Coming Together!

I was up at the crack of dawn yesterday to watch the sun rise at the ocean. As the beauty once again filled me with awe, I thought of the date. It was 18 years yesterday since “9/11”, a day that so many will never forget. I thought of how many people woke up that morning 18 years ago, perhaps witnessing a brilliant sunrise, and feeling all was right with the world, only to have their world torn apart before the next sunrise!

I thought about how America came together on that horrible day. How differences that had once seemed so big, were now insignificant!

I saw the following quote last night and it struck a chord in me.

Yes, I want this America back again! Not only did we come together in America, but the World came together. Other countries embraced us in our dark time, with no thought to what polices we agreed or disagreed on! They were there for us and our hearts were touched.

The following 2 video clips just give a glimpse of how the world reacted. May they touch your heart like they did mine and be a reminder that we are capable of showing love and not discriminating against our differences. Let us make it “9/12” again, before we have another “9/11!”

The following clip doesn’t have to do with “9/11”, but it came up as I was browsing and it made me smile!  Though it may not have happened around “9/11” it shows what this post is about. About coming together and helping out when needed!

Tuesday’s Thoughts!

Happy Tuesday! Hope you all had a nice weekend, and a relaxing Labor Day! The tables turned this year as it was our children who had to work on Labor Day. They wanted to now why everything wasn’t shut down for Labor Day. When you work in retail or the restaurant business, unless its Christmas, you don’t close! I would add Thanksgiving to that as well, but more and more places are staying open on Thanksgiving now which…well don’t get me started! Lets go to a more enjoyable topic, like Quotes! 🙂 Enjoy!

 

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The Little Things ….

I had 2 ideas swarming around in my head today for a post. I chose the lighter topic for today, perhaps the heavier topic will be a post for tomorrow.

Sometimes the littlest things can be so important! I know I have mentioned that fact before in a post, but last night it rang true for me once again.

Last night I clicked on a message which my friend had sent me earlier and I hadn’t seen. It was just a simple message asking me how I was doing, and asking me if I had heard of a certain book. They shared a link to Amazon about it saying how they had read it and really liked it and wanted to share it with me.

I didn’t recognize the title so I clicked on the link and that’s when my heart was really touched!

This wasn’t just a matter of a friend sharing a book suggestion with me, which I always appreciate book suggestions, but this went beyond that. I couldn’t tell from the title, but when reading the description of the book I learned that it was about a sensitive topic that is very close to my heart.  She knew that, which compelled her to let me know about the book.

Its those caring moments in time that fill the heart. I knew she was thinking of me when reading the book and that meant a lot.

Something simple, but meaningful….

Today some words were said by someone and while they weren’t directed at me, I still felt the sting. My friend who was sitting beside me at the time, reached over and rubbed my back. No words needed said, I felt the warmth of her touch, and my heart was full.

I was hurting once, but I thought no one knew. I thought I was doing a good job at hiding it. Then a friend looked into my eyes and said, ” I see your pain..” and my dam broke.  A simple gesture, but healing to the heart.

There was a period of time where I was sitting in waiting rooms very frequently. It was hard, but I could always count on a smile from text/email messages sent by a friend just when I needed them.

The hugs, the invitation to come on over to a friend’s place and talk about whatever is on your heart.

The waking up to not Folger’s in your cup but to a short message on your phone from a dear friend telling you what you mean to them.

The feel of the love in the room when visiting with family and  chatting, the hugs given again when parting.

The gemstone that your child gave you so very long ago but that still fills your heart when you see it, for you remember the story behind it.

Something simple, but yet so meaningful….

What little things take up room in your heart?

 

 

 

“Mirror,Mirror….”

Latisha had a dreamy look in her eyes as she parked in her driveway and walked towards her front door. She felt like her feet weren’t hitting the ground, she was literally walking on air. How could she not be. She was getting married this weekend!

She opened the door whistling  a happy tune and Lucy chimed in with her high pitched whine. The golden retriever was always so happy when Latisha came home.

Lucy knew the routine. Latisha would change out of her work clothes and then grab Lucy’s leash and out the door they would go on their walk.

It was a beautiful summer day,  This week there had been a break in the high humidity which made their evening walks more enjoyable.

Latisha was thinking back to when she first met Logan. She remembered the very first gift he had given her. It was a lovely small lavender mirror. What made it special were the words on the back. “To the girl who is the fairest of them all, will you be mine?”

He had given it to her on Valentine’s Day, when they had first begun to date. Her heart soared that night and had been soaring ever since.

There had been days when she had wondered if love would ever find her, and then Logan stepped into her life and her fairy tale of love had begun.

