Superman ~ My Hero

Once you choose hope, anything's possible. ~ Christopher Reeve

I am usually full of hope...hoping for the best, hoping for this and that. My hope is intertwined with my prayers and I feel comfort in that.

I greatly admired Christopher Reeve; he was 'superman-ish' in my eyes...a hero of sorts. After his tragic accident I had an even greater admiration for him; he was such a fighter that refused to give up.

It was my pleasure to meet this gentle giant in a most unusual manner. My sister owned a beautiful home in Aspen, Colorado and she and I loved getting together there a couple of times a year for a 'sister-fest'. One of my nieces lived there and worked at the Snowmass Club; we'd meet her after work and fool around, have dinner...you know the drill.

Aspen area has a wonderful shuttle system so Jane (my sister) and I would walk through the snow to the bus stop...hop on and ride to Snowmass. We'd heard that Christopher Reeve would be in the area for body training prepping for a new film; we aren't really into 'chasing' celebrities so didn't think much of it. On one particular day, we hopped onto the bus and settled in the rear...we were the only passengers. Jane casually said, "Wouldn't it be neat if Superman got on this bus?" In your dreams, right? Oops...pulled up to a stop and none other than Superman and his brother joined us in the rear of the bus. Jane whispered to me before he came into view..."Don't look up...but it's him."

'Scuse me??? Not looking at Superman is tough...ignoring her own admonition, Miss Jane blurted out some inane statement; he looked at us w/those electric blue eyes and struck up a conversation...oh wow! We didn't pester him, didn't ask for autographs...just smiled and said good-bye at our destination which was the same as his. He paused later that day as we passed by and said hello again. Then again at dinner...so nice.

He must've been born nice to have carried himself through the tragic events later in his life...the picture of hope and of courage. What do you suppose kept him going?

Here's a clue: "When the first Superman movie came out I was frequently asked 'What is a hero?' My answer was that a hero is someone who commits a courageous action without considering the consequences… Now my definition is completely different. I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
Christopher Reeve

I am a most ordinary person who has found strength to encourage others in spite of what might seem 'the end'...God has a way to lift me and keep me up and believe me...HE works it. Filler' up, indeed.

Lost and Found

I've discovered that when a drastic change occurs...I lose it...just for a few minutes, you understand. But, I do lose it.

Michael has always reminded me that to ignore reality is a form of temporary insanity...why is he always right? Mainly, because he's much wiser and more mature than me. He calls me his '#1 Worry-Wart'...at least it doesn't happen often.

Today when I 'lost it' I clipped the carport while backing out...with the car, no less. But only because he parked it much closer to the clipping side than usual. No problem though...did no damage to either.

I'm reading/studying 'The Dream Giver'...an excellent short book about Ordinary, a nobody who lives in the land of Familiar. Like many, his life was very ordinary...you could say he was 'in a rut'. We've lived in areas of the country where most lived a regimented life...day in and out, month by month, year by year with never a variance. Happy yes!

My life was never the same...ever! And I once thought I had no dream, but like Ordinary, I stirred and stirred inside...what was the stirring about? About something Father had in mind but hadn't quite shared all of it with me. Of course, He had in mind exotic things like Greece, Ethiopia, Germany, China. My mind was more like...simple stuff.

Tell you what...I always wanted to live on a horse ranch. I always wanted a convertible. I always wanted to live in Colorado. Impossible dream for a girl from the oilfields of West Texas who married a guy from a tiny oil boom town in Oklahoma? Could have been but the #1 Master Creator stepped up and...woohoo!

During the fourth quarter of our lives, He put us in the US Forest Service to tend to a 50 acre spread in the high country...where else? Colorado, of course! The two of us had a heaven on earth w/eight horses to tend...four months each summer for four years. Beautiful meadows, creek running through it, wildflowers, wildlife! Besides all that, we found an antique International Scout that we renovated, took off the top (convertible) and four wheeled all over the Rocky Mountains...just the two of us...woohoo! My three dreams all in one beautiful package, courtesy of our most loving Heavenly Father.

