WHO AM I

Barbara Ward-Finneran
Today I was "done" with something and yet it has never felt so unfinished.  Mostly because instead of ending with a period it is ending with a question mark.  

It got me thinking.  Does a title define you?  Daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, artist, designer, teacher, writer, professor.  Insert your own list here.  Is this what defines you or is it what others think of you?  Perhaps it is what you think of yourself.  Is it how you live and what you give? Maybe it's a combination of all of the above with a dash of alter ego mixed in.  Is there actually a plausible answer?  As if being "yourself" is a defined and fixed thing.  If a person is constantly growing, changing and evolving conceivably they cannot be characterized as one "thing".  Conceivably there is never really a period but always more questions.  


Don't feelings play into it?  Do they define you?
--- At times being so clear, lucid and filled with optimism and invincibility.  That feeling that nothing can hold you down or be out of reach.  Those moments when you know you can accomplish anything if you just put your mind to it and work for it.  
--- At other times cloudy, confused and overwhelmed.  The stress of the world and life rendering one ineffective to overcome.  Waning here can rob you of your exquisite inner power.  The one that commands you to rise above the human existence and remember that YOU have the ability at anytime to redefine yourself - mind, spirit and soul.  


When pondering, "who am I"... it's often because one is struggling with change.  A correlation between the inner questions and the ease or lack there of in the life you are experiencing at this moment.  Our identity is not static.  It is ongoing.  A constantly changing process.  Is asking this question a sign of vulnerability or strength? Or is it just a process of human nature that cannot be evaded at times.  Does the question come from a sense of fear or from the anticipation of adventure and challenge?  Is this midlife identity question a blessing in disguise.  A continuum between where you are right now and the journey that lies ahead.  A reminder to take each step with a sense of purpose as you summon the strength to face challenges head on and fight.  Fight for yourself and fight to create your dreams.  To continue the personal evolution that allows you to keep the promises that you make to yourself and redefine your vision along the way.  


If with age and or experience comes wisdom...
Then mine to share from the last few weeks is to embrace the fact that sometimes we are stronger when we bend.  Stronger when we allow ourselves to be malleable.  To mold and recreate your vision and plans.  Flexibility affords you the luxury to not break.  The willow survives the storm as it bends with the winds of change whereas the sturdy and rigid oak is more likely to crack.  (None of us want to "crack"!) Find your balance and embrace the change.  Life happens, like it or not.  Breathe.  Pray.  Believe.  Change and faith are the only constants.  


Recognize your never ending potential.  Keep what serves you well and brings you joy and "shed" the rest.  Value this moment.  It's all you really ever have.  Everything can change in an instant.  The future is unwritten --- but all we are ever "promised" is today. So who you are needs only to be your best self.  Remembering that you are enough.  You do not need to be defined or titled. YOU ARE ENOUGH.  


Move forward. Love yourself. Love life.  Keep the faith. Be brave.  


Keep the promises that you make to yourself.  The rest will follow and you will know - who you are... your best self.  You are enough.  

WHAT MATTERS

Barbara Ward-Finneran

Taking one day at a time. 

Smiling through the tears. 

Making the most of the moment.

Summer breezes in your hair.

Understanding and forgiveness, especially when it's hard to give. 


Being your best self.


Leaving footprints in the sand.

Giggles.

Believing that goodbyes aren't forever.


Friends, family & fun.


Knowing the best is yet to come.

Keeping the promises that you make to yourself!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!  

MAY GOD BLESS ALL THOSE 

WHO HAVE GIVEN EVERYTHING 

SO THAT WE 

MAY LIVE IN THE 

HOME OF THE BRAVE 

AND THE LAND OF THE FREE!!!

