days till the season starts and today was a happy day since drew signed his 5 year deal with the Saints!!

the smiles say it all...... so in love..... I always knew and believed with my whole heart that God had someone that He had handpicked for Mike... May of 2010 changed his life.....

mike loves and cherishes family time...

anyone can be a father.... but it takes someone really special to be a dad! Mike not only fell in love with Beatriz, but he fell in love with Viana!  these 2 are so fun to watch them interact.... Viana asked me what a sap was ( a verse in their wedding dance) so i explained .... and she said "yep thats him!"  i love him!

dear mike.... I never want this to go unsaid... so here tonite is for it to be said.... there are no words to express how much you mean to me, a son like you, i thought could never be.  Because the day you were born, I just knew, God sent me a blessing- and that was you.  For this, I thank him every day, you, Mike are the true definition of a son, in everyway.  It is because of you that my life has meaning.  Becoming a mom showed me a new sense of being.  I want you to know that you were the purpose of my life, out of everything i did, it was you that i did right.  Also remember that I know how much you care, I can tell by the relationship that we share.  For a son like you ... there could be no other, and whether we are together or apart.... please do no ever forget- you will always have a piece of my heart.

Happy Birthday Son...... thank you for the past 29 years of pure love and JOY

&

with His AMAZING GRACE....

you will be truly blessed, and many many more birthdays!!



LIFE RULES......(my life rules)

  1.  LOVE GOD:  This is the first rule because it is the most important.  If I am not trying to love, respect and honor God with everything I do, then I am doing something wrong.  The idea of this comes from the teaching of Jesus. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the 1st and greatest commandment"  Matthew 22:37,38

2.  LOVE PEOPLE:  flowing directly out of rule 1, this is commonly known as the golden rule.  "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Luke 6;31.  One of the ways I love God is by loving People.  This includes everything from occasionally picking up random pieces of trash to donating at the goodwill, to do my best to respect every single person I come into contact with every day.

3.  WORK HARD:  helping bridge rule 1 to rule 2 .....how i work reflects on God and it trickles down to other people.  I believe in giving your work 100%... and do it with passion.

4.  ENJOY BEAUTY:  beauty is different things to different people.  To some beauty is face and body, to others it is whats inside that makes a person beautiful.  There are some that equate beauty with nature, an animal, a body of water or a beath-taking landscape.  No matter who you are there is always something that you consider beautiful.  Life is full of beauty.  Notice it.  Notice the bumble bee that lands on the flower, the small child, and the smiling faces, smell the rain and feel the wind.  Live your life to the fullest potential and fight for your dreams.

5.  COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS:  count your blessings, not your troubles.  You will make it through whatever comes along.  Within you are so many answers.  Understand, have courage, be strong!

6.  DO NOT PUT LIMITS ON YOURSELF:  so many dreams are waiting to be realized.  Decisions are too importnat to leave to chance.  Reach for your peak, your goal and your potential!

7.  TRY NOT TO WORRY:  this is a hard one for me, much easier said then done....Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.  The longer one carries a problem the heavier it gets.  Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

8.  BE A FRIEND:  to have a friend, you must be a friend.  Remember that a little love goes a long way.  Remember that friendship is a wise investment.  Life's treasures are people...together.

9.   NEVER TO LATE:  realize that it is never too late.  do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.  have health, hope and happiness.  Take the time to wish upon a star.  In addition, do not ever forget for even a day... how very special you are.  Self esteem is a hard one for me... but i have heard it and believe it...God doesn't make junk.

10.  PRESENCE = PRESENT:   your presence is a present to the world.  You are unique and one of a kind.  Your life can be what you want it to be.  Yet, we have to take the days one at a time!

LIFE'S RULES.... everyone has morals, values, rules and expectations.  yours most likely wont be the same as mine.... and mine are not yours..... these are not something written in stone, or the only rules...life's rules, (our rules)  will differ, 

RESPECT is another one of my rules... in order to gain respect one must be willing to give respect.  Respect is a univeral challenge.  It is the single most powerful ingredient in nourishing relationships.  If each one of us could absorb the lessons of respect and practice them in our lives, then we might begin to recognize the good in one another.

P.S..... and if you love someone... tell them today!  Don't wait, because we are not promised tomorrow.

And with His 

AMAZING GRACE...... 

CHILDHOOD IS A SHORT SEASON......