He was simply softening me up for? Aargh...the earlier mentioned exotics...out of my comfort zone but who was I to question the Expert? Took a deep breath (actually a whole series) and stepped out of the boat...way out.

Now, another change is in place...one that momentarily took my breath away causing my loss of control...only momentarily...very momentarily.

Now, I've recovered and here I am...“The key to change...is to let go of fear.” I let go ~ because I KNOW God is saying, "Vasca, you've nothing to fear. Trust me." And indeed, I do...oh yes! I lost it but I found it...woohoo!

Steppin'

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"...Lao-Tzu

It seems to me there are people who glide when they walk...like graceful swans or ballet dancers. Oh, how I wished for that...but hey, I also wished to be tall, long-legged coupled w/long-waisted...willowy! Why not? 'Cause...God didn't check those attributes on my parent's order form. Instead, He must've had smudgey glasses and mistakenly checked short-waisted, bushy and mistakenly marked "fiasco" in place of graceful.

I trip, fall, stumble...you name it and I do it. But klutzy as I am, I've managed to be on what I think is an unusual path...just think...this surprisng journey began w/a single step.

If asked to explain when it occurred, I couldn't put my finger on it. Maybe it began when I married Michael...or maybe when I birthed four boys in five years...or maybe it was when we decided to leave our nest to re-enter the military...or maybe it began when 'fraidy-cat' flew to Ethiopia and back alone just to spend some precious time w/M...or maybe it began when M & I went on a fishing trip on Lake Michigan and I skunked the others (I am not a good fisher-person)...or...or...or???

Honestly, I never 'had a dream' but I believe God had and still has a dream for me and spent a very long time (I'm the time counter, He's not)...prepping me for the one most important single step of my life...the one that exponentially transformed my life.

You see, I had always needed a safety net, assurance, propping up; in other words, 'Don't try to get me out of my comfort zone...not'! But...somewhere in those experiences, I turned 'me' over to God.

I assumed the culmination of His dream for me was 'the China experience' but I'm re-considering my journey. So, I've reached this conclusion...I'm still stepping...and klutzy as I am, I believe I'm on His journey of light.

My journey of a thousand miles...and thousands and thousands and more thousands to come...all began with a single step...a step out of the boat...a step of faith. Pretty good steppin', huh?

What's In A Name? Plenty!

"I may not amount to much, but at least I'm unique." Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Never tho't of myself as being unique...but nevertheless, I am (more ways than one). Oh, you're wondering how's that, huh? For starters, I was a Smith girl; eldest of five children. Uniqueness first came in the form of my name. People always ask how I got such an unusual one.

Goes like this...my dad wanted to name me Betty and mother said, "NO"...we'll name her Vasca. I think she got it from some novel...it was novel all right. My sister and three brothers were christened Jane, Don, Ron and John...thankful that I came first.

What's in a name anyway? Well, mine is a great icebreaker...forget politics, weather and all that stuff...a unique name can cover lots of ground. For what seemed like years, people had trouble spelling mine...now, most spell it correctly. Smith was certainly never, ever a problem...how simple is that?

The year before I met M, our family lived in Beall Subdivision in West Texas. Think that was some kind of omen...was God sending me a message? Ta-Dah...met and married M Beall..totally foreign to the Beall Subdivision...I have worn that name ever since I swept him off his feet...not difficult at all. He came home from Korea so weak, he simply fell into my arms and the rest is history.

What's in a name? Plenty and I love mine...BE ALL...as in "BE All that you can be!" Of course that was the Army's motto awhile back but hey, it fits. M made career with that outfit.

James Dobson wrote.."It is our uniqueness that gives freshness and vitality to a relationship." I wanna' be all the me that God wants me to be...and you know what? I've stepped out of the boat and using my uniqueness ~ BEing All I can be.

Father, you are the giver of all things; you bless me so abundantly...never giving up on me! I pray that I will use the uniqueness you gave me to encourage everyone you put in my life...to show them your great love. I love you and I wear Christ's name gratefully. It's in His Name I pray, Amen.