Later that night, Lucy was lying on the plush carpet right by Latisha’s feet as Latisha was going through the box of cards and other mementos that she had from Logan. Ahh, there it was. There was the lavender mirror. She smiled as she held it in her hand and looked into the glass, saying , “Mirror, Mirror on the wall, whose the …”

 

Showing your love

Today I heard from a friend about how her friend just lost her husband in a tragic accident. They had just got married this past May. It once again hit me how life really is a vapor. We don’t know how much time we have left and that is why the time is NOW to say and do things. Not tomorrow or a few years down the road, but NOW.  Let those who you are close to know how much they mean to you. Don’t say, well I am sure they already know, keep showing and telling them.

I have always liked Leo Buscalgia, he is a gifted writer and speaker, and his words were coming back to me today. I would like to share this short video clip with all of you for I think he gets the message across with what he shares, better than I ever could. I hope it touches your heart.

 

Meet Me at the Clock

Somewhere between here and Vancouver.

I woke up because the rocking of the train stopped. I looked out my window. We were stopped at some train station and the light from this clock was shining straight into my window.

 

Meet me at the Clock

The house was silent as she crept down the stairs. Her heart jumped when she heard the sound of the Grand Father Clock chiming. She had forgotten about that clock. While it was chiming she quickly ran down the stairs and out the front door.

It was still warm outside for it had been such a hot and humid day. The night was very dark. She was glad for street lamps that were lit, for the silvery moon wasn’t putting out much light, as it peeked out from behind the clouds.

Tamara hoped she was going in the right direction. She had tried to listen hard to the directions Timothy had given her, but her mind was going in a million directions as he talked. Were they really doing this? She was excited and nervous at the same time. What would her parents think?

She had tossed and turned every night this past week wrestling with the decision.  As far as she saw it, she had no other choice. Her parents wouldn’t let her marry Timothy and her heart just couldn’t stand being separated any longer from him. Tears had fallen upon the letter that she had left for her parents to find once she was safely gone. She hoped they would forgive her in time. Hoped that they would come to see that she and Timothy truly did love each other.

Her legs were beginning to get pretty tired, she hoped she would be there soon. Timothy had said to look for the light of the big clock shining from the train station. That it would show her the way to him and once she got there, they would never have to be separated again.

Ahh! There it was, her heart started beating faster. She felt a burst of energy overtake her as she ran to the station, opened the door and walked in.

Seeing Timothy standing there, she fell into his arms. ” Timothy … I love …” She stopped abruptly as she saw something out of the corner of her eye.

“Mom, Dad …. what are you…?”

“Hi Tamara”, her Mom put a arm around her as her Dad put his hand on Timothy’s back, leading them out of the station.

“How about I whip up a batch of my special pancakes. We can enjoy eating them as we have a nice, long chat.” her Mom said.

Tamara looked at Timothy, his pale look mirrored hers, her stomach definitely wasn’t growling with hunger right now!

“I think that sounds great honey! Perhaps some of your great biscuits too, with a big pot of coffee.” Tamara’s Dad replied.

“You like your coffee strong and black, son?” Tamara’s Dad asked Timothy.

“S..S..Sure, sir.” Timothy said in a voice that could barely be heard.

Tamara sighed, this very well may be the longest walk and breakfast that she ever had.

 

 

The Bridge of Love

Lion’s Gate Bridge, Vancouver, BC

The picture is real, the following story though is not. 🙂 I just decided who needs pics from Pinterest to inspire stories when I have a whole slew of vacation photos!

The Bridge of Love

Jeremy stood on the bridge watching the setting sun. Memories tumbled through his mind. It was like his favorite movie playing, allowing him to hit pause and rewind whenever his favorite memories made an appearance.

Time had passed so quickly, but it was full of moments which had left their mark on his heart.

He put his hand in his pocket making sure the special box was still in there.

This was a beautiful spot he thought, as he watched the water flow, with thoughts of her flowing through his mind. Her voice rang in his head as clear as a bell. He was deaf to the sounds of traffic whizzing by. All he could remember was that moment when he had first laid his eyes on her and they were lost in time as they began to talk.

He remembered the look of her dimples when she smiled, and the gleam in her emerald green eyes when she smiled. A smile that had captured his heart in a thousand ways.

Jeremy rubbed his hand against the box once more. The hand that was now getting sweaty as his heart started pounding a little louder in anticipation of what was to come.

He ran his fingers through his hair, did he look alright? He smoothed down his shirt, perhaps he should have chosen a different tie.

He drew the box out of his pocket and opened it. It was still there, tucked securely in the velvet lining and shining bright. He wasn’t dreaming, this was all becoming real!

Jeremy drew in a deep breath, snapped the box shut, tucking it back in his pocket securely, as he started walking down the bridge.

He was planning to pick her up by 8. He was ready. Ready for their love to make a bridge, leading to many grand adventures!

