My Grama's Soul

    I love the above quote.  I came across it while reading something yesterday.  I have known a few people during my lifetime who seem to live this quote everyday.  In fact, in times past, I was quite guilty of the same thing. One thing about getting older....you soon realize that you have fewer days ahead than behind....so chose to use them wisely.   Just sayin' Jo

It seems as though there is nothing positive that is being shared in the news of the world as of late.  This can cause one to pause and reflect on our situation. Music lover that I am, I often seek solace in song.  Yesterday I came across one of my favorite CD's....THE PRAYER CYCLE.   It really does not matter who or what one prays to...I think it just matters that we PRAY.  When you pray...you believe there is hope....and all of us need hope. This particular piece is about GRACE...I want to share it with you. Father won't you carry me For the ocean is wide Father won't you carry me For my boat is so small Father on this moonless night Help me cross the stormy sea Out here in the darkness Help me find my way back home Father won't you carry me For the ocean is wide Father won't you carry me For my boat is so small When all appears lost   and hope is on the wain......just Pray.. Me thinking ou...

"The most wrenching fear that one experiences is the fear one feels for others..when one loves, one fears for the other." David Brazier Why is doing the right thing oftentimes the HARDEST thing? When rescuing becomes EN-NABELING ...you have totally missed the target.  This has been a hard lesson for me to learn and I have suffered greatly because of my fear. Perhaps this time the lesson has been learned.  Who knows? Just me.... Jo  

Included the above just because I thought it was neat! O.K.....here is what I want to share with you........ This is perfect....is it not. xo Jo

SHOW UP PAY ATTENTION TELL THE TRUTH DON'T GET TOO ATTACHED TO THE OUTCOME There it is in all its simplicity. So easy yet so very hard at times. xo Jo

This is an unusual post for the Easter season....but wanted to share this with everyone.  Two years ago Brad and I were able to take a little trip to Europe.  We cruised the Rhein and the Main and the Danube rivers.  This cruise stopped in all the major cities and small villages along the way. Of course, there were so many old castles, churches and buildings that one cannot remember them all.  But I did manage to take some wonderful photographs of a cathedral in Cologne.   These stained glass windows are in Saint Andrew's Cathedral.  Much of this cathedral was destroyed during the war and the city has spent many years repairing the damage done.   You will notice the different style in each of the windows.  Each window was installed at a different time in history as cathedrals of this size were built over many generations.  The local citizens actually removed the stained glass windows during the war to preserve ...

" Pain is inevitable....suffering is optional."  the Buddha... For those of us who have lost an adult child it is often a case of thinking "how can the sun go on shining?" ...but it does each and every day.   As each morning arrives with a jolt....no it is more like pain....you come to realize that life goes on even though you feel like yours has just fallen apart.  Flowers keep on blooming.....rain keeps on falling...and people are just  "keepin' on" about the business of life. My beautiful amaryllis has not missed a beat during this sad time in my life.  It just keeps on blooming and blooming....with a message to me that "life must go on....not as before....but it must continue". These beautiful sunflowers were sent to us from my brother, Kerry.  These are for you Scott.....I know the sun is shining where you are. ENJOY THEM!!!!! xo Jo

What if someone told you this would be your last day on earth.....you have exactly as the sign above indicates. How would you handle yours? be blessed, Jo

"There is a time in your life for everything~~but not everything all of the time." Anonymous  It seems as though when I take a little trip...I always spend some time reflecting about my life and the improvements I hope to make when returning home. All of us have the same 24 hours in each day and yet it seems as though I often fill mine with trivia and just "puttering" around the house.  I set little goals for myself and let other things get in the way.   This year I have turned 68 and have vowed to pursue some of the goals I have long neglected.   These goals are really fairly simple, actually....but it is just a matter of MAKING TIME.  I want to begin a solid exercise program, as I am having some knee issues and know this will improve my overall health.  I want to get more involved in being creative.  It seems as though I have just let that part of me disappear.  I want to spend more time with friends getting out of the...

Found this somewhere on Tumbler...thought it was the best! have a great day, Jo

Have not been here for quite sometime.  We have so much going on that blogging seems to have fallen to the bottom of the pile.  Just a quick update: We have sold our current home. We have purchased another home that is considerably smaller. Currently we are going through things and selling or giving away what we know will not be necessary in our new wonderful little spot. Although Brad and I are certainly not what I consider "old" I really wanted to do this while we were both still healthy and able to manage this huge task. Which brings me to the purpose of this post.......   As I spend my days packing and sorting  I am able to reflect on many things in life....and one of them is the concept of "hard work".   I have always believed that ALL WORK is dignified...whether one is the Janitor or the boss...each has its place and is necessary in order for the Universe to stay as it should be.  I will admit that "physical" lab...

Hugs from me to you.. Jo

How is this for a New Year's Resolution. xo Jo Found this little jewel somewhere in the web.

Each of us has our own way to seeing things.  How can one see the "sacred" in something without venturing into the "sweet sentimentality" that comes along with memories. Some see miracles while others see something that is ordinary. Some see beauty while others just see more work to be done.  Many see compassion while others see meddling.  The list could go on forever. This business of the Holidays, the shopping, the stress, the running here and there often means we have little time for sincere reflection of our lives. This holiday I'm challenging myself to see more of the sacred in everyday.  This view is not necessarily strictly from a Christian perspective but from a perspective that engages one's soul.   I'm going to really put some thought to the things I put around my home that reflect my sense of the Holiday season. This Christmas glass is part of a set that has been in my home for over forty years. ...

so simple...so true. Also made me chuckle! xo Jo

"I wanted a perfect ending.  Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme and some stories don't have a clear  beginning, middle and end.  Life is about not knowing, having to change.  Taking the moment and making the best of it..without knowing what is going to happen next." "Delicious Ambiguity" Gilda Radner I don't know about you....but as I have advanced in age, I am certainly more introspective than when I was younger. Not so much looking at regrets but looking at all the miraculous things that have happened during this time I have been here.   I have almost always thought that "CONTROL IS AN ILLUSION"....in fact....I firmly believe that the only one you can control is YOURSELF and your actions.  Oh I believe in planning for an outcome...but one must always be ready for an alternative ending....just in case. Now, mind you, that doesn't always mean I don't fume and fret over someone or something...b...

A lot of us have inspiration boards....those things we want to acquire or achieve....or we use them for motivation in various projects. The above board has a lovely house in France....a beautiful woman...a ticket to the theatre...you get the picture. Thus the reason for this post.  I believe many of us, myself included, confuse wants with needs.   I would LOVE to have a house in France....but do I NEED one...I think not.   I would LOVE to be BEAUTIFUL all the time....but is it really necessary.....no. Theatre tickets....I love the theatre...but do I have to attend EVERY show that comes to town....NOT. So this year as my resolution.....I am resolved to purchased ONLY THINGS I NEED.  Items necessary for my survival...physically, spiritually and emotionally....That means an end to impulse spending and really thinking about what I am purchasing. This is my New Year's Resolution..... I'll let you know how I do. hugs from me to you, Jo

The soul goes by many different names~~ Hinduism ~ Atman Jainism ~ Jiva Sikhism ~ Atma - "roohu" Christianity ~ Soul Jewish ~ Soul Buddhism ~ Anatma - No-self/No Soul  Just to mention a few:  "Each person has an ideal, a hope, a dream~which represents the soul.  We must give it the warmth of love, the light of understanding and the essence of encouragement." Calley Dorr Dom How do you nurture your soul?