Mórán cainte ar bheagán cúise

A sad bit of truth

2011-11-17T10:49:00.001Z

An Obituary printed in the London Times.....Absolutely Brilliant !!!

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, whohas been with us for many years.

No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;

- Why the early bird gets the worm;

- Life isn't always fair; and

- Maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.

Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;

I Know My Rights

I Want It Now

Someone Else Is To Blame

I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

If you still remember him, pass this on.

If not, join the majority and do nothing.

Special Moment !! - Dramatic Luangwa elephant rescue.....

2011-11-10T16:25:00.001Z

Most conservationists believe that man should not meddle with the natural order and that we should allow nature to run her course however cruel or grim it seems to be. Generally it's agreed that on the whole, unless a wildlife problem has been created by man (for instance in the case of snaring or being trapped in a fence, in which case it's justifiable to intervene) then nature should be left to her own devices. She has a plan. However - every rule has an exception and the dreadful plight of a baby elephant trapped in the mud of the Kapani Lagoon and her mother, who had also got stuck trying to save her yesterday created a frenzy of activity. South Luangwa Conservation Society together with their neighbours - ZAWA - the wildlife authority simply could not stand by and watch them struggle and slowly die, so it was agreed and they all joined forces to try and save the mum and baby.

The family herd desperately trying to help the screaming Mum and baby escape but they were completely stuck in the deep, rapidly drying mud with no chance of getting out

The brave and skilled SLCS team manages to slip a rope under the baby, narrowly avoiding mums thrashing trunk - and starts to haul her out .....

Nearly there - the whole team is hauling as hard as they can.....

But the baby is terribly frightened and won't leave mum's side

Again - she's out and they think they're almost there...... But despite frantic waving and shouting - she won't leave her mum

One more try - the team pull her further away from mum this time..... They unwrap the ropes and help her to her feet

This time - thanks to a young herd cousin calling her to safety..... she makes a dash for it as the rest of the herd scream for her to come to them.

Then it's back to mum who is dehydrated and exhausted - the team have been pouring water over her to try to protect her from the scorching midday sun. SLCS staff carefully slip a rope under her....

and the tractor starts to pull and pull - inching her out of what would have been a muddy grave - she seems to sense that there's a chance of escape and begins to struggle for her life...

With everyone shouting encouragement and just willing her to keep going "come on Mama, come on Mama"....... to the delight of everyone - she makes it! Weak and wobbly she drags herself out

and runs to find her baby and the rest of her waiting herd! The happiest possible ending!

Computers - Male or Female?

2011-06-07T13:57:00.000+01:00

A SpanishTeacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.

'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.'

'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'

A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'

Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.

The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la computadora'), because:

1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;

2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;

3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and

4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.

(THIS GETS BETTER!)

The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ('el computador'), because:

1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;

2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;

3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and

4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

The women won.

The span of life.

2011-04-11T12:17:00.000+01:00

On the first day, God created the dog and said, "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years."

The dog said, "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?"

So God agreed.....

On the second day, God created the monkey and said, "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."

The monkey said, "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the dog did?"

And God agreed......

On the third day, God created the cow and said, "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years"

The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?"

And God agreed again......

On the fourth day, God created humans and said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years."

But the human said, "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"

"Okay," said God. "You asked for it."

So that is why for our first twenty years, we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years, we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.
There is no need to thank me for this valuable information. I'm doing it as a public service.

Short Quiz

2011-04-06T14:03:00.000+01:00

This is a quiz for people who think they are quite bright. These are not trick questions. They are straight questions with straight answers

1. Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends.

2. What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward?

3. Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every year. What are the only two perennial vegetables?

4. What fruit has its seeds on the outside?

5. In many liquor stores you can buy pear brandy, with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn't been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle?

6. Only three words in standard English begin with the letters 'dw' and they are all common words. Name two of them.

7. There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar. Can you name at least half of them?

8. Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh.

9. Name 6 or more things that you can wear on your feet beginning with the letter 'S.'

Scroll for answers

Answers To Quiz:

1. The one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends ... Boxing

2. North American landmark constantly moving backward is . Niagara Falls (The rim is worn down about two and a half feet each year because of the millions of gallons of water that rush over it every minute.)

3. Only two vegetables that can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons ... Asparagus and rhubarb ..

4. The fruit with its seeds on the outside .... Strawberry.

5. How did the pear get inside the brandy bottle? It grew inside the bottle. (The bottles are placed over pear buds when they are small, and are wired in place on the tree. The bottle is left in place for the entire growing season. When the pears are ripe, they are snipped off at the stems.)

6. Three English words beginning with 'dw' Dwarf, dwell and dwindle .

7. Fourteen punctuation marks in English grammar ... Period, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, apostrophe, question mark, exclamation point, quotation marks, brackets, parenthesis, braces, and ellipses.

8.. The only vegetable or fruit never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form but fresh Lettuce.

9. Six or more things you can wear on your feet beginning with 'S' Shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, slippers, skis, skates, snowshoes, stockings, stilts.

Season's Greetings

2010-12-24T22:43:00.000Z

Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

Oren Arnold

Eggcellent!!!

2010-11-30T20:43:00.000Z

Work again.

2010-07-18T20:43:00.000+01:00

This is the new location for work, it's a return to Park Lane in London. Having been there a year ago when the job was suspended it's nice to go back and finish it.

Life... is not simply a series of exciting new ventures. The future is not always a whole new ball game. There tends to be unfinished business. One trails all sorts of things around with one, things that simply won't be got rid of.

