Measuring Your Life

3600 seconds per hour

1440 minutes per day

168 hours per week

365 days per year

How do you measure your time? Do you glance at your calendar for a monthly glance? Do you check your daily itinerary?  Are your days measured by your time-off…

vacations, long weekends, coffee breaks? Did the day fly by…or was it the year? Was it all a blur? 

Is your time measured in accomplishments or regrets…what you didn’t do? Is it measured in love? Consider those you have touched in your life. Remember those who have reached out to you. If it brings a smile to your face, then the moment was filled with love. If it tugged at your heart, then it’s worth repeating. If you long for that feeling again, then make it part of your daily life.

Love’s the answer. Reflect and act according to that which makes your heart smile.

Love is there. Love is all around you. Let it in, let it out and share the moment.

Love is all there is. Tis the season to love.

Cathy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj7LRuusFqo

Driven

A vibrant bloom

The final testament to spring

Summer and fall

Not yet a faded glory

Surviving a frost

Defying the snow

Beckoning the sun

For a last ray of warmth

Before its slumber

Winter’s hibernation

Affirming its return

Manifesting its beauty

For the springs thaw

With the tenacity

Driven by

Mother Nature herself

Cathy

Operation Homefront

This Christmas, one way we can support our troops is by contributing to Operation Homefront. This is just one of a number of organizations supporting our veterans and their families year-round. Many stores are participating in their support during this holiday season. Please look for their logo at participating stores and websites. A number of informational websites are listed below as well as their supporting companies.

Cathy

http://www.operationhomefront.net/default.aspx

https://www.operationhomefront.net/donationform.aspx?id=15425

https://www.operationhomefront.net/supporters.aspx

Dollar tree:  http://www.dollartree.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?pageName=OperationHomefront

National Veterans Foundation:  https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=1004943&code=nvf.org%20donation%20button

Dept. of Veterans Affairs:  http://www.volunteer.va.gov/

The Coming Solstice

All Things Great And Small

“E pluribus Unum”

“Out of many, one”

There are times that we think we don’t or can’t make a significant difference in the world. Only large corporations can make a difference may be one excuse we could make for not taking a positive stand for a cause. They have more money, influence or power than an individual could be our next justification. BUT…what happens when many take a stand for a united cause? Community action results.

Here is a website listing five interactive charities. The minimum donation for one is just one dollar; another is five dollars per month.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-interactive-charities-that-make-perfect-holiday-gifts-2.html

These sites allow you to choose your cause and collectively use the money with other contributors. Every dollar and intention is counted. When budgets are tight for all, including communities and schools, every penny counts.

If such a commitment, as the ones listed on this site, may still be out of reach for some please consider giving a penny. 

 

Mark 12:41-44

New International Version (NIV)

The Widow’s Offering

⁴¹ Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.⁴² But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

⁴³ Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. ⁴⁴ They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12%3A41-44&version=NIV

So many times we empty our pockets for the burden of carrying spare change. A large jar or vase usually comes in handy for such a collection. Many of us have just such a jar. Pennies almost seem like a bother to tote around…yet their value is still there or they would have been eliminated. Online I found that a pound of pennies is worth about $1.90. It would seem that a ‘penny drive’ would well be worth your time. There are many a pocket, purse and piggybank with forgotten pennies. Every person’s donation, including that of a child, would be valued. Everyone would be able to afford a contribution. Penny collections could be intended for a specific cause. It would be fun to watch the numbers rise.

Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat

Please put a penny in the old man’s hat;

If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do,

If you haven’t got a ha’penny then God bless you.

There are many in this world without a ha’penny. If you have a spare penny, please consider putting it towards a worthy cause.

http://www.rhymes.org.uk/christmas_is_coming.htm

God Bless,

Cathy

Free Shipping For Cyber Monday

If avoiding the mall is your preference this holiday season, then maybe you’re looking forward to Cyber Monday. Holiday shopping is just a click away. If this is your inclination, the words “Free Shipping” may be a deciding factor in your choice of online stores.

I’ve searched the web for some convenient sites for Cyber Monday offering free shipping. Another option is Facebook. Type ‘free shipping’ into their search space and you’ll be amazed at the number of retailers and apps available for your shopping convenience.

Be sure to look for ‘shipping codes’ that may be required for the free shipping. Some stores require this, so please read carefully before checking out your shopping cart. Be sure to read all details regarding a store’s return policy.

Over fifty percent of consumers will participate in holiday shopping online this year. If you are one of them, have fun shopping!

