Be courageous. I have seen many depressions in business. Always America has emerged from these stronger and more prosperous. Be brave as your fathers before you. Have faith! Go forward!

~ Thomas A. Edison

I came across this quote and it struck me that there is truly no way to reinvent the wheel any more than there is anything new under the sun.
Lately, everything around us is negative. The news is bleak, if not down right depressing. Seldom do we hear of happy news, good news or anything uplifting. The news folks are right there to scare the daylights out of us warning of recessions, pandemics, political discord and changes that are making our country, if not our way of life, unrecognizable.
However, when I read the words of our forefathers, I see that none of this is new. We have a barrage of frightening information thrown at us, should we choose to be fed so-called news twenty-four hours a day.
We should try stepping away, turning off the noise, spending time doing things we love and making a point to find enjoyment, even in the midst of seemingly perilous times.
Tuning out isn't a bad thing. It doesn't mean that you don't care about what's going on in the world. It simply means that you care about yourself and your life the most.
Separating yourself from "all things worldly" on a regular basis is healthy. It's fine to keep your finger on the pulse of the times, but allowing the unrest of all that is considered newsworthy shouldn't become the basis of your existence.
Like anything, balance is the key. Stay alert, stay informed, and stay aware, but remember to LIVE in the midst of it all!
As Thomas Edison said in his quote above, "Be brave as your fathers before you. Have faith! Go forward!" Remember... all this junk we're being fed at every angle is nothing new. If those before us survived the struggles of building this great country, we'll all be just fine!
We just can't forget the most important part of the quote..."have faith." And I will close in adding my own addendum to the Edison quote..."Have faith, even among those who are faithless."
Till next time,
Annie

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I'm sure that everyone using Facebook can relate to this post...I was thinking this evening about how great it has been to reconnect with old friends via Facebook. For me, it's be such a joy.
I'm not one of those folks who fills up my friends list with names. Every single person is someone I know and care deeply about. I have re-connected with old friends that never ever left my heart, no matter how many years, how many miles and how much time had passed. So, I have to say that Facebook is a gift and a blessing for me.
Today, I had a phone call from an old friend that I have always adored. Over the years, I wondered about her, hoped she was well and happy and recalled such great memories that we shared.
When the phone rang today, a voice said, "Do you know who this is?" By the time she got to the word 'know,' I was saying, "Of course I do!" We talked just like we had never missed a beat. The years and the miles vanished and it was beautiful.
There are other friends that I've spent a lot of my younger years with that I have reconnected with on Facebook. I can see their (nearly grown now!) children, learn about their interests and catch up at my own pace and without the rush of life hurrying me along.
I don't know about all of you, but for me, it's just amazing.
The most beautiful part is that all my friends both old and new are willing to share their lives with me as well. I appreciate the time you take in doing so Friends.
In this day and time, 'friends' in the REAL sense of the word are a rare commodity. Seeing you all in this format reminds me of all that you mean to me, how much I love you all and just how truly rich my life has been and continues to be.
Thank you for being on the journey with me. I'm thrilled to be a part of each of your lives.
Till next time,
Annie