Anita Brookner

Work

2010-04-29T20:28:00.000+01:00

I have been made a permanent person at work (as opposed to 18 months of one month contracts) and have been posted to the outer reaches of civilisation where we are building 'for the nation' the Olympic Village. In the future these will be for the benefit of the people of Stratford and its surrounds. Truth is they're welcome to them. I thought the age of building tower blocks in close proximity to others was long passed but here we are building the biggest council estate in Europe. :)

Easter Blessings

2010-04-04T08:08:00.000+01:00

But from this earth, this grave, this dust,

My God shall raise me up, I trust.

Walter Raleigh

Birthday Cakes

2010-03-21T17:51:00.000Z

My mum and I were so busy yesterday making and decorating Birthday cakes for a little boy of 4. I thought you'd like to see.

We had a few issues pinning down the recipe for the train and we will now be eating train cake for many days to come having made at least 4 before finally deciding on this last minute attempt. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves though. :)

Anyone for a piece of train cake? :)

Tuesday Titter

2010-02-02T12:56:00.000Z

Official Announcement:

The government today announced that it is changing its emblem from a Union Jack to a CONDOM because it more accurately reflects the government's political stance.

A condom allows for inflation, halts production, destroys the next generation, protects a bunch of pricks, and gives you a sense of security while you're actually being screwed.

It just doesn't get more accurate

Happy Anniversay to HGF & TB

2010-01-29T09:20:00.001Z

“The most wonderful of all things in life, I believe, is the discovery of another human being with whom one's relationship has a growing depth, beauty, and joy as the years increase. This inner progressiveness of love between two human beings is a most marvelous thing; it cannot be found by looking for it or by passionately wishing for it. It is a sort of divine accident, and the most wonderful of all things in life.”

Hugh Walpole, Sr

“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”

Anon

“Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep... wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you're just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky his is to have you.... The one who turns to his friends and says, 'that's her.'”

Anon

“What is love? Love is when one person knows all of your secrets... your deepest, darkest, most dreadful secrets of which no one else in the world knows... and yet in the end, that one person does not think any less of you; even if the rest of the world does.”

Anon

“Love is like a Rubix Cube, there are countless numbers of wrong twists and turns, but when you get it right, it looks perfect no matter what way you look at it”

Brian Cramer

“Here is the deepest secret nobody knows.

Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

And the sky of the sky of a tree called life;

Which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide.

And this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart.

I carry your heart.

I carry it in my heart.”

E. E. Cummings

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!

2010-01-11T13:47:00.000Z

For unto us a child is born

2009-12-24T23:53:00.003Z

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness
- on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the trampling warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fule for the fire.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named
Woderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be
endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9:2-7

RIP Lara

2009-11-26T20:01:00.001Z

The British Craft Fair

2009-11-03T12:26:00.010Z

My friend Siân Evans, the very talented Coppersmith, is featuring in the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust British Craft Fair on Wednesday 4th November and Thursday 5th November at The General Trading Company, 2–6 Symons Street, Sloane Square, London, SW3 2GT

http://www.coppersmithing.co.uk/

The British Craft Fair

Funky

2009-08-31T17:20:00.004+01:00

Last week's Banksy non-event led to a bit of graffiti based inspiration so here's the resulting necklace.

Banksy Exhibition - Bristol

2009-08-22T21:44:00.004+01:00

Today I got up early (not an unusual occurence as I'm generally up for work at 5:30 but it is the weekend) and drove from Welwyn Garden City to Bristol in order to see the Banksy exhibition at the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery.

http://www.banksy.co.uk/

Upon arriving we found the queue extended for a 6 hour wait, standing in the streets around the museum in the sun. No tickets are required so cannot be purchased in advance for timed entry or anything as convenient as that. Sufficed to say I came back home somewhat disappointed at not seeing the exhibition. I did however get to take some pictures of great graffiti along the harbour.

Hello

2009-08-22T20:15:00.006+01:00

I seem to have had so much to do and so little time in which to do it. What with doubts about my job and a few other things going on I just haven't felt inclined to blog. But here goes.

My job contract wasn't renewed at the end of July but I have been doing holiday cover wherever was required until August 28th when I would out of work. Last week I had lined up two interviews with other building contractors but cancelled them with a quick prayer that 'God would provide'. On Friday the company I currently work decided that they didn't want to lose me after all and have guaranteed me a contract until Christmas at the least. Phew! How lucky am I?

'It's a recession when your neighbour loses his job; it's a depression when you lose yours.'

Harry S Truman

Clay Balls

2009-05-06T14:07:00.008+01:00

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 the remaining 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, 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, stylish, 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.

Thank you for looking beyond my clay vessel. Pass this on to another CLAY BALL.

Cute.

2009-04-25T22:54:00.006+01:00

I had a fab day today visiting friends near Spalding, they have recently bought a 33 acre deer farm. The deer are arriving this week but in the meantime the local famer uses some of the land for grazing sheep. My friends have adopted 3 orphan lambs Mint, Sauce and Chop. They are so cute.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T18:42:00.004+01:00

Coppersmithing at the Country Living Show

2009-03-03T21:16:00.014Z

My dear friend Siân at http://www.coppersmithing.co.uk/ will be exibiting her truly exquisite Coppersmithing at the Country Living Spring Fair from 11th to 15th March Stand : G14a at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London.
Wednesday 11th March - 10.00am - 6.00pm
Wednesday Gala Evening - 6.30pm - 9.00pm
Thursday 12th March - 10.00am - 6.00pm
Friday 13th March - 10.00am - 6.00pm
Saturday 14th March - 9.30am - 6.00pm
Sunday 15th March - 10.00am - 3.00pm

Quidam

2009-03-03T20:53:00.006Z

To celebrate Joan's 70th Birthday we went to see Cirque du Soleil's Quidam at the Albert Hall in London, it was fabulous and I can recommend it as really good entertainment if you get the opportunity.

