Entries In This Blog

Entries in this blog

          ~ 2017 ~

~ I Do Not Put Limits On The Many Possibilities That Life Has To Offer ~ December 2017

~ I Rejoice That I Am Wide Minded ~ November 2017

~ Belief = Results ~ October 2017

~ September, The Time Of Next Beginnings ~ September 2017

~ A WONDERFUL Surprise!! ~ August 2017

~ July Is Birthday Month ~ July 2017

~ What Fathers Said ~ June 2017

~ Happy Day To You And Your Mother ~ May 2017

~ "Kick The Bucket" no! No! NO! ~ April 2017

~ When You Are 100 And Look Back... ~ March 2017

~ And Speaking Of Love, ~ February 2017

~ Three People Answer The Question...~ January 2017 

          ~ 2016 ~

~ What Is The Connection Between Christmas And A Cat... ~ December 2016

~ A Holiday To Remember ~ November 2016

~ Have You Thanked Your Computer Today And ~ October 2016

~ Have You Heard About The Traveling Salesman... ~ September 2016

~ Like Olympic Champions, Plan To Win, Not Just To Do Your Best ~ August 2016

~ Are You Making Yourself Sick? ~ July 2016

~ Forgiving Is Enabling ~ June 2016

~ Fathers Often Said Words ~ May 2016

~ Many Mothers Messages ~ April 2016

~Never In Thought Or Speech Will 'You' Claim ~ March 2016

~Hello 2016, Now That You Are Older... ~ February 2016

~Steal So No One Will Ever Know ~ January 2016

          ~ 2015 ~

~Goodbye 2015, You Are Leaving Too Soon ~ December 2015

~Avoid Conceited Gift Giving ~ December 2015

~Create A Thanks ~ Full Box ~ November 2015

~ I Avoid Thoughtless And Cruel Halloween Decorations ~ October 2013

~For Success, Use Words With Legs ~ September 2015

~Do You Honor Yourself? ~ August 2015

~Click, Click . . . I Do Not Know What That Is? ~ July 2015

~The Only Jumping I Do Is For Sports ~ June 2015

~Is Your Underwear Harming Your Body? ~ May 2015

~Are You Polite And Respectful To Yourself? ~ April 2015

~Do You Know The Other Side Of Yourself? ~ March 2015

~Count The Blessings That You Have Been To Others ~ February 2015

~Deflecting Questions You Do Not Want To Answer ~ January 2015

~I Am Your Brain, Why Are You Sabotaging Me? ~ January 2015

          ~ 2014 ~

~"The Failure To Have Never Failed Is A Major Failure." ~ August 2014

~Have A Happy ~ ~ August 2014

~Good Advice From Friends ~ July 2014

~Bring Worthwhile Changes Into Your Life ~ June 2014

~What Color Are Your Mother's Eyes? ~ June 2014

~Stop Smoking, The Simple, Always Effective Way ~January 2014

~A Spread Laughter Project (Additions added often) ~ January 2014

          ~ 2013 ~

~Only English, Or All Other Languages ~ December 2013

~Stop Disrespecting The Flag ~ December 2013

~Walnuts, Snow Forecaster ~ November 2013

           ~ 2012 ~

~Christmas Pictograms ~ December 2012

I Do Not Put Limits On The Many Possibilities That Life Has To Offer

            While waiting at the airport for my flight to arrive, I chatted with a woman and her young child and asked how the child liked flying.  The mother replied, “Oh, we're not flying, we're waiting for someone.  Then she added firmly, “I could never fly.”

            Her words have often surfaced in my mind, along with thoughts about how often people limit themselves and their lives by proclamations such as hers.

            While flying is not my, nor many other peoples, most favorite thing to do, by doing we have not only overcome a challenge but have, also, afforded ourselves great benefits not possible with other modes of transportation.

            Listen to yourself, do you ever say, “I'm afraid to do that.” or “I'd be afraid to do that.”  Of the two, the second is worse because it shows an anticipated fear, while the first one shows a current fear.

            Although, they seem similar upon first encountering, the words, “I wouldn't do that!” are quite different.  For there can be valid reasons for the saying of them.  They are appropriate if someone was asked to drink a glass full of an unknown dark liquid.  The words ~ would not ~ indicates wisdom, while the words ~ could not ~ indicates fear.