I Look...I See

Okay, putting the reader and the books on the shelf for awhile...as far as the blog goes...M and I continue reading but after all, this is my blog and I can change gears, right? I'll get back to 'my reader' later.

Life has so many peaks and valleys...joys and sorrows...surprises and disappointments. I'm a very observant person; always have been, guess I always will be and I like that. Sort of like...Spirit Eyes...wide open to people, wide open to the opportunities His Spirit shows me. Beieve me, there are more than plenty.

Henry David Thoreau wrote..."The question is not what you look at, but what you see." I don't just look at a person, I want to 'see' what's going on there. I look at you and I feel somethng is not quite right; what is it? What is it that is hurting you so? Then you open your heart and there it is...in plain sight and oh how painful it is...I ache with you.

Good friends marriages get 'derailed'...how can I help? One of our son's will be out of a job this month...he has a family to care for...how can I help? A young husband/father just died...how can I help? A young wife/mother just died...how can I help? A child is into drugs and trying to kick the habit...how can I help? Life is hard...and...not always fair. One never knows what feelings whelm us during these times...but life goes on and on and on.

I've not had an easy life...very difficult times with many downs. But hey, with God anything is possible and believe it or not, I've become a 'water walker'...stepped out of the boat and walking by faith. Emptying oneself for God does that, you know! God never gave up on me...nor did those who loved me then and love me more now...never gave up! They were there for me, they encouraged me and last but not least, they prayed for me!

Lesson learned...the best thing I can and will do for those I see in danger of drowning...is to be there for them, to encourage them and to pray with them and for them.

"Wonderful Father, I ask for your help in seeing, not just looking. Help me see what's going on here, to shine your light for those whose eyes mirror heartache...to encourage, to pray for them and show them your love...to be there for them. I pray that they would be here for me and mine, too! All of us need encouragement and hope...you give it and I thank you so much for encouraging me and giving me hope...regardless! In Your Sons' Most Holy Name, Amen"

My Reader

Each morning I'm usually up before Michael...gives me time to check the mail and print our favorite blogposts for the 'best time'. You don't know about that time yet so I'll explain as you read along. M's up, we have a cup of coffee w/a toast to the day; settling in M contentedly begins...reading to me.

You wonder why he gets to do all the reading? Well, certainly not because he's the head of the house or lording it over me...it's like this, he has a good reading voice while I simply do not. I had injuries to my 'voice box' and have a low, soft voice which is difficult for most to hear/understand..'specially M. I'm a multitasker so while he reads I can sit still, do breakfast, etc. He checks me out occasionally to see if I'm getting it and I am...we laugh & so it goes!

We begin w/Daily Bread from RBS Ministries followed by reading from the Message translation of the Bible...the new posts from our fav blogsites...then the other books...books...books...books!

This quote from David Almond describes our feelings: "Books. They are lined up on shelves or stacked on a table. There they're wrapped up in their jackets, lines of neat print on nicely bound pages. They look like such orderly, static things. Then you, the reader come along. You open the book jacket, and it can be like opening the gates to an unknown city, or opening the lid of a treasure chest. You read the first word and you're off on a journey of exploration and discovery."

This is my 'best time'...for the remainder of the week (maybe even longer)...I'll write more about 'my reader'.

Most Wonderful Father, Thank you for blessing me so richly; thank you for lending me to M, for lending him to me. You have blest me with a wonderful influence and I am better for it. Hearing M reading from your book each morning reminds me to use my 'spirit eyes' to take advantage of the opportunities sent my way...shining your light wherever I am. I pray that I will wisely use what you give me...making each day a day of discovery and 'the best time'. In Jesus' Name...Amen.

How's Your ABC Routine?

Remember a few months ago when we were deluged w/the 'swine flu'? Covering coughs and sneezes in a different fashion and wash...wash...washing our hands. Lots of tips on how best to do that...I adopted the suggestion of singing the ABC song while busily soaping/washing my hands...proved effective for me.