Here we go again.

2009-02-02T18:20:00.003Z

Once again we can't cope with adverse weather conditions and the transport system grinds to a halt.

Nick Vujicic - An Inspiration

2009-01-10T23:38:00.001Z

Frosty Mornings

2009-01-10T22:21:00.005Z

I have been so busy with work and a Mother who has had a close encounter with a pavement resulting in a broken finger that I've not had time to post anything new (Thanks for pointing that out Nick, Mrs Successful, HGF..........) so this is a start for the year. Taken this morning with my Christmas present mobile phone it shows just how cold it's been for the last few days. (Not something you're likely to forget working on a building site, however the Damart delivery has arrived at last!!!)

Happy Christmas

2008-12-24T22:13:00.007Z

"Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.

Once upon a midnight clear there was a child's cry. A blazing star hung over a stable and wise men came with birthday gifts.

We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries. We celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, with the sound of bells and with gifts. But especially with gifts. You give me a book, I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry could do with a new pipe. For we forget nobody, adult or child. All the stockings are filled. All that is except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the child born in a Manger.

It's his birthday we're celebrating. Don't let us ever forget that. Let us ask ourselves what He would wish for most. And then let each put in his share, loving kindness, warm hearts and a stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make Peace on Earth."

Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) The Bishop's Wife - 1947

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

2008-12-03T15:12:00.003Z

I'm feeling a little despondant at the moment as am off work having sprained my bi-lateral knee ligaments, ouch!! This resting business is tedious so I'm reduced to Blogthings and a hope that it mends soon or I may go mad.

You Know a Lot About Christmas

You got 8/10 correct

You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas.

When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details.

Random Christmas fact: Some people believe that all animals can speak on Christmas Eve. But it's bad luck to test this superstition.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

Remembrance

2008-11-09T22:15:00.005Z

We Shall Keep the Faith

Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet - to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the Faith
With All who died.

We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders Fields.

And now the Torch and Poppy Red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields.
Moina Michael, November 1918

The Three Bears

2008-10-20T21:53:00.007+01:00

http://www.nurserycrime.co.uk/

Baby bear goes downstairs, sits in his small chair at the table. He looks into his small bowl. It is empty.

'Who's been eating my porridge?' he squeaks.

Daddy Bear arrives at the big table and sits in his big chair. He looks into his big bowl and it is also empty.

'Who's been eating my porridge?!?' he roars.

Mummy Bear puts her head through the serving hatch from the kitchen and yells, 'For God's sake, how many times do I have to go through this with you idiots?
It was Mummy Bear who got up first.
It was Mummy Bear who woke everyone in the house.
It was Mummy Bear who made the coffee.
It was Mummy Bear who unloaded the dishwasher from last night and put everything away.
It was Mummy Bear who swept the floor in the kitchen.
It was Mummy Bear who went out in the cold early morning air to fetch The newspaper and croissants.
It was Mummy Bear who set the damn table.
It was Mummy Bear who walked the bloody dog, cleaned the cat's litter tray, gave them their food, and refilled their water.
And now that you've decided to drag your sorry bear-asses downstairs and grace Mummy Bear with your grumpy presence, listen carefully, because I'm only going to say this once....

I HAVEN'T MADE THE %$#<*?@ PORRIDGE YET!!!'

What Your Handwriting Says About You.....

2008-10-04T22:05:00.004+01:00

You are a fairly energetic person. You know how do pace yourself, and you deal well with stress.
You are reserved and not very outgoing. You are deeply thoughtful and introspective. You have a lot of control over your actions and emotions.
You are very detail oriented and meticulous. You are a careful thinker and a true intellectual.
You need a bit of space in your life, but you're not a recluse. You expect people to give you a small amount of privacy, and you respect their privacy as well.
You are conservative, old fashioned, and a little stubborn. You are resistant to change.
You are a good communicator. You work hard to get your ideas across effectively.

What Does Your Handwriting Say About You?

Funny!!

2008-09-25T14:48:00.003+01:00

These men are installing bollards to stop cars parking on the pavement outside an Irish sports bar. They are cleaning up at the end of the day.

How long do you think it will be before they realise?

Tall Ships Regatta - Cornwall

2008-09-16T22:27:00.006+01:00

I must go down to the seas again,
To the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship
And a star to steer her by..."

John Masefield

"No more beautiful sight can be imagined than a morning at sea, with these magnificent vessels racing in mid-ocean, perhaps two or three of them in sight at one; the sun rising among golden clouds; the dark blue sea flecked with glistening white caps; long, low black hulls cleaving a pathway of sparkling foam; towering masts, and yards covered with snowy canvas which bellies to the crisp morning breeze as if sculptured in marble..."

Captain Arthur H. Clark

Job Done

2008-09-04T23:43:00.004+01:00

I thought I'd share with you the lovely bouquet I received when my contract finished this week. It was such a lovely thought.

