Windmills of the Mind

The cool wind gently touched my face as I pedaled along the bike trail.  My senses were going wild with listening to the red-winged blackbirds calling to each other and the smells of a sweet fragrance blooming from the various trees.

As my legs were speeding along, my mind was also spinning.  The tune and words on my mind for the past several weeks have been "The Windmill of Your Mind".  This was first released in 1969 and sung by Dusty Springfield.  I am definitely a 60's girl.

"Like a circle in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel, never ending or beginning on an ever spinning reel, like a snowball down a mountain, or a carnival balloon, like a carousel that's turning, running rings around the moon....As the images unwind, like the circles that you find, in the windmills of your mind."

I have so much on my mind.  So many stories I feel I need to tell.  The phrase "everybody has a story" is so true.  Recently in a store I came across a display box with the print "Every cork tells a story".  I have collected so many wine corks throughout the year and have thrown them into a drawer.  Needless to say, I purchased the box and brought it home.  As I emptied the drawer, I thought about the cork and the story behind it.  The person or people that I was with, the restaurant, the city, the stories and tears that were shared.  Every time I look at that box of wine corks, I smile.  

Finding a home for the wine corks, I felt I needed to gather the stories of my friends and share them with others.  By sharing these stories, people will find courage and strength to persevere through life and to dream the impossible dream.

As I write down each friend's name and their stories, I reflected on what I have walked away with.  We have all met and known people who have conquered so many obstacles in their life.  When I think I am having a bad day, I reflect on my friends and acquaintances along my path.

One particular person that made an impression on my was Natasha.  I first heard about Natasha about twenty-five years ago.  I can remember that day as if it was today.  It was a cold, rainy day in February.  Sitting with some friends at a restaurant, one of the ladies had just spoken with her mother-in-law earlier in the day.  Her mother-in-law, Mrs. Maxwell, had started a non-profit organization about ten years ago to assist children with health issues from other countries.  

Just recently, Mrs. Maxwell had assisted a young woman and her young daughter by flying them into Houston from a communist country.  The daughter had some facial deformity and she had been ridiculed all of her life.  The mother wanted something better for her daughter.   A doctor in the area had performed surgery, pro-bono and the family would be in the States for the next six months while the young girl's face healed.

My friend was assisting her mother-in-law with this mother and daughter during this time.  As I listened to this story, I could feel God's spirit touching me and tears began to flow.  I coudn't even imagine what this family had gone through all these years.  This mother had traveled 7,000 miles to another country which she didn't even speak the language or even knew anyone.  All she knew she had to do something for her daughter, no matter the risk.

I knew I needed to meet this mother.  I wanted to hear about the challenges, the struggles, the life they lived.  A communist country, which allowed them to leave.   There was so much more to this story than her daughter having surgery.  It was about a young girl who grew up to be a woman, who defeated all odds, who listened to a voice inside her to find the freedom that she and her family would eventually find.   

Is your mind spinning?  Do you need to tell a story about someone who fought all odds and made a difference?  If you have someone on your mind, take the time to send that person a letter and to let them know they have a made difference.  We all need affirmation!

                                               Photo Taken in Sicily

Independence Day!

 What does the 4th of July mean to you?

To me the 4th of July is a day of thanks!  A day of reflecting on what America has gone through to be the country that it is.  English speaking settlers arrived in North America during the early 17th century, followed by further migrations in the 18th and 19th centuries.

After a few years, the colonists fought the British because they wanted to be free from Britian and they were tired of the unfair taxes.  They just wanted to have their own government.  

As I research my ancestories, I have discovered that on my mother's side, her great-great materinal grandfather was a Revolutionary Patriot.  A patriot was a colonist who rebelled against the British during the American Revolution.  They rejected the ideas of a monarchy and aristocracy and they favored liberty and individual rights.

When I pledge the allegiance or sing "The Star-Spangled Banner", I always have tears in my eyes.  Where I am today didn't come easy.  Other people have fought for the freedom I have.

As I enjoy today, I will say "thank-you" for the soldiers who have risked their lives so I can enjoy a day of being with friends and family, eat hamburgers and hotdogs and ice cream and enjoy the spectacular firework shows in the evening.

God Bless America!

My Tribute to Dylan

My Dearest Dylan,

It is hard to believe you are "18" and you will be graduating from high school this week.  It seems like only yesterday you were born.  You were so eager to enter into this world that you came several weeks early.  Even arriving early, you weighed seven pounds, four ounces and was twenty inches long.

I know you think you are getting older.  You are, but life is only beginning.  

Graduating from High School is only one of many milestones you will reach in life.  Some other milestones you will reach are earning a paycheck; graduating from college; finding your own path in life; surviving disappointment(s); getting married; having children and so many more.

You did reach a milestone two years ago when you dealt with pawpaw's death.  It was hard.  His one goal for you was to see you graduate from high school.  I know he will not be there personally, but I know he will be cheering you on from heaven as you walk across the platform to receive your degree.