Had a funny thought today about that simple little exercise...easy as 'ABC'...so many things are simple but wow, we humans can really mess up 'simple little things'. Wonder why that is? Could be society is so into 'having it my way'...having to 'be heard'. A thought ran through my mind the simple little ABC's have evolved into All 'Bout Control...as in 'my way or the highway'.

I like to have a voice...to be heard; most of us do...truth is, what I think or want won't necessarily agree with your wants and thoughts...maybe so, maybe not. It's very important that I constantly examine myself...can't afford to be tossed here and there by too much hot air...God knows I have plenty of my own!!!

Negative or positive...which will it be? Frankly, I like positive...I stay that way by constantly reminding myself that I am not in control...with me, it's All 'Bout Christ...now I've said my ABC, tell me what you think of me.

Most Wonderful Father, I know that with your help I can be what you want me to be. I pray that I will remain positive...that I will not gripe or whine...that I will use spirit eyes to share your light with those you place in my life...no matter when or where. I want so much to be pleasing to you..to be like you. I know you'll help me! In Your Son's Blessed Name, Amen

Stamp of Approval

Most of the time...my attitude is positive, sunny forecast..no clouds in sight. Okay, I confess that occasionally it rains on my parade. However, I'm not without my umbrella...it's the Paraclete living in me and when I run into what I consider stormy weather the Spirit guides me...ta-dah, rainbow time.

Rainbows may prove somewhat evasive when so much of what surrounds me today is...conflict. What I want vs. what you want; what I like vs. what you like; I'm right vs. you're wrong...endless conflict. Do you have those feelings or am I the odd one out? God created me and I know He's interested in my attitude...not necessary that I express it verbally since...well...He has awesome ESP...ooh!

You're probably aware that I love quotes, right? Well, I read this from W. Clement Stone..."There is little difference in people but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative."

Things I feel passionate about really affect my attitude. You're probably the same...most of us are. What I really must watch is this; I cannot expect you to become just as passionate about it. You have your 'pet passions', I have mine and multiply that by several hundred and what's the answer? Aargh..talk about different attitudes...like a combat zone if we aren't careful.

Here's the rub, politics is always a war zone but religion? Religion is an extremely different ballgame...we're God's family...a loving family. Growing maturing...together! It would be so 'heavenly' if you and I practiced being positive. I've decided, as of today, I've buried the past for the sake of...God's Stamp of Approval.

"Whenever you're in conflict w/someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude." Timothy Bentley.

Dear Father, I pray my attitude will be positively pleasing to you; I want to make a difference in my relationships...please give me strength to be the 'me you want me to be'. In Your Son's Name, Amen.

Mirror, mirror...on the wall...WHO'S THAT???

Sometimes when looking at myself in a mirror, I get the strangest feeling...like I'm detached from myself and looking on. Okay, no psychoanalysis please...don't want to know what that might mean...it just is a very peculiar feeling. Personal therapy ~ me to me ~ is okay though.

God's looking at me 24/7 and wonder what He thinks, right? It's awesome to think He knows my every thought, emotion...ouch, HE KNOWS ME TOP TO BOTTOM...INSIDE OUT?? I don't even know myself that well. I need a tune-up...oh, and God, please send your Windex!

Just remembered...He's already equipped me w/the tools of choice...many words and the Paraclete, too. Lost my focus somewhere...took my eyes off Him and oops, in the water. I want to be positive; that isn't always simple. Sometimes, I fall into a pool of negativism...my bad. Mm, I love to talk...guess I become smitten w/the sound of my voice...how could people not want to hang on my every word??? My bad. Easy...easy...maybe I'm biased? Probably. Especially if I don't really know much about my subject of the moment...jumping to conclusions is sooooo simple, much simpler than checking facts.

Facts are important, so are many other things...figures...checklists...do I measure up to your expectations? Well, I don't know. You and I don't always bump into each other, so I don't know where you are...you don't know where I am...So?

You and I are good people...but we aren't into the same things...So? You and I may not publicize what we do...So? I'm me & you're you...BUT...good news...I'm out of the shop...clear heart...clear eyes & whew...God's cleaned my mirror!

