Wordless Wednesday

A bit of solitude...

Who Will Remember You?

The following quizzes, and the subsequent paragraph, are attributed to the late Charles Schulz, creator of the comic strip, Peanuts. I'm passing along his thoughts because I think it's important that we realize what is really important in life.


Quiz 1
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 contest.


4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.


5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.


6. Name the last decade's World Series winners.


Quiz 2
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.


6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.


"The applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. 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 who cared."

- Charles Schulz

Who will remember you? What will they remember you for?

Thoughts for Thursday

I saw this quote and wanted to share it with you.


"I’ve learned that happiness comes in different forms. It can be found in the blackest thunderclouds or when the earth is withering from heat. It is also in the warm rays of the sun in the midst of pouring rain. It is in the first green leaf of spring peeping out of the cracked bud of a poplar tree. It is in the little white petal working itself out on a branch of an apple tree. It is in the darkness of the night sky with thousands of twinkling stars. It is in the tender look of a loved one. It looks out through shining eyes in family photographs."

it is everywhere
find happiness right where you stand

Lidia Evgenevna Shmakova

Wordless Wednesday

If you're watching the baby, who's watching the swimmers?

Wordless Wednesday

Fast hands or faster mouth?!

Tips to Brighten Your Home For Spring

   

 I know that the groundhog saw his shadow and so we are supposed to have more weeks of winter but I am looking ahead to spring. Here are some tips to bring a little springtime to your home.

* Fresh Flowers

   Having fresh flowers in your home can help bring spring inside. Next time you are out buying groceries grab a bunch of flowers. Put them on your kitchen table, some in your bathroom, bedroom or living room. The scent and colors will remind you of spring.

* Spring Cleaning

   This is not a favorite of mine but I love when it's all done. Cleaning curtains and drapes, wiping out the refrigerator, cleaning closets (making a donation of clothes seldom worn anymore), a thorough dusting can make you feel refreshed when done!

*Clean the grill

   Grilling is one sign that spring is here. Get your grill out of the garage and clean it up. Plan your first barbecue. Invite friends or neighbors you haven't seen all winter.

*Springify your accessories

  There are lots of options to change up your décor with a simple flip of a slipcover. Brightly colored throw pillows are an easy way to spring up your winterized color scheme, and they can be stored for future seasons. Inexpensive accessories like vases and lamps are a great way to freshen up a room.

     Hope these tips will help you get started on preparing for spring.  Don't forget to stop and smell those flowers once in awhile!!

Do You Know The Secrets of Aging Well?

Adapted from 50 Simple Ways to Pamper Yourself, by Stephanie Tourles (Storey Books, 1999). 

Here are 11 wise and simple tips for feeling your healthy best, no matter what your age! 

1. Do you get enough sleep? Getting plenty of quality, sound sleep allows your body to rest, recharge, repair, and replenish so you’ll be rarin’ to go the next day.

2. Are you inspired by life? Picking up a new hobby, finding a new challenge, or reading more will stimulate your brain.

3. Are you a “people person?” When we reach out and try to help someone every day, we feel more engaged with life.

4. Do you pace yourself? Scurrying though life can be stressful and aging. When we slow down and become more mindful of our activities, we enjoy them more.

5. Do you have a companion animal? Studies show that pet owners live healthier, happier, less stressful lives.

6. Do you hydrate? Dry skin ages prematurely, so using a good moisturizing lotion is always a good idea. So is drinking 8 glasses of water every day!

7. Do you protect your skin from prolonged exposure to the sun? Although studies show that we need 10 minutes of unprotected sun every day, more than that (even with sunscreen) can be damaging. 

8. Do you eat fresh, whole foods? Real, unprocessed food is what our bodies need. Junky empty calories may satisfy a temporary craving, but the whole stuff is what keeps us feeling and looking our best.

9. Do you exercise daily? Keep moving to keep joints flexible, heart healthy, skin glowing, and energy-levels high.

10. Do you have a positive attitude? This is probably the single most important determining factor for living a long and happy life. Pollyanna was right: think positive!

11. Have you simplified your life? Knowing what really matters and putting your time and energy there is a great help for living fully. It’s not the material things that bring true happiness, it’s friends, family, good food, pets, and time spent doing things you most enjoy.

Wordless Wednesday

After 44 years, he still brings me flowers!