I beleive God gave us memory, so that we might have roses in December! and yes, childhood is a SHORT SEASON....

I have so many wonderful childhood memories that take me back to like it was just yesterday.  Today, a childhood memory hit me and i found myself going to that place.... parked my car along side the freeway... got out and walked through a chained link fence with the gate completely open, crossed the railroad tracks, crossed another road... and as i stood there, and looked around, and listened so carefully, the memories flooded my mind, heart and soul. (thank you for sharing this memory with me)

I want to always remember to slow down in life;live, breathe and learn; to take a look around whenever i have time and never forget everything and every person that has made an impact in my life.

An irrigation canal or ditch... simply calming, simply exciting, simply fun, simply a rush and simply a great memory.  Right outside of the town of Ceres, where both my mom and daddy grew up, is this canal.  I couldnt tell you how many times I jumped into this canal.  Yes, i remember being scared... the initial" jump in" where goodness knows what is lurking in the bottom of this 100 feet deep canal.... (so,i thought) yet, i never hesitated, because i was jumping in and i knew my dad was gonna catch me, he would never let anything happen to me!  We would giggle and hang on to inner-tubes, and float on down the canal.... we always knew when we saw the little bridge we had to prepare to get out.... get to the side, and hope our tennis shoes on our feet would grip the steep slimy cement sides of the canal. Once all of us were out.... we would be jumping up and down asking "can we do it again..please can we do it again"  Of coarse we would do it again, but not before we would all pick a fresh peach, rinse it off in the irrigation water, take a bite of this big orangish yellowish peach, as the juice dripped down our arms...i can still see, smell and taste those peaches.  I dont think i've ever had a peach that good ever since!

a homegrown peach... picked by you... nothing like it from the fuzzy surface, a smooth velvet richness, splashy juices... Oh how i long for an August peach, the kind that are so ripe, , the aroma like no other...

We were now ready to jump back into the canal and do it all over again..... this was a huge ordeal... this was just as good as Disneyland, a swimming pool or any vacation!  As an adult, i just had to let my kids experience this childhood memory of mine that i heldt so close to my heart... i hope someday their kids get to experience it.... well i dont even know if its legal anymore... for that matter I dont know if it was legal then!  but heck, my dad was a police officer, he'd keep us safe!

 I got back into my car today, after i had looked over and saw me, my dad, my brother, my uncle Jim, cousin Janet,and others who had this maginifcent experience  and then remembering both my kids making the plunge into a lifetime experience of swimming in a canal....i came back into Ceres and drove by a home that is part of my life, a legancy to many... my grandma Reynolds house..(its not standing anymore, but very vivid in my mind)

A house is a house... but a home is a home... and this home molded many of us... from the wooden porch, the 3 steps leading up to that porch, i can remember it creaking and the screen door swinging open non stop....the claw legged bathtub, the basement full of canned good made with hard work and love.... the big table that we all sat around, enjoying everyone's company, the metal glasses , the china hutch filled with glass figurines, bread pudding, chicken and dumplin's, waiting for Santa to enter on Christmas Eve, going to the park and being pushed on the metal merry-go-round by cousins Jerry and Keith,(thats who is sitting on the porch) coming back and hearing on your mark, get set-GO.. searching under this bush or the chair on the porch, in the window sill, in the tree, every Easter egg would eventually be found... one of the most  remembered phrases i can hear is "OLLIE-OLLIE-AUCTION FREE"  Hide n seek for hours with family .. priceless.....

We all have our time machines.  Some take us back, they are called memories.  Some take us forward, they're called dreams.   And i have lots of memories and i have dreams that my family and grandkids will have childhood memories like i do. 

with His AMAZING GRACE......

A moment lasts all of a second... but the memory lives on forever!



JUNK FOOD...COMFORT FOOD...GOOD FOOD....

I've got the song "makes the world go around, oh the Candy-Man can"  stuck in my head!! so why not blog about (yes, i'm guility of this..sorry Debra!) some of the junk food in my pantry!

JUNK FOOD... is an informal term for food that is of little nutritional value and often high in fat, sugar and calories!  yet, so TASTY!!!

You got... french fries,

pizza

ice-cream

cotton candy

cookies

loli-pops

pop-tarts

chips

and so much more......

some of my favorites.....