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I started my usual bedtime routine tonight and got to the part of the ritual where I make sure all the indoor residents are accounted for. W was already asleep, Geordie was on his nite-nite and Izzy was following me. No Tripod. Occasionally, we go through this and will find Poddy curled up in a ball, sleeping soundly. One other occasion, after tearing the entire house apart, I started the umpteenth wave of throwing everything out of everything and found him fast asleep in the back of my closet behind some shoe boxes. So tonight, that's the first thing I did. Then I got panicky. We had been going in and out of the house bringing in trim. Could he have slipped out and was hidden somewhere? I got the spot light, combed everything. I got on the ATV and rode all over the farm looking for him. Saw nothing but deer grazing. I stirred up all the dogs, had the cows mooing, goats up and roaming around. Me calling "TRIIIIPOD!!!" echoed through the woods. I felt sick to my stomach. Tripod only has 3 legs. He has no claws and is totally defenseless. This was bad. I fought back tears as I started to feel an even sicker feeling. I came back, went through the house again. No sign of him in any box, closet, or hiding place. I shook the food bag. I clanged dishes. Nothing. I went back outside and checked all the ditch drains, the fish house, the "Bat Cave" where we store farm equipment. Maybe he was hiding there till morning. Not a sound. I came home ready to wake up Wayne and tell him what was going on. I really didn't want to wake him, as we have a long day tomorrow. I sat down at the end of my chaise lounge and just hung my head. I was at a loss. Izzy was at my feet staring up. He knew something was terribly wrong with me. Looking down and wondering what to do next, I thought I felt something move against my leg. I saw a lump under the blanket. NO WAY! SURELY HE WOULDN'T BE ASLEEP UNDERNEATH A HEAVY BLANKET! I jerked it back and Tripod looked at me as if to say WHO TURNED ON THE LIGHTS IN MY EYES?!? I flopped onto the floor and hugged him up tightly. Izzy was slinking and purring all around him. Once again, Tripod was "found" in the most unlikely of places. I was so thankful. I'm now trying to get rid of the sick feeling, the adrenaline rush and the fear. I am grateful that my nest is together and we can all sleep well tonight. W, Geordie and most of all PODDY have no idea what Izzy and I went through tonight. Now the outside crew can go back to sleep, the cows can stop mooing, we are all safe and all is well. This is for sure-Life is NEVER, EVER boring around here! For that, I am thankful. Memories are made, even in the seemingly scariest of times. A little scare is okay when things work out just fine.
It keeps our hearts in check, says I.
Till next time,
Annie

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FAVORITE NUMBER ONE:
The Pedigree Commercial! "Get A Dog"


FAVORITE NUMBER TWO:
And a close second was the Pepsi Max commercial called "I'm Good."
This was so funny because it wasn't too far from the truth!


MY RUNNER-UP WINNER:
And as a runner up, Bridgestone Tires "Mr and Mrs. Potato Head." I thought this was a cute spot. Didn't we all have a Mr. Potato Head as kids? For reasons of nostalgia, this commercial got a 'memory lane,' warm fuzzy runner-up pick!


The game was great, but I found the commercials a little lackluster this year overall, but the ones that stood out to me, really stood out. We had a great time, however, eating, talking, pulling for our team and enjoying a wonderful Super Bowl Sunday.

Another highlight of the day was THE PUPPY BOWL! It was great fun this year! It's always fun, but this year, I was quite ready for number 5. It's a couple of hourse of sheer puppy cuteness! Now, honestly, how can you go wrong with that?

Here's hoping that you had a great time watching the Super Bowl...or at least the PUPPY BOWL! It's a fun time to spend relaxing at home or with family and friends. The way I see it, ANYTIME is a great time to be with those we love!

Till next time,
Annie

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A friend of mine sent a link to this video today. I watched and initially scratched my head at the message, but since I was instructed to watch all the way to the end, I did.
What a creative and interesting presentation! I knew I wanted to share it on my blog and as I hoped, good ol' You Tube had it ready and waiting!
Initially, I wished I had known about it before the Christmas Holidays so that I could have shared it during the season. But then again... it's so nice to think that we can indeed share the story, the message and in fact the meaning of Christmas the whole year through. We don't have to keep "Christmas" bound in a pretty package only during the month of December.
Enjoy...and if you feel upside down, remember God is right there waiting to turn things RIGHT SIDE UP again.
Just ask. He's always listening.
Till next time,
Annie

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(Or my alternate title for this post could be "Is American English Still Spoken Here?")

Only those who attended Ivy League Schools and have specific last names are "expected" to speak correctly. The rest of us, the kind and compassionate media simply takes pity, because we're just...not special! Truthfully, I can't say that I know anyone that attended an Ivy League school. If I do, I've clearly forgotten. GASP!
Not only does the media think they can control the entire United States, they now are trying to move us, kicking and screaming in my case, away from American English and our own tried and true ways of speaking it.
Here's an article I came across tonight written by Barbara Wallraff of The Atlantic monthly.
Ok, ok, ok...the title of this post is laden with humor but...let's talk about a little something that "the media" doesn't want us to.
Class warfare. They love to use it, but it's a secret!
I figured as much with regard to Sarah Palin. It travels in every little condescending circle. If you can't find any way to trash someone, attack their background...and smear the victim publicly. This is wrong and sends a terrible message, especially to women. "You should expect more" because Caroline happens to be a Kennedy? How silly. Sarah Palin, like her or not has done amazing things and she came from humble roots. Being your best and rising higher was once honored. Now, it's used by the media as a means of assault. Ridiculous? I think so. More emphasis is placed on the contestants of American Idol than in preventing the annihilation of American culture.
NEWS FLASH! We are NOT European! Wasn't there a little tea party that made quite a splash? Don't we celebrate the 4th of July for a reason? (Not simply because it's hot in July and a good date for a parade!)
Next, I'll fuss about using the British way of speaking, instead of tried and true American English. ("an historic event" versus "A historic event" and "the media IS" versus "the media ARE.")
It's getting way out of control folks. Are we perhaps getting too much input into our lives and our government from the media?
I wonder. Now, they're rewriting American English language and grammar...which I thought I had a pretty good command of until recently.
I posted the article below...and gee, I hope I did that correctly. What the heck, I'm going to live dangerously and not spell check or proof this post. WOWWY! (isn't that a word too? uhhhmmm...you know, I think it may be!)