I am so proud of you and all that you have already accomplished in the past eighteen years.  You have become a young, heart-warming, caring individual.  You have that quiet side, but I know you are looking around and trying to figure out the situation(s) as well as the individual(s).  In the past year, I have seen you mature and stepped-up to the plate in assisting your great-grandmother with everyday life.

As you graduate, I want you to know the world is out there and waiting for you.  You have so many opportunities.  Take advantage of them.  Don't allow the words "no"; "I can't do it" or "it is impossible".  Everything is possible.  It is your attitude and how you will take life by the horns and solve the problem(s) without any further delay.  You may fall, but you may also soar.  The choice is yours.  Remember Nike's slogan "Just Do It!"

In my almost sixty-nine years of life, I have had the opportunity to do a lot.  It took me eighteen years to graduate from college, but I did it.  I had obstacles along the way, but I never allowed those obstacles to keep me from striving to do my best and to accomplish the task.  

Some Words of Wisdom:

1.  It is "OK" to take a year off between high school and college, if you are unsure of the path you want to take.  You can mature during this time, save some money and learn a lot about yourself.

2.  Don't lose your values.  Don't be easily influenced(which I don't think you are).  Know yourself and your limits.

3.  Stay in touch with family(mee-mee, your mom, your aunts and other close family).  Always remember, we love you and we are there to listen to listen to you during the good times and rough times.

4.  Be kind to others and especially to yourself.  Encourage others.  Everyone wants to hear "you can do it"; "you are special" and it is also OK to cry.

5.  Have fun and make good choices.  Some choices will be good, but others will not be.  When in doubt, don't do it.

6.  If you need help, ask for it from your family and friends.  Everyone wants to help.

7.  Work hard & focus.  If you are working, respect your employer and always do your bet.  It may not be a job you want to do, but others are watching on how you handle situations.

8.  Don't be a push-over or vulnerable to people who will take advantage of your generosity(you are very generous), your money or your time.  Know your limits and when it is time to stand up for yourself and kindly say "no".

9.  Eat healthy & exercise.  As you get older, you will be glad you did!

10.  Remember what fuels your passion--If what you study or where you work doesn't bring you joy and satisfaction, re-consider your course choices.  It is far better to realize you are on the wrong path early in life than hating something all your life.

11.  Follow your dreams.  Embrace all of the opportunities and challenges that will come with working and going to school.  Your family is cheering you on!

I could go on and on and on, but I will stop.  

Dylan, I am so proud of you and the man you have become.  God has great plans for your life.  You may have to stop and be still and listen and get off your phone, but God is talking.  He will guide you!

Thank you for being a part of my life.  You will never know how much you have taught me!

You will always remember "2022"!

Congratulations!

DD

Enjoying Las Vegas!

A week ago, my husband and I traveled to Las Vegas to celebrate his birthday, to meet friends and to see the "Doobie Brothers".  We all had a great time.  Vegas is many things to many people.

When one thinks about Las Vegas, you normally thinking of gambling, drinking and acting crazy.    You know the phrase "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas".

Vegas is a lot more than gambling and drinking.  The strip always reminds me of a theme park, but for adults.  There is something about the hotels and their decor.  The hotels are visually appealing with the various themes.  

One of those spectacular hotels is the Bellagio.  Once you visit the Bellagio, you will never forget it. Your eyes are drawn to the front of the hotel with the fountain swaying, enhanced by music and light.  You are looking at more than 1,000 feet of water with the water rising as high as 460 feet into the air.  The music flows with the dancing of the fountain. Those are the best photos at night.  Capturing the water as it escalates in the background brings a chill to you.  There are so many angles for photos.  My favorite is at night with the fountain soaring into the dark sky with the bright lights of the Eiffel Tower in the background. 

As you enter into the hotel, your eyes are drawn to the ceiling.  Fiori di Como is Dale Chihuly's interpretation of Italian flowers in the spring.  There are over two thousand vibrant colors of glass flowers one stands under as you check into the hotel.

The Bellagio is one of many.  You definitely want to check out the hotels as you cruise the Vegas strip.

Some of the spectacular hotels you do not want to miss are:  Caesars Palace; Paris Las Vegas; The Venetian Resort; New York-New York Hotel; The Mirage and so many more.  You could spend the day going from one hotel to the next.

When I think of Vegas, I think back to the 60's and all the different performers.  The Rat Pack(Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop) performed at the Sands for many years.  Wayne Newton performed more than "30,000" shows in Vegas.  And one of my all time favorites was Elvis Presley.  He performed "636" consecutive shows at the International and Las Vegas Hilton.

Now days, Vegas is known for the following performer, Celine Dion  who had residency at Caesars Palace.  She performed there for sixteen years.  Other well-known performers have been Rod Stewart, Elton John, Katy Perry and many more.  Miranda Lambert has announced a 24-show residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in September.  There is always someone performing in Vegas.

During the day, one can enjoy day trips to Hoover Dam, which is only about 45 minutes from Vegas.  This dam is one of the seven engineering wonders of the modern world.  You can stop here on your way to the Grand Canyon, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.  This incredible canyon is a four hour drive or a 45-minute flight from Las Vegas.

