Last evening, as I sat in my serenity garden, I thought of the past year and the changes that have taken place in my life, the life of my family, and even in the garden, itself. We are all traveling, at lightening speed, though the natural, inescapable cycles and passages of life.
The garden was quiet; not as many singing birds this year. The flowering shrubs have gotten taller, although, some had not made it through the winter. It seems the grass is a bit greener, too... perhaps from the long wet winter. The green wrought-iron swing is no longer out by the tall wooden fence, but now sits on the cool, shaded patio with the table and chairs--more intimate for guests, I think.
This year I retired from our local City Council and also gave up much of the volunteer work I've been doing. I feel it's time to relax, travel, read all of those books I've been storing on shelves, find some new interests, learn new things, develop new hobbies, spend more time with family.
This year, also, finds me authoring this blog...who would have thought such a thing? I've been able to navigate the Internet for many years, but I've always sat in awe of those who actually had their own "on-line" journals--never believing that I would, someday, be in their company.
As I sat in the garden, last evening, I also wondered what the next twelve months would bring. How will the garden have changed by this time next summer, what unforeseen "roads" will I have taken, what new friends will have come into my life, how will my family's lives have changed?
Life is a forever changing adventure-- full of exciting and even frightening challenges. Whatever lies ahead, will serve God's purpose in us and in those we touch.
Copyright 2008 By-Barbara Davis
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
PLEASE WATCH VIDEO BELOW
Please watch the "Who Am I" video below. There are three to choose from; I know you will love them as much as I do. It is well worth your time. Scroll down a bit and you will see it on the right of page. Enjoy!!
1. 1st video: group of young people with hands miming in black light.
2. 2nd and 3rd video: same song, different format.
3. 4th video: song writer telling about how he wrote the song.
This is one of the most inspirational things I have ever watched.
1. 1st video: group of young people with hands miming in black light.
2. 2nd and 3rd video: same song, different format.
3. 4th video: song writer telling about how he wrote the song.
This is one of the most inspirational things I have ever watched.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Why Do I Blog?
Until a few months ago, the blogging world had always been a mystery to me. To start one, I thought, a person would surely need to be a "computer genius". But much to my surprise and a little help, I had my blog up and running in a matter of minutes; it has been a joy, ever since.
Some may ask, "Why would you want to blog?"
For me, the reasons are: for myself, my family, my friends, and my friends-to-be.
1. Myself....blogging is relaxing and creative, it's great writing practice, and it helps me put my life into perspective.
2. My family....it's my hope that by writing my thoughts in a permanent place like this, my children and grandchildren will begin to know me on a more personal level and perhaps, gain insights into their own life-journey, through me.
3. My friends....it's a wonderful way to connect with old friends who may not live close-by. Here, I am able to share my daily life with them.
4. Friends-to-be....blogging is a great way to meet people with similar interests. It's a small world and blogging proves it. I've already met many other strong, creative women.
Some may ask, "Why would you want to blog?"
For me, the reasons are: for myself, my family, my friends, and my friends-to-be.
1. Myself....blogging is relaxing and creative, it's great writing practice, and it helps me put my life into perspective.
2. My family....it's my hope that by writing my thoughts in a permanent place like this, my children and grandchildren will begin to know me on a more personal level and perhaps, gain insights into their own life-journey, through me.
3. My friends....it's a wonderful way to connect with old friends who may not live close-by. Here, I am able to share my daily life with them.
4. Friends-to-be....blogging is a great way to meet people with similar interests. It's a small world and blogging proves it. I've already met many other strong, creative women.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
My Favorite Books
Please take note of the cute little bookshelves I have added to my blog. They contain books that I have read and recommend. If you place your arrow on the book you are interested in, a window will open. If you are interested in a particular book, click on the buy it from Amazon button. This will take you to Amazon's website where you will be given lots of info about the book, reviews, the price, a shopping cart and checkout key. It's fun and easy. Happy reading!!