            This is not to say that one should be foolhardy or reckless when limits are cast aside, but rather to look at all activities as a possibility of doing under certain circumstances.

            If I were asked to do hang gliding, I would say, “No, Thank you,” but if it were the only way to escape from a life-threatening situation, I would welcome the opportunity.  Therefore, it is wise for me, when asked, “Have you ever done hang gliding?” to respond with the words “Not yet” as this accustoms my mind to the possibility of doing it.

            While if I were to reply, “No, I could never do that,” I would be building fear from which it could be extremely difficult to extract myself, even if under life threatening conditions this was the only possible means of escape.  Now when I see hang gliding on television, instead of my past response of quickly turning to another channel while saying the “can never do” words, I now say firmly my new phrase “I can do it.”

Avoid limiting yourself.  Several months ago, the baseball world was lamenting the fact that a young, exceptionally good pitcher, had to have his left elbow operated on and would thus be unable to play for the season.  He was quoted as saying that his elbow had hurt since he first started playing baseball and that he always knew that someday that he would have trouble with it and would need a complicated operation.  He put limits on himself.  He affirmed for a condition and it became so.

There is a joy and a proud feeling when one has accomplished something, whether not done previously or repeatedly doing that which is a challenge.

            A rousing, invigorating proclamation of “I did it, by golly, I did it!” is the fuel that will invigorate one for years.

It was just after college, that un- athletic, often-sick me became determined to take a Red Cross canoe course in which it was required that I get both out of the canoe and then in again while in the middle of the lake, without upsetting the canoe.  The knowledge that through perseverance I learned to do it and passed the test has helped me get through a wide variety of happenings in the years thereafter; although none involved either a canoe or water.

            If one has doubts about her/his ability to do something, a statement to one’s self (or to others if needed,) of, “If I did (whatever?) before, then I can certainly do this now.” will make all sorts of actions possible.

People should do the things that will make themselves proud of themselves because accomplishing accomplishments can transform one’s life.

            “Beware of False Pride” is an old saying, yet, also of merit is ~ “Beware of False Modesty.”

            When people are praised for an accomplishment and they respond with, “Oh, it was nothing.” or the reverse response, “Oh, no, I'm not worthy of your praise.”  They are insulting the person who gave the compliment.  It is the same as saying “You don't know what you are talking about” or “Your judgment is poor if you can say that about poor little me.”

            Always a good response to a compliment, a speaking of the truth about something that was done, are the simple words, “Thank you” or “Yes, I am proud of myself for having done that.”

            The purpose of the entry this month is transformation.  In the springtime, plants are rising out of the ground, they may look the same as they did last year but each has grown in some way.  So too can each of us grow and change, thus transforming our lives by cutting the ties that bind us to limiting thoughts and actions.

I Rejoice That I Am Wide Minded

      No matter if there is narrowness of any type in my physical everyday life because my mind, my wonderful mind can take me any and all places.

     And I am thankful for me ~ sight-thru-ability ~ that allows me to overlay a mind-picture on an actual scene/seen.  It is like being in a theater where there is an image on the screen and the theater lights are on.

     Stuck in traffic, I do not fret, I turn off all of someone else’s ideas and music to happily, slowly say aloud to myself, “where do I want to go now, shall I float on a comfortable raft in the clear blue-green waters of the Caribbean Ocean off of a pleasant white sand fringed island?  There is just a little movement to the water because this is a quiet bay, while there may be crashing, noisy waves elsewhere, they are not heard in the quiet bay, there is only the pleasant sounds of gentle mini-waves lapping the beach and a slight breeze moving among the tall lush green island trees.

     Honking horns translate into a flock of ducks flying in a V high in the cloudless sky.

  Enjoy Everyday By Being A Wide Minded Person

Belief = Results

     The husband had a new job that required a move to another town, so on an autumn afternoon, the man and his wife drove to the town.

     As they entered, they saw an older man raking leaves near the curb.  The husband drove opposite the man and stopped as his wife opened her side window so that she could speak to the man.

     “What kind of people live in this town?”  she asked him.

     The man leaned on his rake handle and stared thoughtfully into space for a moment before asking, “What kind of people live in your town?”

     The woman quickly replied, “They are unfriendly, unpleasant people.”

     “Then,” the man said, “You will find the same kind of people here.”

     This story, that I now suspect my father developed for the benefit of my sister and me, was told to us at least once a year if either Nancy or I complained about some matter.  The entire story did not need to be retold just “Rake man” said by one of our wise parents to remind us...