THE GREAT EXPERIMENT ENDURES : MEMORIAL DAY 2012

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

This Memorial Day, I wanted to find something special to share that would not only remind our readers of the service and sacrifice of our veterans, but that would remind them of what those veterans fought to preserve and defend. Please take just 2 minutes of your time to view this short presentation called "The Great Experiment Endures". The clip is NOT Republican or Democrat, it is AMERICAN. ttp://www.upwithamerica.org/

After viewing, you might be interested in the following multi media page "The Making of America, The Early Years".
On this page, clips of famous movies such as Amistad, The Patriot, 1776 , and Gettysburg present a window to the soul of the American Experience. (Just a heads up, if you navigate to; other areas of this site, some are less "bi partisan".)http://www.upwithamerica.org/multimedia.html

I firmly believe that it is time for a new generation of Patriots to come forward. I want people to feel the pride and patriotism they do after viewing "The American Experience"at EPCOT for the first time, or after visiting the Lincoln Memorial and all the great monuments in Washington DC. I want people to stand when Veterans march by in the parade and clap for them. I want to see an American Flag flying from each home on Memorial Day and all US holidays! I just want people to forget about political parties and hidden agendas and be Americans again.

My husband says I'm an incurable optimist, and I guess that's true. I will never give up on believing in the ideals and foundations upon which this country was formed.  I know times change, people change, and government must change too, but that doesn't mean we need to give up the vision our forefathers had for this country.

Today we remember those who fought for our FREEDOM. Some of them made the supreme sacrifice so that we might live, work, and enjoy the fruits of our labors in a country that respects and values its citizens and offers them the opportunity to better their lives and those of their children. Let's work together to insure that our government and our citizens continue to work towards that same objective so the sacrifice of these men and women will not have been in vain.

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction ... It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same." - Ronald Reagan (1911 - 2004)

Bounce This Along

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

A friend shared these facts with me and I thought I'd "Bounce them along" to you!

U.S. Postal service sent out a message to all letter carriers to put a sheet of Bounce in their uniform pockets to keep yellow-jackets away.

All this time you've just been putting Bounce in the dryer!
1. It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them. It also repels mice.
2. Spread sheets around foundation areas, or in trailers, or cars that are sitting and it keeps mice from entering your vehicle.
3. It takes the odour out of books and photo albums that don't get opened too often.
4. It repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season.
5. Eliminate static electricity from your television (or computer) screen.
6. Since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust from resettling.
7. Dissolve soap scum from shower doors. Clean with a sheet of Bounce.
8. To freshen the air in your home - Place an individual sheet of Bounce in a drawer or hang in the closet.
9. Put Bounce sheet in vacuum cleaner.
10. Prevent thread from tangling. Run a threaded needle through a sheet of Bounce before beginning to sew.
11. Prevent musty suitcases. Place an individual sheet of Bounce inside empty luggage before storing.
12. To freshen the air in your car - Place a sheet of Bounce under the front seat.
13. Clean baked-on foods from a cooking pan. Put a sheet in a pan, fill with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The anti-static agent apparently weakens the bond between the food and the pan.
14. Eliminate odours in wastebaskets. Place a sheet of Bounce at the bottom of the wastebasket.
15. Collect cat hair. Rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce will magnetically attract all the loose hairs.
16. Eliminate static electricity from Venetian blinds.

Wipe the blinds with a sheet of Bounce to prevent dust from resettling.
17. Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sand papering.

A used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth.
18. Eliminate odours in dirty laundry.

Place an individual sheet of Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper.
19. Deodorize shoes or sneakers.

Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes or sneakers overnight.
20. Golfers put a Bounce sheet in their back pocket to keep the bees away.
21. Put a Bounce sheet in your sleeping bag and tent before folding and storing them.

It will keep them smelling fresh.
22. Wet a Bounce sheet, hose down your car, and wipe love bugs off easily with the wet Bounce.
23. Put a sheet of Bounce in your suitcase when traveling, it will help keep mites or any other critters out of it. While you are at it, travel with several Bounce sheets and run them up and down your bed linen before getting into bed, it will cause all the critters already in your bed to run. Keep a sheet in your suitcase even after you have unpacked to protect your suitcases from bugs nesting in it.

PATRIOTIC POUND CAKE

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

This super easy and quick dessert will be a big hit for Memorial Day or 4th of July Celebrations.