No, Caroline, we don't know. (Barbara Wallraff)
04 Jan 2009 06:24 pm

I have no opinion -- none at all -- about whether Caroline Kennedy would make a good senator. But for someone with a law degree and now political aspirations, she's astonishingly ill-spoken.

It's not necessarily admirable in consumers of political rhetoric like me that we focus more readily on "um"s and "you know"s than on what the person is saying. But we do, and it's no surprise that we do -- English teachers and speech coaches have been making this point forever.

I never whaled on Sarah Palin for the way she talks, because there isn't much reason to suppose she could do better. She doesn't have a fancy education, and she doesn't come from a place that's world-renowned for its intellectual life. But Kennedy is a different story. She has the best education money can buy and every possible reason to know what accomplished public speaking sounds like. And she still sounds like a dope, because of those "um"s and "you know's."

(end of Wallriff post, assuming readers will not figure it out on their own. That's also a little perk the MSM gives us! They tell us how to read and comprehend too. I thought I'd try it, just this once.)

***As for "whaling on Sarah Palin" and "not expecting her to DO BETTER," I'll say one word. Stunning. What happened to colorful American language? What happened to 'local speak' that adds so much interest to different dialects? To essentially call Palin stupid because she did not attend an Ivy League school is, in itself, ignorance. To make fun of a perfectly wonderful way of speaking is ghastly. (I thought liberals didn't judge anyone and had full claim on "compassion.") Somehow, I don't see Sarah Palin as needing the compassion of the US media. (And you can bet your bottom dollar that if I were stranded somewhere, I'd want Sarah Palin on MY side...and not some media geek.)

Had Sarah Palin been "Sarah Kennedy," or had she been selected on the democratic ticket, she'd have been the most grand thing since sliced bread! Her folksy speech and mannerisms would have been lauded as "precious!"
Had she been a part of the elite "in crowd" she would have wow'd the liberal media to their trembling knees.

Class bias?

To quote a former Veep nominee...
"YOU BETCHA!"

I do not even recognize this country anymore.

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MAGIC! WONDER! SPARKLY, SHINY, JINGLING, GLITTERING!
CALM, PEACEFUL, HUMBLE, PRECIOUS, LOVING, GENEROUS, KIND!
ANXIOUS, SMILING, GLEAMING,
CHILLY, HOPEFUL, PRAYERFUL, PLAYFUL, LAUGHING!

There are SO many words that are especially fun to say at Christmas!

Here's wishing you all the joy, every happiness and incredible peace on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and in the coming
New Year!