 Perceiving situations in a negative way 

will result in a negative experience.

September, The Time Of Next Beginnings

     Everyone has multitudes of beginnings from conception to their "stepping over" time.

     For thousands of people, September not January, begins new experiences and opportunities, a new life style, new attitudes and opinions as people become students and attend school.

     Young children start with Kindergarten.  Kinder is German for children and garten, which is often mispronounced as garden means garden or enclosure.

     Many years after school or college graduation, personally or by a family member or a friend, numerous people are still tuned to the start of school.

     Important to keep in mind when starting school or any new experience, whether for the first time or the manyith time is to enter with optimism, and confidence, avoiding taking any preconceived prejudices with you.

     September is the 9th month, in Asian countries, 9 is considered an especially important lucky number because it is the highest single number.

     The word September comes from the Latin word "sept" as it was originally the 7th month.  Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome, inserted his name and that of his son's, Augustus into the middle of the calendar, thus changing it from ten to twelve months. 

     Americans refer to this season as ~ Fall, a term that I have never liked, much preferring the lovely word ~ Autumn.

     In 1798, Samuel Johnson Jr. compiled the first American dictionary.  Although born and raised in England, he had become resentful of many aspects of life there, so he moved to America.  He felt that a country that had broken away from England should have its own dictionary.  He changed the spelling and pronunciation of many words as well as gave new meanings to words, such as replacing the word ~ Autumn ~ with the word ~ Fall.

September is a special month, 

I take advantage of all it has to offer.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Except for Americans, more Russians have come on this 
blog site than any other country. 

 Please email me to tell me about yourselves.

A WONDERFUL Surprise!!!

     Through the years as I have written these monthly mini-articles, I have wondered about the people who read my blog entries.

     Now with thankfulnesses to a new feature that has been added to the site, I have learned to my great joy that there are readers in eleven countries in addition to America.  

     There may be more since only the top ten are listed.  

     ISN'T THAT AMAZING?!

     Equally as amazing are the countries listed.  I would have thought that Canada would head the list followed by England, but England is not on the list (yet) and Canada is fourth from the bottom in number of hits.  The country with a sizeable lead is Russia, followed closely by France.

     This initial assumption, I later realized, came because I assumed that everyone was reading my blog in English, as my current computer skills and knowledge do not encompass such and I have land-line telephones with no wish for any other type.

     It is inspiring to think of my past words and these that I am now writing as well as future words being translated into so many other languages.

     This will be excellent publicity when my almost completed first book is launched on eBooks.  Another book is half finished, with three others in the works.

     I want to say a special hello to all my readers and make known who you all are.

     ~ Hello ~ America
     ~ Здравствуйте ~ Russia
     ~ Bonjour ~ France
     ~ Hallo ~ Germany
     ~ Merhaba ~ Turkey
     ~ Buna ~ Romania
     ~ Hello ~ Canada
     ~ Здравствуйте ~ Ukraine
~ Hola ~ Spain
     ~ Dia dhuit ~ Ireland
     ~ cześć ~ Poland
     ~ Hallo ~ The Netherlands

     I have been to France, Germany, The Netherlands and Canada (as well as other countries) as a Visitor, never a tourist, especially not that obnoxious, dreadful creature ~ an American Tourist!!!  In other months I will relate how I retaliated against some of them for causing so many people to think poorly of Americans.

     I would so much like to hear your comments and learn about your life.  I plan to get maps and information about the countries I have not visited.

 Again, I am so-o-o pleased to learn about my International Family.

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Greetings:  I would like to see a message from you.  Contact me at joaneastben@mail.com

July Is Birthday Month

     ... in my family since both my parents were born in this month. Mother's Natal day is July 25th while my Father and America shared a July 4th birthday.  As young children, my sister, Nancy (my only sibling) and I were extremely proud that unlike the fathers of other children, people liked our daddy so much that there were parades in the morning, a circus during the day and even fireworks at night that were easily seen from our front porch.

     As very young girls, Nancy and I were pleased that my birthday is in May and Nancy's in October.  We were certain that our always clever Father had made the arrangements that put our birthdays in our favorite season and also a few days from the birthday of the grandmother that we were the most alike, even to eye color.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     A cousin had twin boys on Christmas Day.  For four years, a few Christmas gifts were opened early Christmas morning, then after the boys had a long nap, the parents and twins went to a Grandparent's large house to a Sunroom that was birthday decorated for a simple family birthday party.

