Peanuts to be exact 🙂 As one year draws to a close and the new year fast approaches with a sense of excitement we reflect on the accomplishments of the year and review our so-called “wins” and “losses” (our goals and objectives). To you the reader today I hope you realize these three points there is no such thing as a “loss” how much you have won how blessed you are This little email that circulates at least once a … Continue reading →
It’s Christmas Eve – just after noon to be exact and I’m home doing Saturday chores, watching Christmas movies and reflecting. I’ve been here 61 Christmases to be exact 🙂 and a lot has transpired over time. I’ve learned to let go of regret and look at the experiences that were less than desirable as lessons since they are part of who I am…and I like myself 🙂 While I could was rhapsodic on topics in a dozen different directions … Continue reading →
OK, I’m not talking about my elementary school band teacher OR “Harry Potter’s” deceased father… This story is a shade of another Mr. Potter who makes it to the homes of many TV viewers at least once a year around Christmas time. You’ve seen “It’s A Wonderful Life”. Yes, I’m talking about THAT Mr. Potter. Additionally, you remember when the bank examiner is looking for the “missing” $8,000? George is desperate and he is listening to Mr. Potter as our … Continue reading →
This is the best “chain letter/email” that we have received in years – instead of just sending it to those on our “list” we decided to post it here and let you share. May your holidays be warm and bright! Additionally, we’ve included a beautiful recording that was left at K-EARTH radio station back in 1984. Dear children, It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you’ve forgotten that I … Continue reading →
Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see this world. ~ George Bernard Shaw When we’re working on ourselves, it’s a challenge to keep the focus where it will do the most good. If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed a lot of “they” or “them” in your reflections and the hardest thing to do is to keep it all about “me”. Even in current events I believe that we are being asked, … Continue reading →
In the United States we celebrate a day dedicated to our independence. It is about the freedom to live as we choose, make decisions that support our chosen way of life and, in general, pursue our own path to happiness. As a nation we demonstrate it with photos, music, fireworks and flag waving. However, that independence can be seen in the rights to disagree with and publicly demean our country. We have the right and responsibility to accept nothing at … Continue reading →
In the quiet hours of the morning, anything is possible and the day looms in front of me like the last day of school just before the final dismissal bell. Time stops and nature reigns supreme as I find myself listening to the stream in the distance as well as the variety of bird calls overhead, squirrels and chipmunks conversing. Yes, there is the occasional plane and gentle footsteps of the workers but I can choose my focus on this … Continue reading →
As a member of Sweet Adelines we regularly have the opportunity to attend educational events. In a few weeks we will have a presenter in our midst and I’m reminded of something she brought to us a few years ago. Kathy Carmody, related this from The Four Agreements and I’d like to pass it on since it pays to be open to finding inspiration and education around every turn. Your ultimate opportunity may be right in front of you if … Continue reading →
I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. ~ Michael Jordan I love performing and I remember a talent show that I helped organize on base. I was going to do one number that should have been fairly simple – two guitarists and I … Continue reading →
September 1989 and I was getting ready for the contest with the chorus I sang with at the time. In a few weeks, we would be on our way to Miami to compete, and Mission Valley Chorus would be representing Sweet Adelines Region 12. I was both excited and somewhat nervous, as this would be my first contest performance on the International stage with several unknowns. I happen to like having a sense of what is going to happen before … Continue reading →