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