Summer is here! No school. Vacation. More sunshine and, hopefully, less stress. More outings with the family. It’s an excellent time to be thankful for all we have. Like our senses. They allow us to enjoy life and, if we’re open, experience the God of our belief all around us. The embracing warmth of sunshine. The calming fragrance of Jasmine. The sea’s salty tang on our tongues, reminding us of friendship and brotherhood. The humbling sight of a giant redwood. The call of the crane to freedom. And that feeling we get when we relax in our favorite garden spot and allow our surroundings to envelop us. Nature is a wonderful gift. We should always appreciate it, respect it, and protect it.
Tag Archive for family
Honoring Our Military
Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day. President Harry S. Truman ushered in this day in which we recognize and honor the military women and men who have, do, and will protect our country and way of life. The observance became official on Aug. 31, 1949, replacing days honoring the different branches of the service now that they were all combined under the Dept. of Defense.
Let’s stop and think what these people and their families give up for us and express our gratitude in some small way. “Thank you for your service” has become an automatic response, often with little or no feeling behind it. Say or do something different. Buy a current or ex military person a cup of coffee, visit their family and help with household repairs, or take care of their kids while the parents have a “date night.” I’m sure you’ll think of something that will let them know how much you appreciate them.
Do You Kiva or PayPal?
You know what PayPal is, but how about Kiva? It’s an organization that gives micro-loans to people all over the world, loans that educate children, start or grow small businesses, advance health–all sorts of things. But all loans contribute to the well being of families and whole towns or villages. You choose which of the hundreds of people to use your money for a little while.
Yes, you get your money back! This is a real loan.
Right now, for a limited time, your $25 loan to Kiva, paid through PayPal, gives you an additional $25 to invest in another person or family. PayPay kicks in $25 for every $25 you loan through Kiva.
Try it. Go to www.Kiva.org and lend. Then wait for notices from Kiva about the person or group you selected and watch as your money is repaid.
Personal Note: Goodbye, Riley
This weekend my companion for 15 years passed away. Riley was a devoted companion who kept herding us, family and guests alike (she was a Border Collie). She helped me care for my husband, Frank, for a couple of years, watching that I did his infusions and medications right, nuzzled up to him as he struggled to breath, which made him smile, and comforted me these last two years without him.
Today I’m very lonely, having lost Riley and, with her, my last daily connection with my husband. Eventually, I will honor her by rescuing a dog that won’t replace her but will be a loving part of my life.
If you’re a dog-lover–or ever had a pet that was part of your family–you understand.
An Idea for Labor Day Weekend and Beyond
Labor Day weekend…a few days to relax as summer comes to a close. Here’s something to think about as you relax.
Labor of all types should be respected and honored on Labor Day and always. Even if it’s done so often in front of our eyes that we no longer notice or acknowledge it. Think about it. Do you really see the work your family members do in your home? In your household, who does the cooking, cleaning, laundry, lawn-mowing, car repairs, or bill-paying? Who acts as general contractor, arranging for needed repairs around the home and yard? Who shoulders most of the daily responsibility for child-rearing, including teaching the children morality, consideration for others, faith, honesty, and other attributes that will mold them into caring, productive adults? Who helps them with homework? Do the children do assigned chores–or sometimes just because they choose to help? Take a moment to notice the work being done around you daily and say thank you to the family member doing it. Your little gesture of appreciation honors labor itself as well as your loved one performing it.
Just for Fun–Back To School
Back to school time! If you’re a wine-drinker, you’ll appreciate this video from a family who has experienced many, many new school years. (Be sure to wait for the video to load, then right-click and hit “unmute” for sound.)
https://www.facebook.com/TheHoldernessfamily/videos/217560152439697/
Laundry and Unhealthy Families
Love your babies? The keep them away from fabric softener.
Note VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds. They pollute our indoor air and cause health problems.
(This Sensible Saturday hint thanks to Tina Silva Blease.)
[For more easy, money-saving, Earth-friendly tips, download a FREE copy of Green Riches: Help the Earth & Your Budget. Go to www.Smashwords.com/books/view/7000 or your favorite e-book seller and download to your computer or e-book device. Totally free, with no strings attached.]
It’s a Special Day for Me: a Personal Note
Today would have been my 37th wedding anniversary. The years were filled with “for better” and “for worse,” “sickness” and “health.” We shared bringing new life into this world and seeing cherished loved ones move onto the next. We had some fierce disagreements and did a lot of forgiving–of each other and of ourselves. We enjoyed adventures together and, as we aged, commiserated with the fact that, more and more often, our bodies laughed at us and asked us, “You think you’re going to do WHAT?!” We comforted each other over the estrangement of a friend or relative, then rejoiced with each other over reconciliation with them.
We helped each other adapt to severe changes in our lives, cried mutual tears of joy at our son’s wedding–and grieved over his divorce–exchanged laughter and knowing looks when hearing a young person’s exact, well laid-out plans for the future, and had our hearts melt at a wagging tail, four paws, and big brown eyes that say, “I’d love you even if you were to beat me.” We worked as a team through hardship, tragedy, heartbreak, and financial difficulties and came out closer as a result.
The “worse” and “sickness” we vowed to get through was not fun or easy, but we got through it because we had one other. Besides, we always focused on the “better” and the “health,” letting the other simply fade away. That’s called Living Life.
We had only 35 years together here on Earth. He has moved on, leaving me with memories and family who carry on his love for me.
I miss you, Frank, but thank you for the years we did have. And for the memories that sustain me.
Now, That’s Solid(arity)!
Even if you’re not a member of a faith that believes in the principle of Solidarity, for all of us it’s an important part of getting along in this huge world of ours. And it simply begins with getting to know other cultures. One way to do this fits in with what we do anyway. Go ahead and watch TV, surf the net, browse through the library, help the kids with homework. Before starting, though, choose a third-world or impoverished area you know little about (from Africa to Appalachia) and plan to learn all you can about its history and its people, including the hardships they face. Compare your own family’s beliefs and values with theirs. Make a habit of watching for newspaper articles and TV programs about that area and listening for news stories about it. But don’t be surprised when you start feeling a kinship with those previously unfamiliar people. That’s the idea; that’s SOLIDARITY!
In Memory……
A simple message but from the heart:
And thank you to all their families for their sacrifices.