With love from my house to yours!
God bless and keep you all,
Annie

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Yes, that's right. The title of this post is "Christmas Eve Eve."
The day before the day before Christmas.
Around here, it's a very important day. A lot gets done on this day, Christmas is within reach and the build of excitement begins around our house.
Cookies, appetizers, treats and yummy concoctions abound! Russian tea cookies courtesy of Peepaw, Marah's now famous Magic Cookie bars (she's made since she was a wee little thing!), our own recipe sausage balls, home made egg nog, chess bars, and other tasty delights are about to envelop our home. These are the fragrances of love, warmth and celebration. Everything is usually in full swing by now, but Marah has to work through Christmas Eve, so I'll start without her this year.
It's Christmastime! The most exciting time of the year. The weather is even cooperating...it was in the teens last night.
Now, if we could just get the moisture in the air to cooperate with the temperatures, we'd be in business for a white Christmas! I know my friends up north are probably excited to a point, but I don't want any danger at all for them, no loss of power and for them to be able to enjoy a beautiful white Christmas without any hassle whatsoever! Most importantly, we wish those who are inundated with snow safe travels! (Shout out to Pam! I'm still drooling over the CAKE!!!)
Even as adults, there's a little pitter patter that starts in our hearts with the days leading up to Christmas. It's unavoidable! All the sights, sounds, music, friends dropping by...all of these are warm and welcome happenings at Christmastime. It's such fun to see children with an extra glimmer in their eyes. The anticipation is contagious!
Memories of Christmases past abound and it all makes for "the most wonderful time of the year!"
I have to say that I noticed retailers were not as happy to take my Christmas dollar this year. For the economy to be in such a wreck, it was like any other shopping day in June. That is so sad. During Christmastime, I'm used to being wished a MERRY CHRISTMAS, seeing employees in Santa hats, little pins that say "Jesus is the Reason for the Season," etc. but this year....nothing. I guess the politically correct crowd and their assault on Christmas think they have scored a big point...for what reason? I don't get it.
Now explain to me again, THEY destroy such a wonderful and beautiful celebration and WE lose national tradition that is steeped in love and beauty? And remind me, what gets accomplished in this? More divisiveness? That's just exactly what America needs.
America needs MORE CHRISTMAS! As for me and my house, WE WILL CELEBRATE AND HONOR THE BIRTHDAY OF JESUS CHRIST! No "HAPPY HOLIDAY/SEASON'S GREETINGS" stuff here! It's CHRISTMAS! And we will not give up this beautiful season of love and light.
I wish all my non-Christian friends wonderful celebrations of their faith, should they be occurring this time of year. I always do. I am in hopes that all Americans who are not Christian will not impede, but embrace this beautiful season, beautiful story and sacred time of year in the Christian faith.
As I look at our tree, listen to the chilly wind blowing the chimes outside and think of all the wonderful aromas that will be coming from our kitchen shortly, I want to wish you ALL a VERY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Here's wishing you safe travels, magical moments, lovely sights and sounds for your Christmas celebrations! May this one bring all the memories your heart can hold!
Till next time.....MEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRY CHRISTMAS!
Annie