Mother's Circus Cookies... a humble beginning on a street corner nearly 100 years ago in Oakland, CA.  One person operating on 12th Ave, he baked 2,000 cookies a day, now more that 17 million cookies a day.  A memory in every bite!  My crazy kids never have liked these circus cookies... good, more for me! 

Fresh out of the  toaster.. they are crazy good! These are as old as i am... came out in the 60's.  The filling, frosting, sprinkles that dazzle my taste buds and dance with delight!!

JELLY BELLY'S... 37 million pounds annually... loved the tour just recently of the factory in Fairfield... i learned that President Ronald Reagan had a jar of jelly belly's in the White House, in the AirForce One and in 1983 1st jelly bean was sent to outerspace in the Challenger as a surprize to the astronauts.  I love Pear, Peach, Raspberry,Banana and Coconut flavors!

REESE'S........ howerver you perfer it... 2 pack, king-size 4 pack, mini, shape of easter eggs, Christmas trees... after all, peanut butter is protein!!

POWDER DONUTS.....sure, little messy, and not the best for car upholstery..... it's all part of the irresistible charm of Hostess Donettes.  1930 the little "gems" have attracted fans in many circles- hungry communities to lunchbox toting tikes.  2 BILLION a year!  Hostess bakes enough Donettes to wrap around the earth 3 times!! Now that's alot of donuts!! and if i want to be on the good side of my mother-in-law all I have to do is bring her a bag of these, I think she likes em more than me!!

I have to say... a starbucks... this is about my speed of coffee!

my drink of choice..... crushed ice in a styrofoam cup!

yes, my drink of choice is DIET PEPSI!!!

SUGAR COOKIE DOUGH... bad thing is, I like them cooked or not cooked!!!

COTTON CANDY... one of my favorites, especially when i get to share it with my Viana... she makes it fun!!

Junk food that is of little nutritional value and often high in fat, sugar and calories comes bigger, bolder, stronger, faster, louder, saltier, fatter, sweeter, higher, longer, sourer and crunchier! 

I don't live on junk food alone, life is all about BALANCE..... i do like bananas, snap pea's, salad, water, cucumbers, tomatoes, okra, fish, chicken, ... but hey we all have flaws!!!



MY NAME IS OLD GLORY......

Today..... July 4th,2012..... Happy 4th of July......

Today brings out a lot of emotion for so many.....Whether it's a Veteran that you want to thank, or the American Flag waving in the wind that means everything to you, or Our Lady of Liberty, or the fireworks, the bar-b-q,  a day off a work.... whichever it is.....i'm sure each of us can say without hesitation..."I'm proud to be an American!"

I AM THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA....

My name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.  I stand watch in America's halls of Justice.

I fly majestically over institutions of learning.  I stand guard with power in the world.  Look up and see me.  I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.  I stand for freedom. I am confident.  I am arrogant.  I am proud.  When i am flown with my fellow banners, my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer.  I bow to no one!  I am recognized all over the world.  I am worshiped- I am saluted.  I am loved- and I am feared.  I have fough in every battle of every war for more than 200 years.  I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox. I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forrest, Anzio, Rome, and the baches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan.  Saigon, Vietnam knew me.  I was there.  I led the troops, I was dirty, battle worn and tired, but my soliders cheered me and I was proud.  I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.  It does not hurt, for I am invincible.  I  have been soiled upon, burned, torn adn trampled on the streets of my country, and when it's by those whom I've served- it hurts.  But I shall overcome-for I am strong.  I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.  I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours, but my finest hours are yet to come.  When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield; When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier, or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter, I am proud.

MY NAME IS OLD GLORY

LONG MAY I WAVE

DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN

LONG MAY I WAVE

(author unknow)

LADY OF LIBERTY......

The Statue of Liberty .... one of the most amazing, awesome, incrediable things I have ever had the honor of seeing. She is 305 feet tall, the tablet held in her left hand is 23 feet long.  She has 7 rays on her crown, one for each continent.  She is 225 tons or 450,000 pounds.

She stands in New York harbour and she gives out hope to all....She wears a long flowing gown , her right hand holds a torch up high and on her head a crown.  She was given to us by all the good people of France to mark 100 years since we declared Independence...Shes over 100 years old, She's really a golden oldie made from copper and steel by a sculptor name Bartholdi.