                                  Ingredients

1 (10.75 ounce) loaf frozen pound cake, thawed                                                                   1/2 cup blueberry pie filling
1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry pie filling
1 3/4 cups whipped topping

                                  Directions                                                                                                                                                         

Split cake horizontally into three layers. Place bottom layer on a serving platter; spread with blueberry filling. Top with middle cake layer; spread with strawberry filling. replace top of cake. Frost top and sides with whipped topping. Refrigerate for several hours before slicing.

Memorial Day - A Reflection on Honor, Sacrifice and Duty

by Senator Tom Harman

Memorial Day may conjure up images of a nice, relaxing three-day weekend. Maybe you will go biking or boating; have a picnic or simply just take it easy. But be sure you take a moment to remember the brave men and women who have lost their lives fighting for our country.

Having served myself in the United States Army as a lieutenant in the 4th Infantry Division, I cannot help but remember America’s fallen heroes and the tremendous sacrifices made by their families for our freedom. Memorial Day is a day our nation sets aside to honor the courageous acts of these soldiers, sailors, aviators and marines. Often times while still in the prime of their youth, countless numbers of these young Americans were willing to pay the ultimate price to defend freedom – their lives.

Originally called Decoration Day, this holiday was first proclaimed by General John Logan in May of 1868. General Logan ordered all men under his command to spend part of the day decorating the graves of fallen soldiers.

On Monday, May 25th, we will pay tribute to those who gave their last great measure of devotion to liberty. Throughout the country Americans will pay their respects to those who lost their lives in service to our country. Let us not forget that the precious freedom we are so fortunate to enjoy here in America was purchased with the lives of those brave men and women who served our country in times of war. An excerpt from the dedication plaque on the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located on the grounds of the State Capitol in Sacramento, sums up the sacrifice of our brave soldiers, "All Gave Some, Some Gave All."

The Memorial is located in a park like setting not far from my Capitol office. This quiet, lush setting is a popular lunchtime destination where people can relax and admire the beauty of the Memorial’s circular design. The bronze sculptures depicting scenes from daily life during the Vietnam War are riveting. Viewing the 5,822 names engraved on twenty-two black granite panels fills me with awe. Each engraved name is a sobering reminder of the dead and missing California Vietnam Veterans.

All around the world Californians continue to risk life and limb to defend liberty. The men and women of our armed forces currently on duty in Afghanistan and Iraq should be in the thoughts and prayers of each of us as we celebrate Memorial Day.

http://cssrc.us/web/35/publications.aspx?id=6160

*I believe the Senator's words apply to all 50 states! Well said Senator! MPA

HE SAID... Tony Walker is running for President!!!!!

TONY WALKER

This week's He Said is more like a He's Bitching.

A very good friend of mine is down on her luck. She's fighting with someone close to her, her house is in foreclosure, & she just had her hours cut at her job. She also lost all her benefits there with the cuts.
 

This makes me mad. Real mad. I personally believe every citizen of our great Country is entitled to medical benefits. I personally think it's a disgrace that this country profits from our illnesses. I am disgusted about this financial depression we're in.

Why are we in this depression? What companies are hurting? The oil companies aren't! The "Verigreedy" bastards who threw me aside because I have one leg aren't hurting! They're all making record profits while most of us live paycheck to paycheck!!

My friend has worked her ass off for years. She's never been in any trouble. She's a kind, hard working, tax paying citizen. These kind of things should not be happening to these kind of people!! Yet it's happening all over.

Why bother working if there are no benefits? No retirement packages? Let's all sit home & collect unemployment or disability.... they come with some benefits. You can get money for sitting at home all day reading Facebook statuses!

People wanna work. People wanna put pride into what they do. There's nothing wrong with being rewarded for that. Rewarded with good pay & benefits for you & your family!!!

I say it's time for a do over!! No more Republicans! No more Democrats!! NO MORE POLITICIANS!! Time for people who truly care to lead this Country back to greatness!!!

Tony Walker is running for President!!!!!

SOUL FOOD

Barbara Ward-Finneran

Not every action will produce the desired results. 

Experimenting and making mistakes is part of the process of realizing your potential and dreams. 

Power through the challenges melding your unique talents with that desired purpose. 

Be convinced in thoughts, words, and deeds that every task brings you closer to that personal victory and the rest will follow. 

Keep the promises that you make to yourself!

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