     The month before their fifth birthday, the boys asked why other children had parties with their friends not at Christmas.  Their mother showed them a large calendar that displayed the entire year on one side, she blacked out days to avoid, such as, the week before and on holidays, first day of school etcetera.  She told them to take as long as they liked to decide on the date for their birthday.  They made their decision within a half hour.  The clever boys had not chosen one date as their mother had expected, but two, one in the Spring and the other in the Autumn.  Although, it always required explanation, every one thought it an excellent idea.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Memory of those clever twins inspired me to give a unique, much appreciated and thereafter always used, birthday gift to a new friend whose natal day is December 26th.  I asked a printing company (before computers) to print in green ink 25 post cards for which I had designed a flower border on the blank side, while on the other side sharing the address had in bold italics, "I Have A New Birthday!"

     These were included in an overly large white gift box among much tissue paper with a black-inked proclamation that I had made, matted and framed.  Using the silver paper circle from inside a fat bottle cap and two short pieces of red ribbon, I made a fairly good replica of an official seal to affix to my proclamation.  In calligraphy I wrote, "I, Joan Eastman-Bennett, in the power and faith invested in me, do proclaim that the new celebrated birthday for Ruth Anderson shall henceforth and forever more be May First."     
     I, tell you these details so that you could, perhaps use this idea yourself someday. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Paul, a special man in my life, said that when he was eight years on his April eighth birthday, his parents gave him eight of several presents, eight toy soldiers, eight small pieces of candy, he could not recall the others.  Recently, I learned that when a date and an age coincide, it is termed a Golden Birthday.

     A friend said that her family gave her a special celebration on her 7th day, 7th month birthday in 1977.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     For a totally God-oriented family, both personally and all outlying parts thereof, it is surprising that no one had previously thought of the idea of my middle-aged cousin, Jay Robinson of Gloucester, Massachusetts who recently stated just before his aunt's birthday party, "I think we should start this with a thank you prayer."  And so it was done, one from the party giver and one from the Birthday Gal herself.  Since Jay has had many disappointments in his life, I recommended that these two thank you prayers be termed, "Jay's-Thank-Yous."  So before the next and all thereafter birthday and anniversary get-togethers or parties tell your guests when you invite them that there will be a "Jay's-Thank-Yous" first. 

~ ~ ~

A 
Happy, 

Healthy, 

Prosperous 

   Birthday To You.  

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Greetings:  I would like to see a message from you.  Contact me at joaneastben@mail.com

Copyright 2017     

What Fathers Said

     Since June contains Fathers Day, it is appropriate to ask various people to recall an often said sentence by their Father.

     This is the second year that I have collected and then, as now, I have learned aspects in the life of several of my close friends that greatly surprised me as I had just assumed that they, like I, had had a "normal" happy childhood and a loving relationship with their Father.

     I asked my friend, Bill what he remembered of his his Father's words.  His facial expression changed to one of sadness combined with grim acceptance as he said slowly, "Yes, I remember, because he said it so often, it wasn't good."  There was a long silence, "When my two brothers and I wanted to tell him something, he would firmly and authoritatively say, 'I am your Father, not your friend!' "

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Elaine Raymond, Director, ComForcare, Mountainside, NJ
    "My Father often said, 'Money doesn't grow on trees so be careful how you use it."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Keith Rizzo, Card Specialist, Lake Mary, Florida

     "As I got to my dating age, my Father, Sam Rizzo, repeatedly told me, 'I had better never hear of you mistreating a woman, you are always to be polite and open doors and car doors for her.' "

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     A nice man, who identified himself only as Mike D. of New Jersey quickly recalled a quote from his Father.

     "Time keeps passing, so you may as well be doing something productive."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Craig Bagley of Old Bridge, New Jersey said that his Father, (with the same name) from Jackson, New Jersey often said, "There's nothing worst than wasted talent."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     I handwrote a letter to a distant friend requesting a quote of her Father, who had "stepped over" many years ago.

     Although, I was pleased that she responded quickly with a requested quote, I was surprised that all she could recall was a short sentence, supposedly funny concerning termites.

     I wrote her that I felt that the termite comment was disrespectful to her Father and that I wanted a quote that would be helpful to readers.