A Break From The World
Yesterday, my backyard garden was quiet and serene; almost Holy. It was such a pleasure to go there for lunch and later, sit alone in the swing, under the big old walnut tree, reading a couple of books (one at a time) that begged to be finished. I finished one of them after lunch and the other was finished in early evening.
As I sat in my serenity garden, many memories came to mind of special lunches enjoyed there with family and friends; focaccia Italian sandwiches cut into wedges, chilled white wine in sparkling goblets, birthday cakes, special party barbecues and children's voices. There have been so many happy luncheons shared, under our ancient tree (whose arms are spread wide in welcome) and I expect--with our big family-- there will be many more in the future.
Yesterday, I took a break from my busy lifestyle and relaxed a bit: physically, mentally, and spiritually. The break was rejuvenating and today I'm ready to face the world again.
As I sat in my serenity garden, many memories came to mind of special lunches enjoyed there with family and friends; focaccia Italian sandwiches cut into wedges, chilled white wine in sparkling goblets, birthday cakes, special party barbecues and children's voices. There have been so many happy luncheons shared, under our ancient tree (whose arms are spread wide in welcome) and I expect--with our big family-- there will be many more in the future.
Yesterday, I took a break from my busy lifestyle and relaxed a bit: physically, mentally, and spiritually. The break was rejuvenating and today I'm ready to face the world again.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
SureWoman.com: Celebrating Women, Celebrating Spirit
I was surfing the internet this morning and stumbled upon this wonderful women's website. SureWoman.com: Celebrating Women, Celebrating Spirit. I think it's one you will enjoy and refer back to many times...I know I will. Click on the link and take a look around. There's lots of terrific articles and suggestions. Enjoy!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Evening Bike Ride
Becka and I took our bikes out again this evening for a short ride. I dreaded it all day, after the ordeal we went through yesterday, but knew that I had to get back on that bike or Jim would never let me live it down. I also did it for my own satisfaction, stubbornness and the long-term health benefits I hope I will eventually reap.
This evening we decided to push the bikes uphill and bike only on the level areas until we feel our legs and bodies growing more powerful. It worked out well and we were not as exhausted when we returned home. Much to our surprise, our confidence had already increased and we felt a little stronger.
Memories of long ago came back to me as I felt the cool wind through my hair and on my face as the bike coasted along....a very nice return to that special sensation of youthful freedom.
This evening we decided to push the bikes uphill and bike only on the level areas until we feel our legs and bodies growing more powerful. It worked out well and we were not as exhausted when we returned home. Much to our surprise, our confidence had already increased and we felt a little stronger.
Memories of long ago came back to me as I felt the cool wind through my hair and on my face as the bike coasted along....a very nice return to that special sensation of youthful freedom.
New Template
You may have noticed that I changed my template to summer colors. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. Is it better this way or do you like the black background best?
The Bike
A few entries ago, I mentioned some things I wanted to do in the near future. Last evening, I accomplished one of them....I think, anyway.
Digging my old bike out of "mothballs" was not as easy as I thought it might be. Once I rolled it out into the light, from a dark cobwebbed corner of the garage, I noticed it had some major wiring issues. Not being mechanical by nature, I called Jim to take a look. He decided there was just too much work to be done, so he, Becka (our youngest daughter, who was visiting), and I jumped into our old blue truck (Jim keeps it for trips like this) and headed for Walmart.
The store had a lot of bikes to choose from; blue, orange, purple, white, red, 24 inch, 26 inch. My head started to spin a bit, but I eventually settled on a blue women's 26 inch. Yes, it was just right...PRETTY.
Even though I had some concerns about how a biking helmet was going to look on me, Becka and I each needed one, so those were added to the purchase. There is no way to describe how funny she and I looked when we put those bike helmets on our heads. They still had the tags hanging from them, as we tried to adjust the chin strap and found we had them on backwards.....we laughed until we cried, as we looked at each other.
