Ready? GO! #8

Pure pride:
Today, one of the
high school students
I work with,
wore a suit and tie.
Today was school photo day.
When asked if it was his idea,
or his mother's,
"It was my idea".
Completely Spectacular.

Ready? GO!

Hearing from a dear friend,
and having her actually
CALL,
and reach me during a 5 minute break.
= A good day.

Ready? GO! #6

Lucky and happy;
Stopped at my doc's office
to get a prescription refilled;
lucky,
they worked me in for an appointment,
happy, I'm "as healthy as a horse",
and happy to be on my way
quickly.
Health is priceless.
Ease of healthcare is
beyond priceless.

Ready? GO! #5

People being nice:

The bike shop employee 

who offers me a discount,

when she hears I'm buying something

for Special Education kiddos.

= Fantastic!

Thank you!

The greeter-at-the-door at Verizon,

who realized my question,

(Can I get a discount for 

working for the Public Schools)? 

could be taken care-of quickly,

and moved me to the front of

The Quick-Answer Line.

And the answer is: Yes.

18% off my monthly bill,

plus a few extra perks...

Thank you -Twice!

Ready? GO #4

Pomegranate red
Sunrise
Greets our Friday.

Amused that the
artificial turf
high school
football field
is
fluffed today,
before tonight's game.

Drove all over the county
Today
And love the scenery
In all directions.

Ready? GO! #3

I'm thrilled to see a photo of
my past neighbor's puppy,
enjoying the stuffed lobster
I sent.

Ready? GO! #2

Ready?
GO!

Seeing a child
Who previously was unable...
To get up from the floor
Without help.
She did it today
With a beautiful smile.

It may be mid-September:
But I still put on shorts
When I get home from work!

Looking forward to attending
My first
New Mexico wedding
This weekend!

Ready? GO!

About a week ago,
in response to being
frustrated with so much
negativity in the news
and on Facebook,
I started posting a daily
Ready? Go!
on Facebook:
Listing the little
happy things
I noticed in my day.
I tagged friends and family
who inspire these thoughts,
and they, in turn,
posted their happy
noticings.

So, I've decided to bring
Ready? GO!
to my blog,
(for those who aren't
on Facebook),
and will post my blog on
Facebook,
(for those who
had no idea I have a blog).
We can share
either location.

Ready?
GO!

My Basket List

I don't have a bucket list anymore.

A bucket always seemed too finite:
Filled to a certain level,
hard, cold and unwieldy,
carried by one,
the handle pressure
cutting into my time and efforts.

I think my goals are a basket:
Suggesting open air,
visibility,
flexibility,
movement,
and several places 
where others can assist me to carry my burden.

Experiencing a job that brings joy.
Writing every day.
Giving gratitude to friends and family for their presence.
Celebrating beauty in "everyday" things.
Being a good friend.
Finding and using kindness.
Following artistic pursuits.
Exploring and enjoying how strong I can be.
"Barking less and wagging more".
Going outside to feel the sun, enjoy the breeze,
and smile while smelling rain.

Encouraging others to set buckets down,
and try a basket for awhile.

What's in your basket?

-M

Sheaffer Pens and Family Trees

It all started with a fountain pen
discovered while clearing out my parents' basement...

A fountain pen
which I originally thought was
my Great Aunt's...
I discover now
(after a few hours of searching a genealogy site),
is my Great-Grandmother's pen.

My father was not one for talking about his family tree,

but I think he would be proud of this tree:
My father:
Kyle;
son of Earle and Vera.
Earle;
son of
Frank and Lelia, (the owner of the pen in question).
Frank;
son of Edward and Margaret...
And at that point the trail is running cold.

I found a photograph of Lelia;
It looks like springtime; she's smiling,
sitting under the shade of some flowering tree.

Finally it is time to write again.
I have found the joy of writing and of
creating single letters and beautiful words
through calligraphy.
Thank you, Lelia!

Maryon Chaney R.I.P.

The Visitation and Funeral services for
mom - Maryon Chaney
will be held Friday, January 25th
Esterdahl's Funeral Home, Moline, IL
Noon- 1:00 Visitation
1:00 Memorial service
Military Service at Rock Island Arsenal Cemetery immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to
Living Lands and Waters
http://www.livinglandsandwaters.org/

Cool Temps, Life

La Jolla Rainbow