My latest job.

2008-07-29T21:53:00.009+01:00

I thought I'd share with you some pics from my 'office'!

This is the Grosvenor House Apartments in Park Lane, London and I am the temporary Site Secretary. Not something I've had any experience with but I'll try anything. The only downside is the trek to London every day, on the Tube in 30 degrees is not fun and I'm not sure it's something I would want to do long term, but for now it's another interesting part of life's rich tapestry.

Dancing in the Rain

2008-07-08T22:20:00.009+01:00

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought,'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message. This one I thought I could share with you. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did. 'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.'

Holiday 2008 - Inverness, Scotland

2008-07-01T23:23:00.002+01:00

The first holiday pic. The Cairngorm Mountain range, Britain's newest National Park. Breathtaking views and a bit chilly too.

Thank you.

2008-06-12T09:20:00.001+01:00

Today is the second Birthday of the year for me, because this day in 1967 I was adopted by Joan and Derek and so was reborn.

I am blessed with very special parents, both those that are with me now and those I had before and will always be eternally grateful for all they have done for me and continue to do.

LEGACY OF AN ADOPTED CHILD

Once there were two women who never knew each other

One you do not remember, the other you call Mother

Two different lives shaped to make you one

One became your guiding star, the other became your sun

The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it

The first gave you a need for love, the second was there to give it

One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name

One gave you a talent, the other gave you aim

One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears

One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried you tears

One made an adoption plan, that was all that she could do

The other prayed for a child, and God led her straight to you.

Now, which of these two women, Are you the product of?

Both, my darling, Both, Just two different types of love.

Unknown

Birth of a Poppy

2008-06-09T23:17:00.006+01:00

Summer set lip to earth's bosom bare,

And left the flushed print in a poppy there:

Like a yawn of fire from the grass it came,

And the fanning wind puffed it to flapping flame.

With burnt mouth, red like a lion's, it drank

The blood of the sun as he slaughtered sank,

And dipped its cup in the purpurate shine

When the Eastern conduits ran with wine.

Till it grew lethargied with fierce bliss,

And hot as a swinked gipsy is,

And drowsed in sleepy savageries,

With mouth wide a-pout for a sultry kiss.

Francis Thompson

Do we make a difference?

2008-06-03T22:56:00.004+01:00

"To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded." Ralph Waldo Emerson

How many of us can say we make that much difference? Do we not go through life never looking left or right, just intent on our own problems? It's only when our lives are impacted by the actions of others that these questions come to the fore. I have called the police and ambulance service for a suicide attempt this week whilst keeping that person talking on the phone. I have called time on a friendship this week. But how much have I brought to those lives? Could I have done things differently?

I thought I'd share with you the beautiful Wisteria from my garden which has just finished flowering. I love the Spring with its myriad of colours, fresh and new with the promise of new hope for the year. Sometimes this new hope is just a mirror, reflecting what could be but not necessarily what is.

Congratulations Joan & Derek

2008-05-28T16:29:00.002+01:00

Joan and Derek (Mum and Dad) have been married 48 years today.

"Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years. That is what makes a marriage last." Simone Signoret

Corel Painter

2008-05-19T14:58:00.002+01:00

I've been ta(n)g(o)ed

2008-04-26T08:30:00.007+01:00

Go raibh míle maith agat goes to Wellied On Life for tagging me (^_~).

I have updated the list with the first question that got kind of overlooked in the mêlée.

Things I was doing 10 years ago:

I was pursuing my Heraldic Art & Calligraphy career whilst enduring chronic back pain. This culminated in 1998 with my third spinal fusion. My brother left his wife and new son that year and never went back, leaving her to bring up two little boys alone.

'The young have aspirations that never come to pass, the old have reminiscences of what never happened.' H. H. Munro

Five things on my To-Do list today:

1. Walk the dogs.

2. Fill in Tax Return.

3. Check work timesheet figures against payslips (I know that sounds a no-brainer but I'm new to this proper pay packet thing and hadn't thought that it might be wrong)

4. Try website building in Dreamweaver.

5. Go out for dinner.

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

1. As per WoL, pay off any debts and those of my family and friends. generally make life easier for them.

2. Buy an art gallery and workshops in order to set up a cooperative of newly qualified Jewellery and Silversmithing students providing them with a means to both make and sell.

3. Buy a large enough house with grounds so I can't see my neighbours .

4. Buy two properties in County Kerry, Eire. One for get aways and the other for my Mother.

5. Purchase the car of my dreams, a classic Mini Cooper S in British Racing Green.

6. Continue to work - "Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort." Franklin D Roosevelt.

Three of my bad habits:

1. Disorganised (but God knows I try so hard not to be)

2. I get sidetracked easily.

3. Dreaming.

Five places I've lived:

This one proved a bit tricky as I haven't travelled far from home.

1. Essex (place of birth)

2. Hertfordshire (but in 3 different houses)

Five jobs I've had:

Again this proved tricky.

1. Heraldic Artist & Calligrapher.

2. Jewellery Designer/Maker

3. Academic Support Worker.

Five books I've read recently:

1. An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963

2. The Golden Compass , The Amber Spyglass & The Subtle Knife from the His Dark Materials trilogy.

3. Norman Rockwell - A Life.

4. Dreamweaver CS3 - The Missing Manual.

5. Flash CS3 - The Missing Manual.

Five people or communities I'm going to tag:

1. Mazza

2. The Storyteller

3. Sleepy Bear Hollow

4. Sx

5. The Gamekeeper.

Is this Heaven?