The helmets were not the worst of it, though. Back at home my shiny bike seemed too big for me and I knew I was going to kill myself if I continued to ride it....so much for just looking at it's beauty. Back to Walmart we went and I must say that Jim was not a "happy camper". On the way back to the store he even suggested I might want a three wheeler!!!!!!! At the store, the three of us finally decided, once and for all, on a nice purple ladies bike which was far more comfortable and safer for me to ride.
Now, I hope I haven't "bitten off more than I can chew" and end up maiming myself. I'll continue to keep you posted about my senior biking adventures.
Digging my old bike out of "mothballs" was not as easy as I thought it might be. Once I rolled it out into the light, from a dark cobwebbed corner of the garage, I noticed it had some major wiring issues. Not being mechanical by nature, I called Jim to take a look. He decided there was just too much work to be done, so he, Becka (our youngest daughter, who was visiting), and I jumped into our old blue truck (Jim keeps it for trips like this) and headed for Walmart.
The store had a lot of bikes to choose from; blue, orange, purple, white, red, 24 inch, 26 inch. My head started to spin a bit, but I eventually settled on a blue women's 26 inch. Yes, it was just right...PRETTY.
Even though I had some concerns about how a biking helmet was going to look on me, Becka and I each needed one, so those were added to the purchase. There is no way to describe how funny she and I looked when we put those bike helmets on our heads. They still had the tags hanging from them, as we tried to adjust the chin strap and found we had them on backwards.....we laughed until we cried, as we looked at each other.
The helmets were not the worst of it, though. Back at home my shiny bike seemed too big for me and I knew I was going to kill myself if I continued to ride it....so much for just looking at it's beauty. Back to Walmart we went and I must say that Jim was not a "happy camper". On the way back to the store he even suggested I might want a three wheeler!!!!!!! At the store, the three of us finally decided, once and for all, on a nice purple ladies bike which was far more comfortable and safer for me to ride.
Now, I hope I haven't "bitten off more than I can chew" and end up maiming myself. I'll continue to keep you posted about my senior biking adventures.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
How Did I Make It This Far?
July...month of my birth. My mother told me, the day of my birth, was one of the hottest days of the year. There was no air-conditioning then and I can imagine the labor bed... wet with her perspiration after the long hours of pain and writhing...temperature near 100 degrees and humidity about the same.
The passing of time....it all seems surreal, like it was yesterday, yet so long ago; my birth, childhood, leaving home, marriage, the birth of each of my six children....motherhood, adjusting to so many new homes (my husband was in the Air Force), reinventing myself over and over again, grandchildren, old age...here I am. How did I make it this far? To tell you the truth, I never thought I would.
There have been many life-passages and even more life-changing experiences within one lifetime. As a teenage wife and mother, I was new at life; everything so fresh and undiscovered. There were so many hopes and dreams to be fulfilled, so many skills to be honed, so many friends yet unknown. At times, life seemed long; the road even longer. But here I am, almost 64 years old (or young). Now the road ahead appears short. Life was short.
I've been thinking, lately, of what my advice would be to someone just starting out, like I was many years ago, so as a list-maker by nature, I've attempted to make note of a few suggestions below.
1. Most important: Develop a strong faith in God. It will carry you through anything.
2. Find your soul-mate.
3. Hug your children everyday....say "I love you" often.
4. Take your education seriously.
5. Find the things you love to do most and do them. Do what you were born to do.
6. Honor your mother and father (give this one some extra thought).
7. Cultivate and value your friends.
8. Relationships are more important than opinions.
9. Don't be afraid of change.
10. And.... DON'T SWEAT OUT THE SMALL STUFF....IT'S ALL SMALL STUFF!!!!!
11. This list may get longer as I get older.
The passing of time....it all seems surreal, like it was yesterday, yet so long ago; my birth, childhood, leaving home, marriage, the birth of each of my six children....motherhood, adjusting to so many new homes (my husband was in the Air Force), reinventing myself over and over again, grandchildren, old age...here I am. How did I make it this far? To tell you the truth, I never thought I would.