In case you are wondering, my legs can attest to the fact that this is a very long bridge! Viewing the sunset from the bridge though was very pretty!

 

 

 

 

Waffles of Love

 

Another morning had dawned, breakfast time had come and gone with out many words being said. He had cleaned his plate, but she still found it hard at times to finish hers.

A small tear slid down her cheek as she looked down at the waffles swimming in the syrup. Memories ran through her mind of mornings in the past.

Early morning hours of being awake with the babies, and how she would be exhausted when the alarm for Clyde would go off. He would quietly get ready for work and give her a gentle, goodbye  kiss on her forehead, as he left for work.

When she awoke and stumbled into the kitchen her tea kettle would have hot water in it and there would be a a note from John, with words of love on it, lying on the kitchen table.

Some days the babies would keep her so busy that all she could make for supper was some blueberry waffles. She would apologize to John, but he never seemed to mind and blueberry waffles became a staple in their home.

As the children grew, they fell in love with blueberry waffles and they loved helping Daddy make them to surprise Mommy in bed with them, on Saturdays.

When the children got busy with after school activities and jobs, blueberry waffles once again would make a quick and yummy supper.

The children grew and moved out and eventually the morning alarm didn’t need to be set. Routines changed, but Blueberry waffles still remained a favorite meal and many mornings Clyde would still surprise Lizzy in bed with them.

Lizzy paused at the sink as she remembered the last time he had brought them to her in bed. He had forgotten the syrup and the 2nd waffle wasn’t quite done, she didn’t say anything but her fears were being confirmed, Clyde’s memory was quickly fading away.

The changes had been subtle before, but had become more pronounced as the days went by and then seemed to go downhill fast. The Dr. had confirmed it, Alzheimer’s had taken a hold.

Lots of things he had forgotten, memories stolen from him. But there were some things that still remained. One of them was his love for blueberry waffles. He could get agitated at times, but when Lizzie would serve up blueberry waffles, it would bring a smile to his face and calm him down.

He often would thank her, even if he didn’t know her name, he would tell the children how nice the pretty lady was that served him waffles.

Lizzie choked on a sob as she remembered how sweet her name used to sound on his lips.

Her heart burst for she still loved him so much no matter what, her memories were still intact and she knew the man that others could no longer see.

“Hey pretty lady, hey lady!” She heard his voice from the other room.

“Yes dear, what do you want?” Lizzie asked.

“Is it breakfast time yet? Could I have some waffles?”

Lizzie walked over to him and sat down on the couch with him. She gently took his hand in hers and told him how he already ate breakfast, but that they could go on a stroll.

They walked out the door, and he turned to her and said, ” When we come back we will have breakfast with blueberry waffles, right?”

She smiled and said, “Yes, blueberry waffles sounds like a great idea.” and his face beamed. He squeezed her hand as he looked in her eyes. For a moment Lizzie thought she saw a speck of recognition in his eyes as he held her gaze. She squeezed his hand back and his eyes smiled. He leaned over, kissing her forehead and for a moment she laid her head on his shoulder as they stood there lost in time.

 

What is Your Message?

There were 2 people. One was busy talking and one was busy doing.

They both knew the verse “Love thy neighbor”, and one spoke it from the rooftops, the other one showed it from their heart.

One sat in the pew nodding their head to what the pastor said, and then walked once again by the same homeless guy he walked by every week. Once again the homeless guy said “HI!” and smiled.  Once again he was greeted with cold eyes as the person walked by him by crossing to the other side of the street.

One was busy sharing smiles as they worked in a soup kitchen dishing up a hot meal for the homeless.

One was laughing and talking with their friends, and then spoke snidely as a pregnant teen walked by.

One was in a park and saw a pregnant teen sitting on a bench looking upset. They walked over to them and asked if they could sit down. They sat there and listened to her tears.

A neighborhood party was held to welcome the new neighbors. One brought some beautiful flowers to share with the new couple. One saw the darker skin color and turned around, going back home. Went home to study the Sunday School lesson for the next day.

One was stopped at a light and got hit from behind. The lady was very apologetic, the dent was very small, but the one that got hit was very upset and wasn’t very kind. He was mad as he looked at his “Love thy neighbor” bumper sticker which now was ruined.

One was stopped at a light and got hit from behind. The lady was very apologetic. The dent was very small and the one who had been hit assured the lady that all was fine. The lady smiled through her tears, it had been a horrible day, she had received very bad news and she had been distracted. Her heart was so grateful at the understanding that was shown to her.

There were 2 people. they both were sending out messages to the world with their lives. What message are you sending out?

 

The Special Surprise (Part 2)

Happy Wednesday! If you missed Part 1 of Jinx and Jangle’s story, here is a link. The Special Surprise (Part 1) So who do you think Santa’s surprise guest is? Grab a drink and kick back, as you escape to the North Pole to see what the surprise is!