2008-04-21T12:07:00.005+01:00

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.
He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.
After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.
When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.
When he was close enough, he called out, 'Excuse me, where are we?'

'This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered.

'Wow! Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked.

'Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up.'
The man gestured, and the gate began to open.
'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveler asked.
'I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets.'
The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.

After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?'

'Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.'

'How about my friend here?' the traveler gestured to the dog.

'There should be a bowl by the pump.'
They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.
The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.
When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.
'What do you call this place?' the traveler asked.

'This is Heaven,' he answered.

'Well, that's confusing,' the traveler said. 'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.'

'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.'

'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?'

'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.'

Why we love children.

2008-04-11T15:15:00.010+01:00

A nursery school pupil told his teacher he'd found a cat, but it was dead.

'How do you know that the cat was dead?' she asked her pupil.

'Because I pi**ed in its ear and it didn't move,' answered the child innocently.

'You did WHAT?' the teacher exclaimed in surprise.

'You know,' explained the boy, 'I leaned over and went 'Pssst' and it didn't move'

A small boy is sent to bed by his father.

Five minutes later.....'Da-ad....'

'What?'

'I'm thirsty. Can you bring a drink of water?'

'No, You had your chance. Lights out.'

Five minutes later: 'Da-aaaad.....'

'WHAT?'

'I'm THIRSTY. Can I have a drink of water??'

'I told you NO! If you ask again, I'll have to smack you!!'

Five minutes later......'Daaaa-aaaad.....'

'WHAT!'

'When you come in to smack me, can you bring a drink of water?'

An exasperated mother, whose son was always getting into mischief, finally asked him 'How do you expect to get into Heaven?'

The boy thought it over and said, 'Well, I'll run in and out and in and out and keep slamming the door until St. Peter says, 'For Heaven's sake, Dylan, come in or stay out!''

One summer evening during a violent thunderstorm a mother was tucking her son into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice, 'Mummy, will you sleep with me tonight?'

The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug. 'I can't dear,' she said. 'I have to sleep in Daddy's room.'

A long silence was broken at last by his shaky little voice: 'The big sissy.'

It was that time, during the Sunday morning service, for the children's sermon.

All the children were invited to come forward.

One little girl was wearing a particularly pretty dress and, as she sat down, the minister leaned over and said, 'That is a very pretty dress. Is it your Easter Dress?'

The little girl replied, directly into the minister's clip-on microphone, 'Yes, and my Mum says it's a bi*ch to iron.'

When I was six months pregnant with my third child, my three year old came into the room when I was just getting ready to get into the shower.

She said, 'Mummy, you are getting fat!'

I replied, 'Yes, honey, remember Mummy has a baby growing in her tummy.'

'I know,' she replied, but what's growing in your bum?'

A little boy was doing his math homework.

He said to himself, 'Two plus five, that son of a bi*ch is seven. Three plus six, that son of a bi*ch is nine....'

His mother heard what he was saying and gasped, 'What are you doing?'

The little boy answered, 'I'm doing my math homework, Mum.'

'And this is how your teacher taught you to do it?' the mother asked

'Yes,' he answered.

Infuriated, the mother asked the teacher the next day, 'What are you teaching my son in math?' The teacher replied, 'Right now, we are learning addition.'

The mother asked, 'And are you teaching them to say two plus two, that son of a bi*ch is four?' After the teacher stopped laughing, she answered, 'What I taught them was, two plus two, THE SUM OF WHICH, is four.'

One day the first grade teacher was reading the story of Chicken Little to her class.

She came to the part of the story where Chicken Little tried to warn the farmer.

She read, '.... and so Chicken Little went up to the farmer and said, 'The sky is falling, the sky is falling!'

The teacher paused then asked the class, 'And what do you think that farmer said?'

One little girl raised her hand and said, 'I think he said: 'Holy Sh * t! A talking chicken!''

The teacher was unable to teach for the next 10 minutes.

A certain little girl, when asked her name, would reply, I'm Mr. Sugarbrown's daughter.'

Her mother told her this was wrong, she must say, 'I'm Jane Sugarbrown.'

The Vicar spoke to her in Sunday School, and said, 'Aren't you Mr. Sugarbrown's daughter?'

She replied, 'I thought I was, but mother says I'm not.'

A little girl asked her mother, 'Can I go outside and play with the boys?'

Her mother replied, 'No, you can't play with the boys, they're too rough.'

The little girl thought about it for a few moments and asked, 'If I can find a smooth one, can I play with him?'

A little girl goes to the barber shop with her father. She stands next to the barber chair, while her dad gets his hair cut, eating a snack cake

The barber says to her, 'Sweetheart, you're gonna get hair on your muffin.'

She says, 'Yes, I know, and I'm gonna get boobs too.'

More Brrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!

2008-04-07T08:44:00.001+01:00

You'd think they'd not seen snow before.

Brrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-06T08:54:00.003+01:00

This is what we've woken up to today.

Murphy's Lesser Known Laws

2008-04-03T21:31:00.011+01:00

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

2. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

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

4. Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.

5. 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.

6. If you lined up all the cars in the world end to end, the guy at the back would be stupid enough to try to pass them, five or six at a time, on a hill, in the fog.