     If you, like my friend, can not seem to recall any words, drive alone to a quiet nature place with a pad of paper (nothing electronic) a pen and a photograph or several, then talk to your Father, writing what you say, then listening with your inner ears.  It may take several sessions, do not despair, continue.  People report worthwhile results.

What do you remember your Father saying?

If you are a Father or an Uncle, what words are the children in your life going to remember that you often said?

Happy Day To You And Your Mother

     I affirm that you have as many happy memories of your mother as I do, whether she is in physical or has "stepped over" as my God Guides term the transition to the other side.

     It is not only surprising, but quite sad, perhaps a stronger word is needed, that when I asked eight people to tell me a quote from their mother, all but one could not think of any words of wisdom from their mothers. 

     An older man said that the only words he could remember about his mother was that she was always angrily yelling at him, "Oh, shut up!"  He could not recall any thoughtful actions that she had ever done for him and he had left home at fourteen.

     My long-time friend, Marge Ensinger from Richboro, Pennsylvania responded to tell about her very nice mother, who I was glad to know.

     "Mrs. Doris (McChesney) Pott, my mother, NEVER wanted to see anything on top of her Bible.  If anything was there, she moved it off.  Her Bible was God's Word and Sacred.  She said to me, her daughter, 'Marge, read something from the Bible EVERY day, even if it is only one verse.'  I think of her words very often."

     A favorite quote from my own mother,

 "We each have our Book of Life with its many chapters.  Some people do not know when to stop a chapter, not realizing that a new chapter can not begin until a chapter ends."

In a time of quietness, 
think of your own mother, 
even if you see her every day.  
Ask your memory to bring forth 
some of your mothers' words.

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Greetings: I would enjoy reading from you, contact me at joaneastben@mail.com and the best way for me to reach you.

"Kick The Bucket" no! No! NO!

      Multitudes of people are casually conversing about their, “Bucket List” or “Before I kick the bucket,” then speaking of one or two experiences that they want to have before they reach the end of their present life.

     When asked the meaning of the phrases, people’s usual response is, “It’s just an expression.”

     “But expressions,” I tell them, “have origins and stem from a basic reason.”

     When the true meaning of this phrase is known, people stop using it.

     Originally buckets were made of wood, they were sturdy and heavy.  When empty and turned upside down, they were often used as stools for a child or an adult to sit on or for anyone to stand on for a little extra height to reach up above.

     Despondent men with no hope, stood on a bucket, threw a rope up over a strong tree branch about a foot above their head, made the rope into a slip knot noose, put their head in the noose, then with one foot kicked the bucket out from under their other foot, thus committing suicide.  It was dreadful for the people who found the hung men.

     Use the simple, “On my ‘To Do’ list,” then say what accomplishments and travel you want to do.

     Learn the original meaning of a phrase before using it.

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Greetings: I would enjoy reading from you, contact me at joaneastben@mail.com and the best way for me to reach you.

When You Are 100 And Look Back...

on your life, are you pleased and satisfied or saddened and regretful with your choices?

     A man in his forties has specialized in taking a large variety of drugs, cheating and stealing from family, friends and others.  He has spent a great deal of his life in both jails and prisons.  He should have been an actor because he has been so good at convincing rehab workers, even police, that he is cured; then usually on the day he is released, the whole cycle starts again.

     A major contrast is Joan Nathanson of Edmonton, Ontario Canada.  She is a high powered gal in her late seventies who has done and is doing a great many interesting and worthwhile projects.  This is part of the list she sent at my request.

     Formerly "Jill of All Trades," including swimming, introductory French, and driving instruction; providing leadership in Christian Education nationally, locally and on campus; medical office management and secretarial services; editing of bi-monthly regional news insert in The United Church of Canada's national magazine; dowsing instruction and intuitive counselling.

     Volunteer work as a speaker, founder and initial executive director of Canadians Concerned About Violence in Entertainment; member of the regional and later national Communications Committees of The United Church of Canada; President of the Hamilton and District Council of Women, Media Convener then President of the National Council of Women of Canada; Board Member and President of the Canadian Society of Dowsers; Member of the American Society of Dowsers' quarterly digest editorial team.

     Avoid being a One Subject Person.  Look for diversity in your life, create a check off list of many and varied categories, then each year, explore one or several of the subjects to enrich your life.  

