"Taking an Autumn Break" from Susan Pearl

Dear Readers,
I will taking some time off (the entire season of Fall plus a month) from writing my blog and would like to thank everyone for taking time to read my blogs.  There are 810 blogs to read.  I encourage everyone to read some past blogs until I hopefully write more in mid January of the new year.
Thank you so much.
Best Wishes,
Susan Pearl

"Chicken Showdown" by Susan Pearl

My husband told me recently that he was hungry for fried chicken.  It had been years since we started buying the skinless, boneless chicken for baking.  We had incorporated it into our diet as a healthier way of eating chicken.  So we decided we were going to fry chicken thighs. I did the flouring and my husband monitored and turned the chicken in the electric skillet.  The moment had arrived for our fried chicken dinner.  I said that I didn't want to eat any chicken skin because I didn't want the extra calories.  My husband said he wouldn't be eating any chicken skin either. I said, "Wait a minute.  We just pan fried a chicken only to tear the skin off and not eat the crispy outside coating?  Why not just bake skinless chicken.?"  My husband said that he thought the meat had a different flavor from being fried and he enjoyed it fixed that way once in awhile.  I then learned from him that boneless, skinless chicken is more expensive so might as well buy the bone-in chicken with skin and just not eat the skin.  Why is this turning into a mathematical issue?  What happened?  When did something easy become so complicated to me?  I say, "Bring back the oven baked boneless, skinless chicken for our meals at home and call it good."  Which it really is!

"Getting Better" by Susan Pearl

I remember the words of a dear friend after she and I gave our very first guitar program.
After the program was over she said,  "Well, Susan, we can only get better."
I was surprised because I thought we had done really well and that it couldn't get much better.
She moved away shortly after that but I have since come to understand more about giving a first
performance and getting better.  It is a process that involves more than just the music.

I think that "getting better" can mean being less nervous, being more confident and more relaxed.
We both had butterflies in our stomachs and maybe a little trembling to remember everything in order and to try to do it right.

Once we know we could do it and do it well, it does get better.

"My Seasons Observations" by Susan Pearl

It seems like Summer fades into Autumn,
Autumn leaves with the frosty arrival of Winter,
Winter is pushed away as blooms push through the ground for Spring,
Spring blends away into the heat extremes of Summer.
Season after season keeps moving on
     with each of them not staying too long.
With ever changing the scenery for as far as one can see
   as pretty and abundance filled like captured pictures in a book,
And all one has to do is to take the time to just "look".
Something for everyone the seasons keep giving moments to recall,
Bringing the irreverseable cycles of time and changes to all.

"Three Wishes for Everyone" By Susan Pearl

If I could have three wishes for everyone I would wish-
That everyone could have a new creative thought today,
That everyone could have a new perception today-
   that would lead to a new vision for the betterment of all,
And everyone would have a new idea that brings encouragement
  through faith, in hope and with love that gives a special peace.

"Spanning Time" by Susan Pearl

Friendships that span time are the best kind.

"More Good Times" by Susan Pearl

When I am totally embracing the "now",
I am not able to hold on to the past.
Living in the now is a good way to live,
The past does give-
Memories so fine, snapshots in time-
An appreciation for the good we have known,
That brings a gratitude for the now
  with more good times to be shown.

"Unrealistic Me" by Susan Pearl

A part of my life had ended,
But another part had just begun,
I  thought things were over
Without realizing what could be-
Unrealistic me.

"Word Choice" by Susan Pearl

Today after I got up from my nap and came into the TV room my husband was watching a movie with a very dry and witty sense of humor.  I thought to my self that this movie is something different than what we usually watch and it might be fun to watch it.  I said to my husband, " This movie is so different but we can watch something different".   He immediately changed to the list of movies we could watch.  I thought, " We just had some sort of communication gap but it seems too complicated to explain".  How can something so simple become so complicated?  To watch something different means to watch something out of the ordinary and/or to watch something different means to change channels.  I'm beginning to think word choice is a very big part of communication.

"Why is That?" by Susan Pearl

My husband and I watch a popular evening game show.  After the show is over we try to remember the eight or nine puzzle solves.  Last night my husband said the first solve then I said the second solve.  Then my husband said the third solve and I "passed".  Then my husband said the fourth solve and I "passed".  My husband said the fifth solve and I "passed",again. My husband skipped the sixth solve and went on to say the seventh solve. I "passed".  He said the eighth puzzle solve.  There was only the sixth puzzle solve left to remember and all of a sudden I remembered it.  Just then our son called to visit and casually asked how our memory game went that evening.  I quickly said that I had saved the day by remembering the last puzzle that we both had forgotten.  Then my thoughts directed me to maybe I wasn't being fair to my husband for remembering six of the eight puzzles.  So I explained I had passed for most of the puzzle solves but I remembered the last one to finish all of the solves so I felt like I had won the game for us.  There is no "I" in the word "team" so it was really a team effort and I have to give credit where credit is due.  But it seems with games the one who scores the last winning score is the one who wins the game --why is that?

" Ebracing Good " by Susan Pearl

Embracing change is embracing life
Life is change,
Some changes are losses
Some changes are gains

So to be embracing life
   a person is embracing change
We have to take the good along with the bad.
In the midst of the bad we remember there is more good than bad.
And that is the thought we embrace.
We embrace good.

"Prince Charming Thoughts" by Susan Pearl

Today is my 800th blog.  WOW!!!  I thought a fun blog would be for me to write a blog about how I have changed over the years.