7. The things that come to those who wait will be the scraggly junk left by those who got there first.

8. The shin bone is a device for finding furniture in a dark room.

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

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

Never Lie To A Woman

2008-03-28T13:40:00.005Z

A man called home to his wife and said, "Honey I have been asked to go fishing up in Canada with my boss & several of his friends . We'll be gone for a week. This is a good opportunity for me to get that promotion I've been wanting, so could you please pack enough clothes for a week and set out my rod and fishing box, we're leaving from the office & I will swing by the house to pick my things up"

"Oh! Please pack my new blue silk pyjamas."

The wife thinks this sounds a bit fishy but being the good wife she is, did exactly what her husband asked.

The following weekend he came home a little tired but otherwise looking good. The wife welcomed him home and asked if he caught many fish?

He said, "Yes! Lots of Salmon, some Bluegill, and a few Swordfish. But why didn't you pack my new blue silk pyjamas like I asked you to do?"

The wife replied, "I did. They're in your fishing box ..."

Come share my Birthday

2008-03-26T08:30:00.001Z

A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun.

Easter

2008-03-23T12:19:00.001Z

Talented

2008-03-18T22:50:00.003Z

I thought that I would share with you the work of my very perceptive and accomplished friend and Coppersmith Siân Elizabeth Evans. As you can see she manages to combine great, unique design with the warmth and glow of lustrous Copper. The most important thing that Siân brings to her highly individual work is the ability to merge creative energy with her fabulous sense of style. This is a master-craftswoman who knows and understands the very essence of the Copper and can manipulate it to her will.

To see more of Siân's work please follow the link

http://www.coppersmithing.co.uk/

Sláinte

2008-03-17T11:52:00.004Z

I know it's been moved by the Pope this year but raise a glass of the black stuff for a Happy St Patrick's Day.

Happy 20th Wedding Anniversary.

2008-01-30T13:00:00.000Z

'In a time when nothing is more certain than change, the commitment of two people to one another has become difficult and rare. Yet, by its scarcity, the beauty and value of this exchange have only been enhanced.' Robert Sexton.

Congratulations to Talking Bear and His Girl Friday on 20 years of hard but rewarding work.

Look out for your ass!

2008-01-19T16:03:00.000Z

The Pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won. The Pastor was so pleased with the donkey that he entered in a race again, and it won again. The local paper read, "Pastor's Ass Out Front".

The Bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the Pastor not to enter the donkey in another race. The next day the local paper headline read, "Bishop Scratches Pastor's Ass".

This was too much for the Bishop, so he ordered the Pastor to get rid of the donkey. The Pastor decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent. The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next day, "Nun Has Best Ass In Town".

The Bishop fainted. He informed the nun that she would have to get rid of the donkey, so she sold it to a farmer for $10. The next day the paper read, "Nun Sells Ass For $10".

This was too much for the Bishop, so he ordered the nun to buy the donkey back and lead it to a place where it could run wild. The next day the headlines read, "Nun Announces Her Ass Is Wild And Free".

The Bishop was buried the next day.

The moral of this story is....being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery....and even shorten your life. So be yourself and enjoy life....Stop worrying about everyone else's ass and you'll be a lot happier and live longer!

I wish you enough.

2008-01-14T21:50:00.000Z

I was sent this little tale recently and thought I'd share it with you.

'Recently I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure.

Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said, "I love you and I wish you enough".

The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom".

They kissed and the daughter left.

The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?"

Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?"

"I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral," she said.

"When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough'..May I ask what that means?"

She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone". She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and she smiled even more. "When we said , 'I wish you enough', we were wantingthe other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them". Then turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

She then began to cry and walked away.

TAKE TIME TO LIVE..... To all my friends and loved ones, I WISH YOU ENOUGH'

Children's Views on Angels

2008-01-13T21:35:00.000Z

"It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to heaven, then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes." - Matthew, 9

"I only know the names of two angels: Hark and Harold."- Gregory, 5

"Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why, but scientists know all about it now." - Olive, 9

"Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else."- Mitchell, 7

"My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for science." - Henry, 8

"Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from holy cows."- Scooter, 6

"Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The basic message is where you went wrong before you got dead." - Daniel, 7

"When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten, and when he lets out his breath, somewhere there's a tornado."- Regan, 5

"Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go north for the winter. - Sara, 6

"Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter."- Jared , 8

"All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn't go for it." - Antonia, 9

"Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the kid get over it."- Vicki, 8

"What I don't get about angels is why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them." - Sarah, 7

Athblian shona duit

2008-01-01T00:01:00.000Z

Happy New Year to you.

What can I wish that this day, that this year, may bring to me?

Nothing that shall make the world of others poorer, nothing at the expense of others; but just those few things which in their coming do not stop with me but touch me rather, as they pass and gather strength:
A few friends who understand me, and yet remain my friends.
A work to do which has real value without which the world would feel the poorer.
A return for such work small enough not to tax unduly anyone who pays.
A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed.
An understanding heart.
A sight of the eternal hills and unresting sea, and of something beautiful the individual hand has made.
A sense of humour and the power to laugh.
A little leisure with nothing to do.
A few moments of quiet, silent meditation. The sense of the presence of God.
And the patience to wait for the coming of these things, with the wisdom to know them when they come."

Happy Christmas

2007-12-24T23:33:00.000Z

Christmas is not in tinsel and lights and outward show.

The secret lies in an inner glow.

It's lighting a fire inside the heart.

Good will and joy a vital part.

It's higher thought and a greater plan.

It's glorious dream in the soul of man.