Thomas Merton wrote..“The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.” I aim to love like God does...He knows best & I trust Him...100%. Love You! (Love me?)

Thank-Full

Something most comforting came to me yesterday morning. M and I have 'separate' bedrooms; only because our house is extremely small by current standards. But hey, we visit each other many mornings and 'snuggle' together. Having a few extra minutes Sunday morning, I cuddled up and just drifted w/thoughts. I lay my head on his chest and ever so softly whispered, "I love you"...oh, you're wondering what remarkable thing could come from that little simple utterance? M's hard of hearing due to his early career in the Tank Corps...so I really had no intention of his hearing my whisper...wonders of wonders, he replied, "I love you, too." So sweet and I won't forget that moment...that sweet moment.

That got me to thinking about how the Spirit whispers to me...if I keep my heart open, I heat him...I can whisper to God. Oh wow! Just imagine whispering back and forth...a private exchange with my Father...can't beat that w/a stick. Now whispering is good but at times, I need to hear His loud voice...and that took place yesterday.

Sunday morning we had a very humbling lesson from a spirit-filled young man...he's very exceptional and stands head and shoulders above other pulpit men. Speaking from the heart he talked of things that have been harmful, devisive and how badly we need love in our lives. He fed us what we have needed for so long; we've not had a very healthy diet.

Thank you Cody, for being courageus enough to 'speak the truth' and not pussyfoot around what's going on in our lives. I need that and you probably do too. Let's encouraage each other in truthful words, and alway in love. I'm now 'thank-full'...

Heart-full

The past six days have been a 'whelming' experience for Michael, for me. I feel very humble, very encouraged and very grateful. A wonderful, close friend died last Friday and we spent three days with his Sara...his wife who is just as close...like a sister to me. Tears and more tears; I am shedding tears recalling Larry and the events of this past week.

So many said they hoped they would be as well thought of as Larry; I'm one of those and all of us were 'his best friend'. He was a multitude of things, rather like a 'man of all seasons' and successful in every aspect of life. He would say, "Oh no! Let's move on, okay?"

If you know me well, you know that I love encouraging others...I absolutely love that. Don't really know why; perhaps it's because I sort of felt lost moving so much when I was growing up. Perhaps it's because I always needed encouragement myself. I'm smiling because I've changed so very much since my 'prince' came along and took me on. He, the self-assured, focused and most handsome one has totally transformed me w/God's directions...into a most contented, totally happy child of God.

Sara will be lost without her Larry, just as I would be lost without my Michael.

Dear Father, please comfort Sara and strengthen her...hold her hand...she needs you. As for me, I thank you with every breath that I take for giving me such a gift as Michael to care for this short time on earth...and for him to care for me...I need him..we need each other. You have blest me so greatly; I thank you. Please bless our children in their marriages so that they may experience the joys M and I have had...how wonderful. In Your Son's Name, Amen.

Good Plan ~GPS

What a week this has been...lots of 'positioning' going on (in Massachusets, for instance). Shifting positions come and go very quickly, yes? And they are not limited to any particular area of one's life. As a child of His, I weigh my positions as carefully as I possibly can, but guess what? I'm not perfect...ha! I'm not even in the perfect neighborhood...comes to sticking my foot in the mouth? Like an echo.

Some stances bother me though. I wouldn't like to think I would never (that's a big word) change my thinking on anything. Especially if someone proved to me that my stance was errant. That's dangerous...like a concrete mind...all mixed up and already set. Hard nut to crack. Politics can be that way...religion can be that way...you name it and anything can be that way...set in concrete!

Best way for me is not to take someone's word on things but to go to the source myself and sort it out best I can. Granted, I'm not a college grad, not up in the professional world...you might ask "What are you then?" Okay, what I see myself as is a mature, logical, responsible person ~ a spirit-filled child of God. Like the apostle Paul, running the race to the finish line...I'm using that strategy...Paul's an excellent coach.