Cathy

http://singleparents.about.com/od/holidayshopping/a/free_shipping.htm

http://www.google.com/search?q=free+shipping+for+the+holidays&rlz=1C1CHHZ_enUS510US510&oq=free+shipping+for+the+holidays&sugexp=chrome,mod=17&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

http://www.webpronews.com/forget-black-friday-cyber-monday-is-the-real-holiday-shopping-blitz-2012-11

Free Shipping Promo Codes:  http://promocodes2012.com/free-shipping/

J C Penney: http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/jsp/browse/marketing/promotion.jsp?pageId=pg40019800008&cm_mmc_o=7BBTkw*7j2Y_wyj4BEpzYjZwzpawyFl*7j2Y_wyj4BEpzYj2BF5wfbfBy*zFzOBE%20gBF%20gY_wy%20FBEpzY

LL Bean:  http://www.llbean.com/freeshipping/

Catalogs.com:  http://www.catalogs.com/

Walmart:  http://www.walmart.com/cp/Free-Shipping/1088989

Target:  http://www.target.com/c/christmas/-/N-5xt30?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=googlestr&CPNG=holiday+products+search&adgroup=holiday+shopping&LNM=Online%20free%20shipping&MT=broad&LID=28p4148627&KID=2e7d03ab-3d72-6488-922b-00004ddb1758

Best Buy:  https://deals.bestbuy.com/?ref=30&loc=KW-3861&s_kwcid=TC|8063|cyber%20monday%20deals%20best%20buy||S|b|8802966879#!/door+busters

Sears:  http://www.sears.com/shc/s/dap_10153_12605_DAP_cyber-monday-deals?redirectType=BRAT_RULE&prop17=cyber%20monday

Giving From The Heart

With ‘Black Friday’ under our belt, the holiday shopping season is underway. If you haven’t begun shopping, chances are you have given it some thought. Do you wish to give something memorable, something that has meaning for longer than a day? Perhaps the best way to give is to donate to a charitable organization, a gift that will last the whole year through, and do it in honor of someone. It will certainly be a gift made memorable for all parties.

When giving from the heart, consider the heart it goes to. It will take gift giving to a higher level. Consider also the ways it will benefit others. The following link has some wonderful ideas and websites for just such connections. It may be the right gift for the person who has everything.

Cathy

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/charitable-giving.html

Enchanted Village

When we talk of our nostalgic childhood memories, we immediately embrace the moments we love. So quickly the memories flood our minds and we are filled with replicated emotions. Our eyes light up, smiles appear and usually laughter ensues. Déjà vu…re-created by us in a single memory.

Sometimes the memories fade and situations disappear from our lives. Then sometimes our fortunes change and circumstances reappear. The very one I speak of now is the Enchanted Village, a magical place where dreams of sugar plums and fairytales were made of. A trip to Downtown Crossing as a child to this wonderland became a memory held so dear.

Formally of Jordan Marsh in Boston and now rebuilt in Jordan’s Furniture in Avon, it’s a gift from our youth, fondly appreciated and transported through time for our holiday pleasure. Good fortune has it relocated it to our very back yards in neighboring Avon. Start the holiday season with a bit of enchantment. Keep in mind the reason for the season…Peace, Love, and Giving from the heart. Let us transfer the magic we saw as children to our new generations as we carry the wonder of Christmas forward.

Cathy

http://www.jordans.com/Attractions/Enchanted-Village.aspx

Thanksgiving 2012

As you count your blessings this Thanksgiving Day please add a prayer for the world. Everyone gives thanks, just not on the same day or in the same way. Pray for those without a voice, without their family, without their friends, without our luxuries without this particular holiday. Add them to your extended family list.

Today we can add to our personal list a day of peace and preferably a lasting peace as the cease-fire in Israel is in effect. We can pray that all who are at war can see the benefits of a peaceful state. Pray that others will see the efforts taken by all participants to create a peaceful world and embrace them by taking these ideals into their lives and communities. May each community be allowed their own peaceful and unique path.   

For all our blessings, we give thanks.