Today...I wish you a day of ordinary miracles

2007-12-20T19:58:00.000Z

A fresh pot of coffee you didn't have to make for yourself.

An unexpected phone call from an old friend.

Traffic lights on green all the way to work.

I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in...

The fastest line at the supermarket or post office.

A good sing-along song on the radio.

Your keys right where you look for them.

I wish you a day of happiness and perfection-little bite-size pieces of perfection that give you the funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on you, holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.

I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire lifetime to forget them.

What Love Means

2007-12-05T12:46:00.000Z

What Love means to a 4-8 year old . . .

Slow down for three minutes to read this. It is so worth it. Touching words from the mouth of babes. A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?" The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca- age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth." Billy - age 4
"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other." Karl – age 5
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." Chrissy - age 6
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri - age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." Danny - age 7
"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss" Emily - age 8
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." Bobby - age 7
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate," Nikka -age 6

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day." Noelle - age 7

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."Tommy - age 6
"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore." Cindy - age 8
"My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night." Clare - age 6
"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken." Elaine - age 5
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford." Chris - age 7
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." Mary Ann - age 4
"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." Lauren - age 4
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." Karen - age 7
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross." Mark - age 6
"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica - age 8

And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.

The winner was a four year old child whose next-door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry"

Rite of Passage

2007-11-27T20:32:00.000Z

I received an email recently and wanted to share it with you.

'Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage?

His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone.

He is required to sit on a tree stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he will be a MAN.

He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.

The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his tree stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!

Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the tree stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the tree stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.

If you liked this story, pass it on. If not, maybe you took off your blindfold before dawn...'

The people that matter most

2007-11-07T18:03:00.000Z

Here's a short quiz for you to try:

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?
The point is, few of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
These people are by no means second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are easily forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

I've got a new job!!

2007-10-01T12:39:00.001+01:00

Holiday 2007 - House for an Art Lover

2007-07-05T22:51:00.000+01:00

In 1901, Glasgow’s most famous architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh entered a competition to design a ‘House for an Art Lover’. The competition was set by a German design magazine which sought entries to design ‘a grand house in a thoroughly modern style’, and challenged architects to develop ideas which were fresh and innovative. Mackintosh worked on his submission together with his wife, Margaret Macdonald. For the first time, Mackintosh and Macdonald were allowed complete freedom of artistic expression, their designs not conforming to client specification and demand.
Whilst the Mackintoshs’ entry was disqualified from the competition on the grounds of late submission, the designs were awarded a special prize for “their pronounced personal quality, their novel and austere form and the uniform configuration of interior and exterior.”

Charles Rennie Mackintosh's competition entry has been admired by scholars and Mackintosh enthusiasts alike over the last century. The urging of consulting engineer, Graham Roxburgh, led to the idea of building the House in the late eighties. His dream to build the House for an Art Lover became a reality in 1989 when building work began. However, recession in the early Nineties forced the project to be temporarily halted. Building work resumed in 1994, revived by a collaboration between Glasgow City Council and the Glasgow School of Art. Over one hundred years after the designs were first created, the House now stands completed in Bellahouston Park.

White Cube Gallery

2007-06-29T16:23:00.001+01:00

A very dear friend took me to see this in London yesterday. It was all very 'showbiz' with heavy weight security and much razzmatazz which was then let down by viewing in a pitch black room for a full 5 minutes.

This was then followed by a perusal of other interesting exhibits including a Tiger Shark in formaldehyde, split lengthways allowing you to walk through the middle and a couple of cows cut in half. All novel items but whether they are art is questionable. I personally thought the Skull was fabulous but question the validity of spending that much money to make or purchase it. How many people could be helped, how many lives eased just a little, with that sort of money? The adage is 'a fool and his money are easily parted'.

The rest of the exhibits leave me cold and I find myself recalling the tale of the Emperor's New Clothes. However, if that's what rocks your boat then c'est la vie.

British artist Damien Hirst revealed his latest work of art at the White Cube Gallery in London, June 1, 2007. "For the Love of God" is a life-size cast of a human skull in platinum and covered by 8,601 pave-set diamonds weighing 1,106.18 carats. The single large diamond in the middle of the forehead is reportedly worth $4.2 million alone. Hirst financed the project himself, and estimates it cost between 10 and 15 million. Of course, it will cost someone a pretty penny to own the work: It's priced at $99 million.

Holiday 2007

2007-06-26T22:57:00.000+01:00

Q. What do you call a grumpy cow?

A. Moo-dy

Train Ticket

2007-05-17T22:49:00.000+01:00

Three women and three men are travelling by train to the football. At the station, the three men each buy a ticket and watch as the three women buy just one ticket. "How are the three of you going to travel on only one ticket?" asks one of the men.

"Watch and learn," answers one of the women. They all board the train. The three men take their respective seats but all three women cram into a toilet together and close the door. Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets. He knocks on the toilet door and says, "Ticket, please. The door opens just a crack, and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on.

The men see this happen and agree it was quite a clever idea; so, after the game, they decide to do the same thing on the return trip and save some money. When they get to the station they buy a single ticket for the return trip but see, to their astonishment, that the three women don't buy any ticket at all!!

"How are you going to travel without a ticket?" says one perplexed man. "Watch and learn," answer the women. When they board the train, the three men cram themselves into a toilet, and the three women cram into another toilet just down the way. Shortly after the train is on its way, one of the women leaves her toilet and walks over to the toilet in which the men are hiding.