     When you are 100 years old and someone asks about your life, will you be glad that you had the same boring job since high school, then went to your small furnished studio apartment to play video games and eat TV dinners?

Chase dreams and experiences,

live your life to the fullest.

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Greetings: I would enjoy reading from you, contact me at joaneastben@mail.com and the best way for me to reach you.

And Speaking Of Love...

      as many people do in this month each year:

      It is wonderful when one’s most special in-all-the-world person verbally expresses love to you, but even more thrilling is when that person handwrites those words in a letter that can be read and reread countless times then and for years thereafter.  However, a handwritten, with pen on paper note or letter, is a forever gift.  It can be repeatedly read in its beginning and on your one hundredth birthday.  In those middle years, rereading can bring to mind a variety of emotions whether that person is still in your life or not.  Those letters and the memories that they bring forth are often barometers of your mental growth and accomplishments since then.

    It is a truly wonderful marriage, if after eight years, one can write to their mate, as did my Aunt Gladys to her husband, Bill, while she was visiting her parents in another state.

     The flowers and the boxes of candy you received two or longer years ago are long gone with just a wisp of memory of them remaining perhaps, now with no certainty of the sender.

     Love letters or notes are important to write to loved ones, even those you see everyday as my parents and my Bennett grandparents often did to their mates.

     “Dear Heart, I miss you so continuously that there’s just no explaining how I need and wish for you.  There couldn’t be anyone else for me ever ~ for you are me.  It’s perfectly natural that I could enjoy things only half as much as I would were the other half of me along.”

     And in another letter, “Every time a letter comes from you, every time your picture meets my eye, every time just a thought of you comes to me, I thrill at the wonder of your belonging to me!”

     Retrieved from my carefully saved files is my first love letter from my classmate, Duncan when we were five years of age.  On a four inch wide band of cream colored paper folded in half to make a card, there is a sagging red heart on the front, inside in red crayon:

Dear Joan

      I like you.

      You are nice.

Love

         Duncan

     Paul and I met on a Europe-bound ocean liner, he was returning to his native Germany after a long absence.  A friend and I were starting a three and a half month trip in Europe.  It was love at second sight.  Paul met us at various places and we wrote to each other not only on the trip, but for two years thereafter.  Although we loved each other deeply, he loved his executive job and country and I, my increasingly successful business.  But I enjoy rereading his letters.

     Excerpts from three of Paul’s once a week letters in his distinctive script writing:

     “When I see something particularly beautiful or watch something amusing, two eyes are missing to share these things with me.”

     “I can write two postcards full of praise for Salzburg ~ I can’t (and don’t want to) walk through the town without you very near and holding my hand.”

     “When I order a drink or two, each is a cheers to you and a special thanks that you are, in spite of distance, so close that you make every moment joyful!”

     “Thank you for loading up my battery of feeling so happy!  And when the band played our songs, I did not get too blues ~ I was sitting on a little white cloud near the big smiling moon ~ You and I were alone and together ~ very much so!”

     My first letter to Paul:

     ~ Majorca is as lovely as we had expected it to be. ~

     An emerald isle set in a sea of pale blue green water framed with weathered gray brown rocks ~ as a guide book might describe it.

     The weather is sunny and bright ~ the beaches sandy ~ the sunburn I got very rosy ~ the two American boys co-operative ~ the Spanish men over friendly ~ the beautiful views and scenes for photo taking endless ~ our hotel room nice ~ the bathroom close ~ the view from our window lovely  ~ the flowers colorful and numerous ~ the things to see unlimited, ~ the weather warm ~ the first strawberries delicious ~

     But the real magic of Palma de Majorca was contained in a small white envelope bearing German stamps that was waiting for me when we arrived at the hotel.

     An excerpt from another letter to Paul:

     Dearest Magician,

     For it is truly magic what you have done to me ~ something strange in the heart area when I think of you, which is often.  Many times when you are not actively in front of my mind, it is as if you are standing closely behind me seeing

and experiencing all that I do.

     Then there was David, seven states away, a never seen, no previous contact distant cousins, alerted to each other by another cousin because we are both very interested in family history.  Frequent telephone calls and letters plus my business trip to his state and spending time with him changed our relationship.