 

The Special Surprise!

They were all sitting in Santa’s house as Jinx and Jangle were still trying to get over the big shock that awaited them at the airport!

Jinx took another gulp from his cup as he shook his head. Whoever would have thought!

Jangle swallowed the last drop of honey milk from his cup. He felt like he was going to burst with happiness as he looked around the room. A room filled with love!

They had arrived at the airport in plenty of time. Dino was the speediest method of transportation that they had. It was so fun flying on him. They sure did cause a stir though when they landed in the parking lot!

The trip back on Dino still felt like a dream, for they had been in complete shock. They definitely hadn’t guessed what Santa’s surprise was, he totally had pulled one over on them! When they got back they found out that everyone else had known as well! They had been the only ones left in the dark! Everyone else except Snowball, that is. He had been sleeping when Santa had made the announcement to everyone, during the time that Jinx and Jangle were on their way to the airport.

While at the airport and waiting at the gate Jinx and Jangle had talked about who they thought were coming. Then Jangle heard his name called and he looked up. Much to great joy he saw his parents coming. Warmth flooded through his soul as his heart started beating fast! He hadn’t realized how much he had missed them until there they were coming straight for him. When they embraced in a big hug, his eyes got a little moist!

Jinx was watching, feeling very happy for Jangle, when his heart almost stopped. A lump formed in his throat. His parents were coming through the gate as well. Jinx heard his Mom’s laugh and saw the twinkle in her eye. He couldn’t feel his legs as he ran to greet her.

Jinx and Jangle were so overcome with emotion and then they heard someone else calling their names. They looked up in surprise. Who else could be coming?  It couldn’t be, was that really her? Yes, it had to be! Jinx could see her radiant smile. He couldn’t believe it, but it was his Grandma, his gem!!

Before they knew it, she was embracing both of them. “Oh my precious ones, so good to see both of you!”

Jinx and Jangle were so happy but yet totally confused, how did she know both of them?  Their parents were smiling at each other and at them and soon everyone was talking at once.  It seemed that there was still another big surprise for Jinx and Jangle. They were cousins!

Jangle’s parents had moved across the country when Jangle was very young and that’s why Jangle had not seen his Grandma much, but she faithfully had always sent cards. The one memory he did have of her when he was very young, was making honey milk. He and Jinx actually had shared cups of it together when they were at her house at the young age of three!

Sadly Jangle’s parents and Jinx’s had lost contact after they moved. They had only touched base again once both Jinx and Jangle moved to the North Pole. The parents were thrilled to know that the cousins had met and became friends, having no idea that they were cousins! They didn’t want to tell them in a letter, they wanted to surprise them in person and finally Santa managed to work it all out in flying all of them to the North Pole for a surprise visit!

While Jinx and Jangle and the guests were at Santa’s, the other elves were over at the dining hall getting everything ready for a celebratory meal. Chef Salvo had been working on some secret recipes all week and everyone was excited to try them out.

Candy Cane and Snowball were working together in choosing music and in decorating.  They had picked out some some CD’s by Blackmore’s Night, Celtic Women and Tangerine Dream, as they had heard that Jinx and Jangle’s Grandma really liked their music. In talking to her they had found out so many interesting little facts about music, and books as well. It was quite enjoyable talking to her.

“Did you see Jinx  and Jangle’s faces, when they arrived?”  laughed Candy Cane.  ” Their eyes were so big!”

Snowball agreed, “For one of the first times, they both were speechless! That doesn’t happen much! ”

Candy Cane chuckled, as she finished hanging the last streamer.

Snowball looked as his watch, ” They should be coming soon, we got done just in time. Guess I won’t have any time to take my mid morning nap.”

Meanwhile over at Santa’s place everyone was still reveling in the simple joy of being all together.

Conversation had died down for just a moment and Santa took advantage of the silence.

“Ho-Ho-Ho! Who is ready for a fabulous meal?”

They all agreed that they were getting rather hungry after all the excitement of the morning.

Jinx and Jangle’s parents started talking again as they headed out the door with Santa. Then Mrs.Clause and Grandma were talking about the best cookie recipes as they headed out leaving Jinx and Jangle staring at each other.

“Cousins! Really? Who would have thought?”

“Yes!” said Jinx.”So now when you think I may be a little cracked, just remember I am related to you. That explains a lot, eh!”

Jangle rolled his eyes as he hurried to catch up with Grandma. ” Hey, Grandma I have a question for you, who was the best behaved 3 year old, me or Jinx?”

Grandma turned her head back and laughed at the question. “Oh that is a hard question, …. most of the time you both were NUTS!”, she said with a twinkle in her eye. Then she  put her arms around both of them and they walked to the dining hall together.