The woman knocks on their door and says, "Ticket, please."

I'm still trying to figure out why men ever think they are smarter than women.

Ph.D. in Leadership

2007-04-27T23:14:00.000+01:00

Short Course:

Make a short list of all things done to you that you abhorred.

Don't do them to others. Ever.

Make another list of things done to you that you loved.

Do them to others. Always."

Dee Hock

Kew Gardens

2007-03-29T22:43:00.000+01:00

I thought I'd share this photo with you of Kew Gardens on Monday.

Transforming the landscape from white to blue, the delicate alpine Chionodoxa comes into flower as the snows melt in the mountains of Turkey, Crete and Cyprus, earning it the name Glory of the Snow.

Thousands of deep blue, starry-flowered Chionodoxa siehei from western Turkey have been naturalised in the lawn creating a blanket of spring colour. They emerge in the early months of the year, flower and then die back to survive the summer underground as dormant bulbs.

With this and the daffodils under the warm Spring sunshine I had a fab birthday walking through the grounds.

'Just as a prism of glass miters light and casts a colored braid, a garden sings sweet incantations the human heart strains to hear. Hiding in every flower, in every leaf, in every twig and bough, are reflections of the God who once walked with us in Eden.'

Tonia Triebwasser

Birthday wishes

2007-03-26T00:00:00.000+01:00

Today is my 40th Birthday and I wish to extend to you all my best wishes and share with you my good fortune in having so many lovely friends. I ask you to raise a glass and think of me with the same regard as I hold you all.

'I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.' -- John Burroughs.

Diary of..........

2007-02-26T13:19:00.000Z

Excerpts from a Dog's Daily Diary

8.00am Dog food! My favourite thing!
9.30am A car ride! My favourite thing!
9.40am A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10.30am Got hugged and petted! My favourite thing!
12.00pm Lunch! My favourite thing!
1.00pm Played in the garden! My favourite thing!
3.00pm Chased my tail! My favourite thing!
5.00pm Bonio biscuits! My favourite thing!
7.00pm Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8.00pm Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11.00pm Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary

Day 683 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the floor. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. The audacity!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow - but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded! The bird has got to be an informant. I observe it communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that it reports my every move. My Captors have arranged protective custody for it in an elevated cell, so he is safe...for now....

Precepts To Live By

2007-02-15T19:31:00.000Z

Be impeccable with your word - Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Don't take anything personally - Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

Don't make assumptions - Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one rule, you can completely transform your life.

Always do your best - Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Counting My Blessings

2007-02-09T20:55:00.000Z

This is a quote from Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet. I can't believe I didn't know about this book until a good friend gave me a copy. It seems to provide just the right words when you need them, bringing clarity to confusion, turning chaos into calm, and centering the wandering mind.

Always there - like my very good friends, cyber or otherwise.

Sand and Stone

2007-01-23T21:35:00.000Z

Two friends were walking through the desert. At some point during the journey, they had an argument; and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who was slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: "Today my best friend slapped me in the face." They kept on walking, until they found an oasis where they decided to bathe. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started to drown, but the friend saved him. After he had recovered from the near drowning, he carved on a stone: "Today my best friend saved my life." The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?" The friend replied "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand, where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

Learn to write your hurts in the sand and to carve your benefits in stone. They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but; then an entire life to forget them.

TAKE THE TIME TO LIVE! DO NOT VALUE THE THINGS YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE, BUT VALUE WHO YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE!

Night Watch

2007-01-15T15:04:00.000Z

I was feeling in a reflective mood today when someone sent me this, so I thought I'd share it with you too.

'The nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside. "Your son is here," she said to the old man.
She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened. Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement. The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed. All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lit ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength. Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile. He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients. Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night. Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.

Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy but the Marine interrupted her."Who was that man?" he asked. The nurse was startled, "He was your father," she answered."No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life." "Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?" "I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me I stayed."

The next time someone needs you just be there. Stay.

We are not human beings going through a temporary spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings going through a temporary human experience.

May you all have a peaceful and safe week.'

For Anna

2007-01-10T14:25:00.000Z

I thought I would post this picture for my cyber pal Anna in honour of the seal that has been spotted in the centre of Peterborough. These lazy guys were chillin' off Garinish Island, Bantry Bay, West Cork last year. Clearly from the pose they are the Kate Moss of the seal world.

Mazza's Birthday

2007-01-09T10:17:00.001Z

This is my very dear friend Mary whose significant birthday is today.

"This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life." Anon.

Happy Birthday Mary, from us all.

Bridges in Bedford

2007-01-07T20:16:00.000Z

I thought that, in keeping with my bridge posting cyber pals, I should include a couple of pics of bridges that I have come across in my travels. At the bottom is the Bedford Suspension Bridge, dated 1921 and at the top is the Bedford Butterfly Bridge, dated 1998.

'Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.'
Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A. A. Milne

The London Eye

2006-12-27T20:17:00.000Z

I thought I'd share today's outing with you.

As a Christmas present we were bought tickets to the London Eye. Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best with bitter winds and overcast, grey skies but it was still a fantastic experience. This is the view from the top overlooking Big Ben and Westminster Cathedral.

First Post

2006-12-13T22:26:00.000Z

For my first post I thought I'd share this year's Christmas card photo with you. This little chap sat very patiently in the gardens at Trelissick, Cornwall while I managed to take his portrait.

Hope you like him, I called him 'Round', Christmas just isn't the same without a Round Robin!!!