There have been many life-passages and even more life-changing experiences within one lifetime. As a teenage wife and mother, I was new at life; everything so fresh and undiscovered. There were so many hopes and dreams to be fulfilled, so many skills to be honed, so many friends yet unknown. At times, life seemed long; the road even longer. But here I am, almost 64 years old (or young). Now the road ahead appears short. Life was short.
I've been thinking, lately, of what my advice would be to someone just starting out, like I was many years ago, so as a list-maker by nature, I've attempted to make note of a few suggestions below.
1. Most important: Develop a strong faith in God. It will carry you through anything.
2. Find your soul-mate.
3. Hug your children everyday....say "I love you" often.
4. Take your education seriously.
5. Find the things you love to do most and do them. Do what you were born to do.
6. Honor your mother and father (give this one some extra thought).
7. Cultivate and value your friends.
8. Relationships are more important than opinions.
9. Don't be afraid of change.
10. And.... DON'T SWEAT OUT THE SMALL STUFF....IT'S ALL SMALL STUFF!!!!!
11. This list may get longer as I get older.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
4th of July Winner
I spent two hours, yesterday, shopping for a couple of cute sun-dresses and then, last night, went out to dinner at the casino with husband, Jim. We enjoy going there for their all-you-can- eat King Crab Legs and are they ever good!! After I finished my meal, I had my usual $20.00 that I could gamble with, so went into the casino to play my favorite slot machine game, "Deal or No Deal". Just when I thought I was going to lose my $20.00, I hit a 10.00 jackpot and then went on to win more jackpots and finally walked away with $40.00 profit. Our dinner plus tip came to $39.00, so the dinner ended up, basically, being free.
I've found the secret to walking away a winner, at slots, is knowing when to stop and go home; last evening I did that. Jim doesn't gamble, so he also walked away a "happy winner". Our 4th of July was great fun. I hope and trust that yours was, too.
I've found the secret to walking away a winner, at slots, is knowing when to stop and go home; last evening I did that. Jim doesn't gamble, so he also walked away a "happy winner". Our 4th of July was great fun. I hope and trust that yours was, too.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
4th Of July Blessing
The 4th of July represents the greatest achievement for individual freedom the world has ever known, especially for the common person. Before America became a country... kings, tyrants, royalty and the elite ruled with little regard for the rights of the masses. Now, we the people of America, tell the lawmakers what we want and not the other way around. The ultimate power lies within each person through their vote and their Representatives.
Today, we are reminded of the blessings we enjoy as Americans and how unique our country continues to be. When I look at the fireworks displays this year, I'm going to think about the sacrifices that were made for me, by brave men and women of our Armed Forces and the courage of our forefathers, whose vision and dream molded the foundation of this nation.
But most of all, I'm going to give thanks to God for His Divine Blessing, not only for us alone, but for the entire world. Without the influence of America and the vision of freedom for all mankind, there would be little hope for any of us.
Copyright 2008 By-Barbara J. Davis
Today, we are reminded of the blessings we enjoy as Americans and how unique our country continues to be. When I look at the fireworks displays this year, I'm going to think about the sacrifices that were made for me, by brave men and women of our Armed Forces and the courage of our forefathers, whose vision and dream molded the foundation of this nation.
But most of all, I'm going to give thanks to God for His Divine Blessing, not only for us alone, but for the entire world. Without the influence of America and the vision of freedom for all mankind, there would be little hope for any of us.
Copyright 2008 By-Barbara J. Davis
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Joy In Adversity
The more I experience life, the more I agree with the New Testament book of James. In the first chapter, verses 2-4, we read this, "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
It's interesting how we never seem to develop character when life is "good". It's in the trials, pain, and uncertainty that progress takes place in our lives. It's in the struggles of life that we become stronger and more confident; where we find spiritual meaning and depth of faith. It's here we find God.
I'm learning to greet each circumstance with the anticipation that wonderful things will follow the bad and that growth will be the end result. Joy can be found in the worst of times. When we look through the eyes of faith, love and gratitude, miracles often occur in the midst of adversity.