SHE STANDS IN THE HARBOR, SERENE AND TALL, GUARDING THIS LAND FOR ONE AND FOR ALL.....

With His AMAZING GRACE.....

GOD BLESS THE USA!!!



I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN....

24 years ago today.... God called one of the best ever "Pa-Pa's" home to be with him in heaven. 

Everyone that knows me well... knows how much i talk about and how much I love my Me-Ma... well not everyone knew the "Pa-Pa" that was Me-Ma's other half.  He was the most amazing man.... the best family man... a son, a brother, an uncle, a husband, a grandpa,  a great grandpa, a friend, a man who could weld, who could swing a hammer, a mechanic, just a jack of all trades,  a solider in the US army during WWII,  an employee, a farmer,a camper, a great hunter, the best fisherman, and a christian who loved the Lord with all his heart and soul..... He was a man of his word, when a handshake sealed a deal.

I love to hear stories about the farm, milking cows, out-houses, tractors, turning the porch light on when my mom was coming home from a date, letting Uncle Kenneth and Uncle Gary drive the family car, teaching them to hunt and fish..... all the camping trips to Kennedy Meadows,(one of my favoirte places to camp, knowing how much he enjoyed it there.)

My Pa-Pa... Stanly Bryant... my only grandpa... who's ever life he came in to was blessed.  He not only talked the talk, but he walked the walk....  Pa-pa was the best at everything he did... especially being a grandpa!  He knew how to bounce us on his knee, how to kiss us and kiss us, the nickname he had for most of us was "doodle-bug"... he taught each of us how to play yatzee, how to camp, and how to mix butter with honey and just eat it by the spoonfuls..(good thing they hadnt come out with dont feed babies under 1 year olds honey) he also taught us how good crumbled up cornbread covered with buttermilk is...

Pa-Pa was a "great Pa-Pa" also... He loved em all!  The horse on springs was a a gift for michael... he loved to get on the floor with them... we hardly ever saw Pa-Pa without a toothpick in his mouth, (or a pipe... oh how i loved to smell his lighter, a butane lighter, id sneak it whenever i could!) he felt really bad when he went to kiss us and he's accidently poke us with his tooth pick! 

I think he was best at loving on all of us...

There are 2 songs that stick with me and when i hear them.... its definetly all about my Pa-pa....

DADDY'S HANDS..

I remeber Daddy's hands, folded silently in prayer.

and reaching out to hold me, when I had a nightmare.

you could read quite a story, in the callouses and lines.

Years of work and worry had left their mark behind.

I remember Daddy's hands, how they held my ma-ma tight,

and patted my back, for something done right.

There are things tht I've forgotten, that I loved about the man,

But I'll always remeber the love in Daddy's hands.

Daddy's hand were soft and kind when I was cryin'

Daddy's hands, were hard as steel when I'd done wrong.

Daddy's hands, weren't always gentle

but i've come to understand.

There was always love in Daddy's hands.

THERE ALWAYS LOVE IN HIS HANDS.....

As one of his granddaughters... the song "GRANDPA" by the Judds is another song that stuck with me.... Grandpa tell me about the good ole days....

He could and would tell us about the simple things, about how families stayed and prayed together...

Today, (24 years ago) my Pa-Pa went to spend his life with the Good Lord...Yet  one of his son's Gary, his birthday is today.... and today his daughter Lisa (my cousin) posted the following words about her daddy.... "Happy Birthday to the best man I've ever known... my father doesnt yell, cuss, drink, do drugs... he would never cheat, abuse, or be irresponsible.  He is a man of quiet dignity, steady, true... puts his family first and leads with his heart.  He deserves to be honored... "    I just find this absolutely amazing.... Son like father... and father like son......My Pa-pa was all of the above.. and more... He was the best of the best!!

As i close... 2 of the sayings i hear Pa-Pa say  over and over are " Well, Well,Well" and "well, you

DUMMY"

Dear pa-pa..... you are a legacy... a true man who would be so proud... and i know you are looking down on all of us, smiling,winking at us, blowing us your kisses, and i know you have been taking care of Jeff.... your first grandson... the one that started "Pa-Pa" because he couldnt say grandpa! 

It's not good-bye.... it's till we meet again....

Matthew 4;19.... "COME FOLLOW ME", Jesus said " AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN".

and because of HIS AMAZING GRACE.....

.