Responsibility is a biggie to me...who am I responsible to anyway? Well, #1 priority is God, my Father. My #2 would be to my shepherd's...that covers another category, my husband, since I'm married to a shepherd. Those priorities tend to be my security blanket...they do a top notch job of it. I respect them...God and my shepherd's...they have my best interest at heart. They're truly respected. I can't imagine thinking of them any other way...I realize there are those who don't feel the same...besides other things, that's sad.

Today, here's this person (that would be me)...plugged into God's Positioning System...talk about reliability? Wow, way to go!

Cruisin' with GPS

Isn't it great to be cruising along, watching God's beautiful scenery as you toodle down the road? Since M does almost 100% of our driving, I've the luxury of taking in the wonders along the route...he's not allowed to take his eyes off what's ahead. I enjoy it most when we're out of the cities...not crazy about all that buzz and rush...all the noisy clacking.

How often are we able to do that? Not enough, I think...life throws stuff at you all the time, no matter where you are in life...makes no difference unless one becomes a hermit. That's not advisable...for my mental health at least...don't know about you. Much too often I find myself stalled, sitting in the middle of a giant parking lot...aargh.

Noise, noise, noise! So much noise in my world and it's almost impossble to escape. Is doom and gloom, anger, name calling, getting even the order of the day? If I'm not very careful about my mindset...oh wow! Find myself in a dark corner, afraid to come out and 'face the lions'...hmm, something's wrong w/my thought process.

I know full well and I believe, of all people, I've no reason in the world for worry because I'm wrapped in protective gear. My gracious Father tells me all the time, "Don't fret about anything Vasca...believe that I'm your 24/7 safety net...trust me." I think His son was saying over and over again, "Don't be afraid, just believe...don't be afraid, just believe."

So here's my out...stuck in the middle of this giant parking lot I will be stress free and cruisin' on...hey, He's always there and 'right on time' ~ I call His program GPS.

Heart-full

I am a 24/7 happy girl...with a bright disposition. Oh, occasionally I get blind-sided by something; usually it's the result of something/someones' desire to seemingly stand in the way of spiritual development. Mind you, I'm no stellar example of a 'saint' but I'm doing my best to be pleasing to Father...if I can consistently do that then all's well. Almost, that is.

I greatly admire Mother Teresa and particularily this prayer of hers: "Sweetest Lord, make me apreciative of my high vocation, and its many responsibilities. Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to coldness, unkindness or impatience."

Wow, the way His Spirit moves us is awesome...and I'm amazed at the things he sends our way. God seems to think M and I will always step up and lead. M always has been a 'natural' leader while I, on the other hand, was 'snail-ish' but oh, how much I've grown...could also say, how much I groan, ha! Very recently, I've reached a point in spiritual maturity where I can handle the perils lying in wait for leaders.

Why? How? Mmm, that would be credited to my 2nd love, that would be Michael. This jewel is such a servant ~ he has mentored and raised me up...totally. God so blest me w/such a life-partner. Okay, so my heart races like a fire truck when unpleasantness or hurts zap us, but wonder of wonders I'm able to do like Mother Teresa's quote and believe me I greatly appreciate the faith Father has in me. I will remain warm, kind and patient...that's the way God likes me best. Today, my heart is full.

What's this? Up and dressed before bedtime?

Zounds...must be catching something. This morning I was up and dressed, even out the door to the gym...aargh. Ordinarily, I stay in PJ's all day...'cept a couple of days a week. Okay, here's the skinny. It's the second week of the new year and the good news is I haven't broken any resolutions (that's only because I haven't made any) but I have honest to goodness turned over a 'new leaf'. That term sends up all sorts of signs, 'cause I've only done that once in my life and I ended up in China...how in the world did that happen?

Long story...back to this current leaf...I found out something revealing 'bout myself...in the winter I am a 'disguise artiste' first class. Layers of clothes cover a multitude of sins...as in overeating on a regular basis, oops! Icing on the cake (now why do I associate everything with food) is that I don't exercise...period...nada. My sweetheart has been faithful for more months than I can track and he's got a very, very nice shape...now believe me, he is my inspiration. For what? Well, walking...(be nice to have a flat tummy, too) you know that move where you put one foot in front of the other and move along? I'm doin' it...at the gym, with him. Mind you, it's only 30 minutes per day...five days a week but hey, better than nothin', right?