In January, my husband and I enjoyed a four day trip to Las Vegas to get away from the cold and snow in Colorado.  On this trip, we drove two and a half hours to explore Death Valley.  January is the perfect time to visit.  Death Valley is known for extremes.  It is North America's driest and hottest spot with fewer than two inches of rainfall annually and a record high of 134 degrees fahrenheit.  Also, it has the lowest elevation on the continent at 282 feet below sea level. 

If you are wanting to stay in the area, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is a great exhibit.  It is home to 2,000 animals, including saw fish, giant rays, endangered green sea turtles, piranha, jellyfish and sharks.  There are more than "100" sharks, including "30" in the 1.3 million gallon main tank, one of the largest in the US.

As you can see, there is a lot to do in Las Vegas with the hotels, museums, restaurants, shows, tours and so much more.

If you are needing a nice get away, Las Vegas is the place to go.

Will I Live to 100?

The last few weeks I have been reading articles about Betty White.  She was a remarkable woman who missed living to the age of "100" by seventeen days.   

From everything I have read, she lived a remarkable life and lived it to the fullest.  Some of her famous quotes:

* "Realize how good life is while it's happening, because before you know it, it will be gone."

* "Accentuate the positive, not the negative."

* "Don't lie about your age."

* "First of all, keep busy and don't focus everything on you."

* "A sense of humor."

* "Don't lose your zest of life. Age doesn't define you."

I know I am not getting any younger and I am definitely aging.  When I look in the mirror, I notice my face and how that has changed.  I have a few more lines, wrinkles and spots.  My skin is beginning to sag. There are few gray hairs here and there.  My energy level to walk and ride my bike has changed.  I can still get out and do all of this.  Just not for the hours like I use to.  

So my question is "Will I make it to 100?"   

At the age of "68", I feel that I will.  My mom is "87".  She has some health issues, but she still has her mind and she is still moving around.  My dad died at the age of "61" due to his lifestyle of drinking and smoking.  I have surpassed my father's death age and I am striving to obtain my mom's age.

If I can be of sound mind and be in good health, I would like to live to "100!"  

The truth is no one knows when they will die.  The good Lord holds the keys of "Life & Death"!  Also, God knew before we were conceived, our date of birth and date of death.  Now that is very hard for me to conceive.  I live by the promises He has given me and I treasure each day.

I do try to practice all that Betty White lived by.  Our attitude makes a difference on how we treat life.  And what is "stress" like in your life?  Do you get upset over everything?  Or do you look at life and realize there are opportunities in everything, including when situations go a different direction than planned?

None of us are perfect, but we can "love" each day.

If I am going to live to "100" that means I have "32" more years of life.  How do I plan to live those years?  A lot can happen during that time.  I look at the past "32" years and the accomplishments, the places I have lived, new friends, new goals, places I have traveled, the deaths of family and friends and so much more.

My life is before me.  Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things."  I will live each day to the fullest and do my best to make a difference.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life!

2022 - A Year of Possibilities!

As I woke up this morning in my warm, comfortable bed, I thought to myself "Happy New Year!"  A new year of possibilities!

It isn't only a new year, but it is a new day and a new month.  Am I ready to tackle all that today will bring?

As I peeked outside, it was so refreshing to see the white, fluffy snow.  This was the first snowfall for winter.  The past several months have been exceptionally dry with no snow.  Normally, the area has received at least two feet of snow by now.  No one has been upset over the the warmer temperatures and no precipitation.  Everyone has enjoyed walking, biking and hiking in the fabulous weather.  

With the snow, there are new possibilities, such as skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, snowmobiling and so much more.  

So what are your new possibilities for the new year?  Possibilities are endless!  

Everyone is looking for hope, opportunities or for a circumstance to change.  We all probably have several items that we want to be different for 2022.  I am just asking you to think of one possibility you would like to change, or do and finish well.

Make yourself accountable.  Tell a relative and/or a friend about the change you want in your life or a project you want to complete.  By completing something, your whole demeanor changes.  You will look and you will feel different.  I know I do after I complete an assignment or project.

This is the year!  There are twelve exciting, unlived months that are before you.  How will you use those months?  What will be your attitude?  Will you do nothing or will you try something different?  

There are so many people that I know that gripe about their lives but they do nothing.  Are you unhappy with your job?  Are you looking for a job?  Have you always wanted to learn a new language?  Have you wanted to learn to sing or to paint?  Today is the day to say "I have twelve months to do this!"  Start today!

Don't be the person who will be sitting here a year from now griping because of a situation.  Be a person who is going to make a difference and who is willing to try.  

If anything you will have twelve months of enjoying new discoveries and learning what God wants to teach you.  Think of the new people you will come in contact with, the new words you will learn and the joy you will discover within yourself.

Psalm 103:5 - "Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."  

Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wing like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

As the day is coming to an end and I look at the blue spruce tree covered with lights and snow, I know today is the beginning of new possibilities.

My new possibility is to finish the fiction novel I am writing!  This is the year!

New Possibilities!