Blessings to you and your loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving

Cathy

http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&rlz=&q=cease+fire+in+israel&oq=cease+fire+in+israel&gs_l=igoogle.3..0i10i30.1871.9719.0.10263.20.20.0.0.0.0.422.2826.11j4j4j0j1.20.0...0.0...1ac.1.pDPCpLYEsqE#hl=en&tbo=d&spell=1&q=ceasefire+in+israel&sa=X&ei=SS-uUKfpOoz88QTwsICYBg&ved=0CC0QBSgA&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=d872e3ce7e892c18&bpcl=38897761&biw=1280&bih=711

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/11/22/weekly-address-wishing-american-people-happy-thanksgiving

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/11/15/president-obama-meets-sandy-survivors-staten-island

12.12.12. Concert

There is another fundraising concert in work to support the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Please visit these websites for information.

http://www.121212concert.org/

http://www.thegarden.com/content/msg/the-garden/121212-press-release.html

http://www.google.com/search?q=121212+concert&rlz=1C1CHHZ_enUS510US510&oq=121212+concert&sugexp=chrome,mod=17&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

A Stress Free Thanksgiving

Don't sweat it: The true secret to being a gracious host or hostess (and keeping your own sanity) is to not let small problems ruin the day. If one of your side dishes burns, simply toss it out and enjoy the bounty you do have. If the turkey burns, order take-out. And don't forget to laugh!   

http://allrecipes.com/howto/a-stress-free-thanksgiving/

http://www.rebelangelsupport.com/ThanksgivingwithMaxine.html

Hand Jive

Angry fist

Relaxed hand releasing anger

Sharing hands

Hands rejoicing

Hands unified

Hands harmonizing

Hands praying

Prayers heard

Loving hands

Love

Eureka

“Eureka”, an exclamation of epiphany, discovery…an ‘Aha’ moment noted. Archimedes made this exclamation upon one of his discoveries. He certainly would not have said it if he was not thinking outside the ‘box’. He ventured with his mind to new places of thought. The discoveries would never have taken place if he was complacent with the status quo. He sought answers to new questions. He was definitely one who thought ‘outside the box’.

The question at hand is…’Who decided the shape of the box and what went into the box?’ How is it you wish to be defined? Your individuality demands changes over time. Flexibility and diversity will allow you to be changing and re-creating yourself throughout your lifetime. Cookie cutter lives are what most of us are avoiding. We wish to be more than the sum of our parts. We wish to be noticed for our ever-changing ways. The new improved version of ‘self’ should be shared with one and all. Every day should be a new adventure.

When we look within and search our heart with our mind we make a discovery of what makes your heart sing. What kind of box resides there?

Today I am a ballerina dancing through my day.

Today I am a horse in a carousel riding like the wind with my friends.

Today I am a crystal egg in winter holding onto springs’ promise.

Think outside the box. Embrace the ideas that come. Try something different. When it comes from the heart there is no one else to please than yourself, so enjoy the moment, the day, the new life at hand.

The ‘out-of-the-box’ question I pose to you is this…

When is a piano like a drum?

When Jamie Cullum plays it…because it’s ‘thrilling!’

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLFsyHtxrOk

Cathy

Ode To Twinkies

Golden cake

Creamy filling

Twinkies

I miss you already

Confection of youth

For my sweet tooth

My pantry feels empty

And it’s only been two days

Nostalgia fills my mind

Sharing the confection dream

With friends and friends alike

Laughter shared

With the past

As I wish for

Youth resurrected this day

Hoping the tasty delight

Is reborn

Gone but not forgotten

It lives forever in our youthful minds

Yum!

Cathy

Thanksgiving For Hurricane Sandy Victims

This is one of the busiest food shopping weekends of the year. Thanksgiving is upon us already. The ads are flying for both Thanksgiving dinner and Black Friday. Instead of looking at the ads, I started to make a mental list for all there is to be thankful for. It then dawned on me that our thankful list could be quite lengthy. We have been very fortunate in this region of the country; but what about the victims still suffering from the storm?

With very little searching on the net, there are many requests for help and donations. There are many volunteers that need help or relief as well. Many shelters, food kitchens and churches are in greater need this year than ever before.

As we count our blessings, may we find in our hearts a way to reach out to these people…prayers, money, a physical labor of love. Please don’t forget those that are less fortunate, for we have been truly blessed in so many ways.

I have included several links from my search that may be of interest to you.

Wishing for ‘freedom from want’ for all…

Cathy

http://gothamist.com/2012/11/16/how_to_help_hurricane_sandy_victims.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/16/hurricane-sandy-new-jersey-food-banks_n_2138047.html

http://www.redcross.org/

https://www.facebook.com/thanksgivingfooddrivesi?ref=stream

http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Thanksgiving-Meals-Long-Beach-Hurricane-99644.S.183766448?qid=916f45d0-5063-4c79-ada9-0b7d1f407df1&goback=.gmp_99644

http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2012/nov/15/how-help-post-sandy-thanksgiving/?utm_source=local&utm_media=treatment&utm_campaign=daMost&utm_content=damostviewed

                       

http://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&tab=ww#hl=en&tbo=d&sclient=psy-ab&q=thanksgiving+for+hurricane+sandy+victims&oq=thanksgiving+for+hurricane+sandy+victims&gs_l=hp.3...1759.13671.0.14945.40.35.0.5.5.0.154.3000.26j8.34.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.fDGPmbKCrBI&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=653f2fdf825b80f7&bpcl=38625945&biw=1280&bih=711

Welcome

Jake Arthur

Today we welcome our latest addition to the SMF family. Linda, the proud grandmother is holding baby Jake Arthur. Born today…three weeks early…at 6 lbs. 6 oz. All are happy and healthy.