Copyright 2008 By-Barbara J. Davis
It's interesting how we never seem to develop character when life is "good". It's in the trials, pain, and uncertainty that progress takes place in our lives. It's in the struggles of life that we become stronger and more confident; where we find spiritual meaning and depth of faith. It's here we find God.
I'm learning to greet each circumstance with the anticipation that wonderful things will follow the bad and that growth will be the end result. Joy can be found in the worst of times. When we look through the eyes of faith, love and gratitude, miracles often occur in the midst of adversity.
Copyright 2008 By-Barbara J. Davis
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Get Up And Get Goin'
When I was young, I couldn't wait to be "older" and the years seemed to drag by. Now that I am really "older"...the years are flying past me and I'm finding changes that I didn't anticipate. The glow of youth is gone, but a change in perspective has taken it's place.
Aging can be a fabulous time for seniors. It's a place in life where we have more time to do all the things we wanted to do before, but didn't have the time. Perhaps, back then, we were busy getting an education, moving up the professional ladder, raising a family, and living up to other serious committments. Now that those responsibilities have been met and our homes are quiet, we can start making a list of "things never done" or "things neglected" and begin to actually enjoy them.
My list:
1. Spend more time with my grandchildren.
2. Get my bike out of "mothballs" and go for long evening rides.
3. Go for short day-trips by car, taking along a picnic lunch.
4. Take an art course.
5. Take a writing course.
6. Visit old friends who live out of state.
7. Go on an exotic vacation.
8. Take a second cruise to Alaska (or to the islands of the Pacific, especially Bora Bora).
9. Restart my exercise program.
10. Attend more new movies.
11. Work on my spiritually (which is really first on my list)
12. Attend lectures, concerts, and exhibits at our local college.
13. Write for my two blogs....love it!!
14. Read, read, read.
Copyright 2008 By-Barbara Davis
Aging can be a fabulous time for seniors. It's a place in life where we have more time to do all the things we wanted to do before, but didn't have the time. Perhaps, back then, we were busy getting an education, moving up the professional ladder, raising a family, and living up to other serious committments. Now that those responsibilities have been met and our homes are quiet, we can start making a list of "things never done" or "things neglected" and begin to actually enjoy them.
My list:
1. Spend more time with my grandchildren.
2. Get my bike out of "mothballs" and go for long evening rides.
3. Go for short day-trips by car, taking along a picnic lunch.
4. Take an art course.
5. Take a writing course.
6. Visit old friends who live out of state.
7. Go on an exotic vacation.
8. Take a second cruise to Alaska (or to the islands of the Pacific, especially Bora Bora).
9. Restart my exercise program.
10. Attend more new movies.
11. Work on my spiritually (which is really first on my list)
12. Attend lectures, concerts, and exhibits at our local college.
13. Write for my two blogs....love it!!
14. Read, read, read.
Copyright 2008 By-Barbara Davis
Summer Housekeeping
I have looked forward to the heat of summer for months and it's finally here. We have had two days of 100+ degrees. Now I'm wishing for the weather to cool. Are we ever satisfied?
Last evening a storm came up with lightning, thunder and wind, and in turn, blew down some of the small dead limbs from our old walnut tree. It also took down some power lines around our area, leaving streets and stores in darkness.
The wind and the dead, fallen tree limbs, remind me of my own life-journey. It seems when life gets a bit uncomfortable for me... is when I start shedding the old routines and habits and I am forced to reach out in new directions. Nature does a little housekeeping, whether it's with me, or a tree.
Copyright 2008 By-Barbara J. Davis
Last evening a storm came up with lightning, thunder and wind, and in turn, blew down some of the small dead limbs from our old walnut tree. It also took down some power lines around our area, leaving streets and stores in darkness.
The wind and the dead, fallen tree limbs, remind me of my own life-journey. It seems when life gets a bit uncomfortable for me... is when I start shedding the old routines and habits and I am forced to reach out in new directions. Nature does a little housekeeping, whether it's with me, or a tree.
Copyright 2008 By-Barbara J. Davis
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