     He sent me a card with a wonderful poem by Dorothy Colgan, it starts with:

“I want to be

the blue skies

in your grayest days,

the sweet dreams

in your loneliest nights,

the melody of love

in your life’s song…”

     In the card, among the wonderful words David wrote that he was the world's worst letter writer, then he wrote:

     "You have made me rich and happy beyond words.  It is not often a fantasy is found.  I have!  You are to me: Hills + rills, puppies, kittens, birds, flowers, sunsets, all beauty, excitement and laughter and more ~ much more."

    

    “I pray ~ please Lord let me be worthy of her and to return to her even a little of the joy she has given me and please make the rocks in our path small ones.  Thank you Lord for my love of Joan and hers for me.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     If you have never hand written a love letter, do it now, (a first version, then the final one) whether you are a teen with a first love or have been married to your dearest love for many years, put your love and admiration into handwritten words, not just on Valentines Day, but many times through the years.

I Will Write Love Letters

That Will Be Treasured Always

Three People Answer The Question...

     What did you especially like in 2016 that you want to continue in 2017?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dave Caffery, Executive Assistant, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey

     In 2016, I enjoyed many trips and new experiences with good friends and family.

     I disliked the terror worldwide and the increased danger of public transportation.

     In 2017, I look forward to continuing traditions with family and current friends as well as meeting other like-minded, new friends.

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Joan Nathanson of Hamiltton, Ontario, Canada

     Current occupation:  wife, mother and grandmother;  volunteer weekly community Laughter Yoga leader, spiritual dowser and mentor, copyeditor, soup and bread maker, sewer and knitter.

     In a nutshell, I enjoyed life – its challenges and opportunities for growth and service – in 2016, and look forward to the experiences which 2017 will bring.  While there is much uncertainty in our world, especially in light of environmental challenges and political developments, I find that help needed is available, as are opportunities to contribute to positive solutions.  Dowsing has helped me to tap into universal resources and cooperate with them so that my small efforts, contribute to peace, understanding and growth.

     Each stage of my life has brought me different challenges and opportunities.  While I liked being who I was, now is good (at age 78), and I expect that future learnings will be enlightening and valuable.  I notice this year that I have grown to appreciate more the complexity of life for each individual as well as for groups and nations.  I believe that sharing is the key to an abundant life.  Happy New Year to all!

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Brian Gonzalez, Customer Service Representative, Santa Ana, California:

     What I disliked about 2016, I dislike our divisive attitude toward our president elect.  While I disagree with the man, I wish him a great presidency in all good faith.

     I also lost my pet cat whom I’ve taken care of for over 15 years, due to a reckless driver.  Rocky will be missed, but I carry him in my heart.

     On to what I liked... When I first talked with you Joan, you told me about touching people’s lives and up until now, I always thought I didn't matter to people, it wasn't until recently that I discovered how many people I myself have affected in greatly positive ways.  One example, the most significant one was my friend who opened up to me about how I am one of the only people he feels he can trust since most of his life he's known thugs and addicts and he is trying his best to stay on the straight and narrow path.  He told me that he wants me to be by his side when his first son is delivered today December 18^th 2016, it feels like such a great honor to hear that from someone who matters to me and while there are many examples this is the one that feels most significant to me.

     Though I am young, I eagerly look forward to all the people and lives I will touch and cross paths with hopefully more and more each year.  It is going to be a great 2017!

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     How would you answer that question?  Think carefully about your answer, then put it on your computer’s screen saver and desktop.

I Often Affirm With Exactness

For All The Very Goods
That I Want In 2017

What Is The Connection Between Christmas And A Cat...

...on the beach?  Sandy Claws, of course.  Two hundred years ago (i.e. long ago) while purchasing a few Christmas items at various stores, I turned on my car's radio and just happened to encounter this gem.  At home, I had the good sense to promptly write the riddle, (it is not a joke) on the next year's calendar on the December page, which I did for several years until it became a part of my memory.  Unless someone has a cat, I keep this exclusively for December.

     In this time of anticipation, as well as trepidation, gentle humor is needed especially this month so I offer these to you.

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     It has been said that if there had been three Wise Women, instead of Three Wise Men, that they would have asked directions, arrived at the stable in time to clean it, had a large cloth to cover the opening to the stable (said to be a cave), delivered baby Jesus and brought with them appropriate gifts of food and baby things.