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About a year ago, I got a Perkl-Light Portable Energy Spa. By December 14, I was so impressed, I wrote a post about it. A year and 2 days later (I just looked it up!) I'm writing about it again! Yes, it's "that" good!
I had researched, read, studied..gotten the DVD, read some more and then knew I had to get one.
I have had a year now to "bond" with my "Perky" as I call it and being someone of a lot of words, I can summarize this amazing machine in two words: "It works."
As an energy practitioner, I wondered exactly how this energy would work. After receiving my unit, I decided not to "think it to death" and allow it to do what it was made to do. It is still amazing to me just how many areas this little tiny machine covers.
I have used it to allow calm energy into my home if I was having guests, for peaceful sleep, for pain...you name it, I have experimented with it.
It has been a year of dramatic life changes for me. More changes than seemed to be "do-able" at the time, but here I am a year later and all is well...and the daily (almost constant) use of my Perkl-Light has been a major part of all the things that come with
'transition.' I have relied on it like a silent partner.
If I had a cold, I put it on the respiratory settings. If I worked too hard and over did it, many times I have used the manual settings and allowed my body to show me what I needed. The "blink" method seems to work well for me, but honestly, I don't believe there is a "right" or "wrong" way to use it. Because we are response natured beings, I went completely with "feelings."
Intent is such a tremendous part of energy work and I have found the Perkl-Light to compliment my own intentions so simply and beautifully.
One "benefit" that I have been most impressed with is David Thomas. His story alone is worth sending for the DVD to hear! Add to that the fact that David is deeply committed to the benefits that the Perkl-Light offers. Getting to know him and seeing for myself how HE feels about this amazing machine is a tremendous PERK (PUN INTENDED!).
Initially, I had a lot of questions. I wondered if I was "doing it right," if I was working the machine to get the most benefit, etc. David always gave me thoughtful suggestions and whatever hand holding I needed. Looking back a year later, I'm sure I was an aggravation at times. If I was, he never let it show. It was as though I was his sole focus. (Sorry Dave!) I learned quickly that you didn't need to question it to death and I began to just play with different settings and there were those I used "generally" and others that I used "as needed."
There's something about us humans that I haven't figured out. We will extend ourselves to everyone "except ourselves." We take care of someone else in a nanosecond and our own health and energy levels are left to suffer as a result. We do not treat ourselves to things that might enable us to be more effective. We don't recharge our own batteries.
That said, having the Perkl-Light is probably one of THE best gifts I have ever given myself. As a result, I've learned a lot about how I "work" what my own needs are, what my patterns are behavior are, etc. For example, I now allow myself to realize that giving myself support is a GOOD thing! Certainly not a sign of any weakness! I now have an opportunity to take care of "self" and a wonderful vehicle to do that.
I move the unit from room to room in my house. If I travel, the Perkl-Light goes with me. It has become a fundamental part of my daily ritual and this happened quickly. I even keep it in the car on trips!
The soft waves of colored light in themselves are comforting and settling.
I have had emails from folks who were investigating the Perkl-Light. I have responded to each one saying, "You simply have to try it to see the benefits of using this extraordinary machine."
I am happy to be a part of the Perkl-Light family! I'm delighted that I finally stopped all the researching and allowed myself the many benefits of using the Perkl-Light.
I'm sure the benefits have gone far beyond "me." I have pets that live inside. The benefits extend to them as well, which pleases me because I'm able to do something good for them as well.
This is the season of love, caring and giving. Who better to "give" those things to? As individuals, when we are aligned, we are so much more effective in all areas of life. What might have seemed to be a big deal a year ago, I can say "today" may not be a big deal at all IF I am taking care of "me."
I still feel that I am learning and experimenting and that's another great point to make. "WE" are always changing physically, emotionally and structurally. I'm not sure there are any limits to what you I can do with the Perkl-Light...only the limitations and boundaries that I put on it...certainly not from the energy that is available any time I need it.
The big question is this: "Would I invest for this again?" Absolutely!
These are times of uncertainty, unrest and there's an overall feeling of anxiety that WE have allowed ourselves to buy into.
To "buy" means to take in, to invest in, to 'bring home.' You've bought into the stuff on tv that makes you anxious, stressed, tensed up and tight muscled. Perhaps it's time to look in a new direction.
I'm so glad that I have a device that is wonderful to help me keep things in a proper perspective.
I didn't know just how important this little hand sized machine would become. Looking back, I had no idea just what good things were in store.
Happy Anniversary David! You've "officially" put up with me for a year (but don't forget, readers, that I drug my feet before I got my own Perkl-Light!
I highly recommend this product. I know I'll keep it as an ever present companion in my daily activities.
If you're reading this and you want to know more, get in touch with David! ( www.perkl-light.com) He will tell you how HE uses his grand invention. He will NOT "sell" you on something. You'll never feel stressed, like you're getting sales pitch or anything like that. He doesn't have to do it! (plus he's such a nice guy, he wouldn't do that anyway!)
I'd love for everyone to experience the amazing things that I have with my Perkl-Light. I'm very certain that this is THE best gift I've ever given me. And it doesn't get much better than that!
Oscar Wilde said, "“To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance” and who couldn't use that???"
Last year's post about the Perkl-Light was titled "Do You Perkl?"
I'll ask again a year later...WELL? Do you?
I do!

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I received the video below from a friend of mine and totally cracked up! It made me think of all the fun little neat things we can do for each other that would certainly bring smiles to our faces. If you turn on the TV, you will be filled up with nothing but NEGATIVITY...when this time of year, we should be considering the NATIVITY and all the joy and magic of the Christmas Season.
Times don't have to be "so" difficult, even with the economic distress we're being force fed, day and night. You can surf the web for many, many FREE things to do, games to play, (GOOGLE "PENGUIN TOSS" AND GIVE IT A TRY! Another friend sent that free game to my family and now it's one of our favorite Christmas pastimes!) fun cards and videos...the list goes on and on. All of them are simple, stress free and are sure to brighten the receiver's day!
Making someone smile can cost nothing and the effort you make to do it is worth volumes. So, I want to thank my friend Gayle for this fun video and I guess I'll go scour the net to "pay it forward" to others!
Here's hoping that you and yours are enjoying this wonderful, magical Christmas Season!
Till Next Time,
Annie

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