Movin' on that treadmill and watchin' such a variety of humanity really puts lots of different thoughts in my mind...I really am a 'people watcher'...not to be critical but just to watch actions and reactions. Got to thinking about how I am around others who are not like me...thank God, I have impoved 100% in that area. That other leaf...the China leaf, changed my life...over there, I was the one 'people watched'...and touched.

I don't read a lot of books...not necessary since I have many books read to me by my favorite person...Michael. He loves to read to me and I love his doing it. Gosh, I can't tell you how many books we've read. Besides books, I love quotes. Guess you notice how much I love, huh? Something's been gnawing at me and today I read Terry Rush's blog where he wrote about pride and something it tends to do in the life of a church.

C. S. Lewis wrote "A proud man is always looking down on things and people, and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that is above you." Groups tend to get the idea that 'they' know what's best and right for everyone else...and tend to look down on those out of their 'circle'...what do you think about it? For some time, I've been working on my attitude and thankfully I am much more accepting of those who disagree with me...after all, who am I? Certainly I am not a judge...that's Gods' court and I don't mean to interfere.


Besides, if I'm looking down I can't see where I'm going and as spastic as I am, I'd be run over and squished...flatter than a pancake and then, where would I be? Covered with goop and swallowed up, that's where. So I'm not lookin' down on others; I'm lookin' up at beautiful things, those gifts that God has given me. A breath of fresh air and it's filling.

Lots of Rainbows

Can't see rainbows in the dark, can you? Maybe you've some of those weird night vision glasses but I don't have that technology...always behind. I have a few 'rainbow catchers' in my kitchen and I totally love it when the sun hits those things and rainbows splatter color everywhere...really brightens up my day and my life. 'Rainbows on my shoulder make me happy'...John Denver sang that soooo well and I miss him.

Talk about rainbows...a good friend put me onto the story of Patrick Henry Hughes...if you're not familiar w/this 'wonder guy' take a look at his fantastic story. M and I named our third son Patrick Henry ~ I'm giving him 'the story'...very inspirational. http://www.patrickhenryhughes.com

You know, no matter how big a 'pity party' I may have, all I need to do is look around and drink in all the awesome stuff that my Father does, all the time and guess what? HE isn't spastic like me, He's always...always...exactly perfect. It's Him that puts the rainbows, the beautiful lights...in my life...perfect. Oh, forgot to tell you, we had no water this morning...frozen...not to worry 'cause God and Michael took care of the situation! Oh Yeah.

Uh-Oh, Spaghetti-o!

That's what I've been singing for weeks now; can't imagine why I dug that up? I sort of sing around the house (mostly when alone is best)...I sing the national anthem and a variety of snippets. Believe me, I never wanted to be a singing sensation...frankly, never wanted to be a sensation, period.

If you've read much of Ewe's Muse, you know that I was a very shy girl, 'til M swept me off my feet and oh boy, did he ever change my life...big time. Hmmm, we both changed and thankfully for the better.

My life may be sort of like spahett, I think. Stick it in boiling water, dook it up, drain it and add a tasty sauce and it's soooo good. That's my life ~ not overdone, drained (ow,wow and then some) and now the sauce is added and voila...a different me than I would have expected. Wonder if my parents would recognize their first child? Hmmm!

When God shook me up (that was not pleasant) He did a good job; not a quick fix mind you, but an excellent renovation. Hang on and I'll let you in on the process!

For more than a year, I've written a companion column for my significant other; we've put that activity out to pasture. Aargh...after boo-hooing time I am fillin' up and movin' along w/a new blogsite. Freah computer, clean archives, what more could I ask for except...hmmm, companions would be cool. Idle fingers, idle mind? Not good, not good at all. Want to 'see' places, 'think' thoughts? Great...we're off to higher ground and lots of air; probably much of it 'hot' but hey, I'm down to earth and normal...hot air and all. Welcome to my world.