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     I have always been amazed that no one mentions the large manger in the stable, the Bible clearly states that when the Wise Men arrived at the stable, "They found Mary, Joseph and the baby in the manger."  The manger must have been big to have held the three of them.  Nice for Mary to lie down to rest, unusual to have the new father lie down after the birth of his baby, but he probably needed the rest after having to deliver the baby without ever seeing it done.

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     Someone asked Mary and Joseph why they always looked so sad in the paintings of them.

     "Because," replied Joseph, "we really wanted a girl."

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     That reminds me that in a section of a magazine of true happenings sent in by readers were two that are appropriate here.  ~ An advertising agency employee reported that his company had done a print ad for a new company that featured the Holy Family.  After submitting the ad, he had received a telephone call from the company rejecting the ad.  The reason given was,

"This is an up-to-date, modern company, we don't want copies of paintings, get photographs."

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     I have always found baffling the often heard friendly remark said by many people to friends, acquaintances and strangers, "If I don't see you, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."  This implies that if, perchance, they do see each other, to have an un-merry Christmas and an un-happy New Year.  Stranger.

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     The other true story was submitted by the friend of a teaching nun with a class of first graders.  She asked, "What is the name of the mother of Jesus?"

     "Mary," all the children chorused.

     "What is the name of the father of Jesus?"

     There was no response as the children sat quietly thinking, then one boy said excitedly, "I know, I know, Verge..."

     "Verge?" asked the baffled nun.

     "Yes," replied the boy, "Everybody knows that, Verge and Mary."

~ So these are my Gifts To You ~

Be certain to relate these to other people.

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Greetings: I would enjoy reading from you, contact me at joaneastben@mail.com and the best way for me to reach you.

       

A Holiday To Remember

     Although my close family has passed on (mother and sister each by their doctors) I shall still be sharing Thanksgiving with my parents and my only sibling, my sister Nancy ~ in memory.

     Each year, I decide upon awaking that morning where I am going to go ~ will I be a young child again spending the day with Aunt Annelyle and Uncle Herbert in their large, gracious house with a dining room table that could easily seat twenty-two guests plus aunt at its head with uncle at its foot, and it did on special occasions.

     I had thought that I might spend Thanksgiving in Connecticut this year, but now that I have begun to remember, I will start on an early Thanksgiving with Aunt Annelyle.

     This time, I start with getting in the car, "What kind of car was it?"  I ask my Memory.

     Memory says, "Remember the photo albums."

     It was an excellent suggestion, I turn mental pages until I find on a right side page, near the top, a photo of the four of us in a stylish, for that era, black car arriving at grandparents house, we all look happy.  I savor this new-old memory.

     Can I remember the hour's drive there, not really, but I was about seven then and that was one hundred years ago.

     Golden Rules for any family or friends dinner or gathering that were always strictly enforced was that: 
     1 ~ Only one person could speak at a time on a subject of interest to everyone and that many, if not all, people could add to the subject.  
     2 ~ Taboo subjects were any forms of politics.  
     3 ~ No talk of religion, beyond the Blessing of the food, the occasion and the people gathered.
     4 ~ No mention of anything bathroom related, except in one instance, about a young child in the bathtub with his rubber ducky.
     5 ~ No talk of illness, hospitals or medical.
     6 ~ No criticism.
     7 ~ No loud talking.
     8 ~ Of course, good table manners, no elbows on table or talking while chewing.

     Firm in my memory is the welcoming, the comradely with both the adults and the other well-behaved children.  We were served dinner in the handsome library two steps down from the dining room, french doors separated the two areas.  Board games were supplied after we children ate.  

     When the adults finished their five course meal, everyone went into the large living room for the entertainment ~ supplied by each guest, who knew several weeks prior to the day, a requirement to accepting the invitation.  I will save the details of that part for this year's Thanksgiving day.

     With or without an actual place to be or to go, you, also can travel in memory back to any era of your life.

     With imagination, you can create a new scenario, you can remove unpleasant people from the past or add a new charming one.  You can borrow from a scene in a movie, or a book as long as it is a happy, gentle conversation (no talk of politics) appreciative of the person who has prepared the food and for all that you are thankful for this year.

I Rejoice In My Excellent Memory 

And All The Happy Holidays Of The Past

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Greetings: I have based many of these monthly writings on quotes from family and friends.  What meaningful quotes have your family, friends or you said that you can share?  Email the quote(s) and a sentence or two concerning each, plus your name, town and state to joaneastben@mail.com and the best way to reach you.