Congratulations to Carolyn and Jimmy on the birth of their first child.

A Single Voice

Wisdom comes with age…or so we are taught. Perhaps we should pay more attention to ‘the mouths of babes’! Their innocence and passion can be well voiced if we choose to listen.

As I came across this video of Olivia Binfield from Britain’s Got Talent, I was so impressed by her poem that I felt compelled to write. She has a dedication to animals and endangered species poetically expressed. At the mere age of seven, she expresses a wisdom that seldom comes with an adult lifetime. Understanding animals and their place in our world is her obvious passion…a lesson we all need to learn. Her compassion was well appreciated on the talent show by the judges. Her message is being made clear on her own website and other sites who have heard her voice…so small yet so clear.

A single voice can make a difference, just like in Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who! It’s so nice to know there are those brave enough to speak for those without a voice…or is it that they can hear above the whisper and a glance to hear another heart.

Cathy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e86hSRwkVoA&feature=related

http://www.oliviabinfield.co.uk/

http://www.tigertime.info/tiger-blog.php?entry_id=1305383078&title=olivia-binfield-from-britain039s-got-talent-becomes-an-ambassador-to-tigertime

Endangered Species Sites:

http://www.stopextinction.org/esd.html

http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/What-We-Do/Endangered-Species/Endangered-Species-Day.aspx

Endangered Species Lists:

http://www.earthsendangered.com/list.asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IUCN_Red_List_endangered_species_(Animalia)

Animal Rights Sites:

http://aylamorian.com/animals/optt/moreinfo.html

http://www.uncaged.co.uk/iard.htm

http://www.animalrightscoop.com/index.htm

Great American Smokeout Day

For those who do not smoke…keep up the good work.

For those who have quit…congratulations!

For those that do smoke…please reconsider…

            Do it for yourself…

            Do it for those that live with you…

            Do it for those that love and care for you.

Cathy

Smokeout: http://www.cancer.org/healthy/stayawayfromtobacco/greatamericansmokeout/index

                                                                                                                                               

Tobacco Free Programs: http://www.tobaccofree.org/great-american-smokeout.htm?gclid=CJ31ibfwz7MCFQSg4AodnHIA6g

CDC: Second Hand Smoke:  http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/secondhand_smoke/

Studies: http://www.care2.com/causes/quit-smoking-now-and-live-10-years-longer-ladies.html

A Tempest New

O Tempest new

Tumult true

Fire that must be

For now is the time

A fervor

A fever

Reality reckoned

Tempest

Or

Temptress

With a flame that burns

Within

Desired so for what lacks so

In the hearts of those

So cold

That stole the warmth

Of so many lives

Innocence

Innocents lost

Yet there is

An awakening

For a new life

New world

Where all voices must be heard

For the Tempest knew

Of this time so new

With demands true blue

For the children who knew

Of peace in lieu

Of war

Of wisdom due

Instead of chore

Of elements clear

Life without fear

For the Temptress knew

Patience

Endurance

Temperance

Balance

Independence

To nurture the flame

For this future of now

From the phoenix within

Through the ashes of ruin

To the rebirth of light

A new spectrum

Hue

True

To the life

Known only to the soul

Life

As it was meant to be

Free

Cathy

***

The Tempest:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDyGl2uIQ-Q

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1274300/

http://shakespeare.mit.edu/tempest/full.html

Les Mis

Perhaps you have seen the trailers on TV for the new version of Les Miserables opening in the theatres on Christmas day. This story never grows old, much like the timeless story of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. There is oppression in the world, adversity to many people, and for those with strength of character and love in their hearts, a happy ending.

Some battles must be fought, some difficult times must be endured and some dreams must be held on to. Hold on to your dreams, wish upon a star and see a better world in your lifetime.

Here are some websites for the upcoming movie.

Cathy

Vogue costumes: http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/dreaming-a-dream-cast-of-les-miserables/#/magazine-gallery/les-miserables/1

Website & Trailer : http://www.lesmiserablesfilm.com/

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Mis%C3%A9rables

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1707386/

Susan Boyle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSDoPY9B0wQ