When I was young I thought of Prince Charming riding on a beautiful horse, coming and sweeping me off of my feet.  We would ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after.

As I got a little older I thought of Prince Charming sweeping me off of my feet and me asking, "Where are we going"?

Then as I got older I thought of Prince Charming and me flagging him down -  to stop before sweeping me off of my feet and me saying, "I want my own horse".

Then as I got older I thought of Prince Charming and I would tell him to get off his horse to sign a pre nep before we continued on.

Now, I'm old and think that there's no Prince Charming but I do tell people,"If you have met my husband you have met a good man".

We have now been married 53 years and we have had a very wonderful and happy life together.   We want what is best for each other and with respect and kindness it works out well.

"A New Recipe" by Susan Pearl

My husband and I were talking about some different cooler foods to fix to eat during this hot week.  The conversation came to discuss two main selections.  One of the selections was tuna and the other selection was beef summer sausage.  I said,  "Well, I like the sausage over tuna."  My husband asked, " Really, you like sausage over tuna?"  I answered, "Yes."  My husband looked like he found that hard to believe.  Then I realized he literally thought I met that I like sausage over (on top of) tuna to eat.  I'm so glad we realized our miscommunication before he fixed me a sausage over tuna surprise meal.  That would have been a new recipe for sure!

"With Deepest Sympathy"

Deepest sympathy to the families, friends and loved ones who are suffering the heartbreak pains of loss and terrible tragedy.  Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you.  Susan Pearl

"A Very Special Grocery Delivery" by Susan Pearl

I heard a story of a family who many years ago had a pay day and off to the grocery store they went. They were on a very tight budget with two daughters in college, a son growing up, mortgage payment, car payment, utilities etc.  But they were so happy as life was so filled with hopes and dreams and they knew that they were making progress in several important ways.   They were doing their part, like so many others were doing, to lead the way with hard work and a desire to see their children's dreams come true.
Later that week the phone rang with their daughter asking if they could send her some money for groceries.  The family said that their funds were low but their cupboards were full.  They knew they would be able to send her some groceries with a friend who would be making the three hour trip the following day to the city where their daughter lived.
Without hesitation their friend agreed. Several bags of groceries and some fresh baked homemade cookies were delivered to their daughter the very next day.
That was a very special grocery delivery!!!

" What a Surprise " by Susan Pearl

It seemed like preparation for company for dinner had gone so well.
I even had time get the washing all caught up.
With the last load of clothes in the dryer I was ready to go to town to get a couple of last minute items.
My husband had come home from work and was taking a shower.
Once again I was so happy about this precision of timing for it all.
The guests should arrive right after I return from town.
When I did return I could see they were on the front porch and my husband had answered the door.
They were coming into the house just as I was coming in, too.
How's that for perfect timing?
As I walked into the dining room I couldn't believe my eyes.
The last load of clothes in the dryer was hanging all over the backs of the dining room chairs.
I started grabbing the crew socks and other clothing articles and hurriedly put them in on the bed.
My husband said, "I heard the dryer go off. The clothes were just a little damp so I thought no need to start the dryer again."
I said, "Of course."
When someone means well, they mean well.  There is nothing to get upset about when someone means well.....but what a surprise!!!

"Golden Moments" by Susan Pearl

My husband and I celebrated our golden wedding anniversary a couple of years ago.
We enjoy having a good laugh together and consider each laugh to be a golden moment.
These times are so simple but become unexpected fun.
Today I noticed my husband was looking for something on the kitchen table.
I asked, "What are you looking for?"
He answered, "I thought I had a spoon."
I said, "Just because you think something is there doesn't mean it is."
He got a spoon and as he sat down he said, "That's right."
Then I put in a fun spin and asked, "Aren't my comments like a breath of fresh air?"
He laughed and I did, too.
Another golden moment came shining through.

"Honest People" by Susan Pearl

It takes one honest person to chase away the lies.

"Summer Fragrance" By Susan Pearl

Today is the first day of summer.
I think the fragrance that seems most like summer to me
   is the smell of fresh cut grass.
Fresh cut grass is a very seasonal smell and summer is the season.
The fresher cut the better.
 In fact the true experience of the fragrance of fresh cut grass
   is actually doing the mowing of the yard.
It doesn't get any fresher than that.
Enjoy the summer and enjoy the fragrance of summer-
   fresh cut grass.  
I live where we have all four seasons.
Summer is the only season with the pleasant smell of freshly cut grass.
It, also, smells like the yardwork is done-
   maybe, that is what makes it smell so good.

"Understanding" By Susan Pearl

There are times when we all need a hug-
A word of encouragement-
And to know we are not alone.

Sometimes I would like to say:
"If you are feeling distress,
   please remember,
You're only human.
There's only so much you can do.
There's only so much you can take.
We all have limits,
Don't be so hard on yourself.
Relax and take a deep breath.

When we are doing our best-
There is nothing wrong
   with asking for help,
Because we are all only human,
And we all have only 24 hours in any given day-
Awareness of our own limitations and asking for help-
Will resonate with others who are aware of their own limitations-
  and this can be called a form of UNDERSTANDING".

"Don't Worry" by Susan Pearl

On some days I wonder, "What could the day's truth be that I need to see"?
Today my mind is over and over again thinking "don't worry".
In truth, worry is wasted time and wasted energy.
It's a heavy load to carry.
This truth about worry shows me how to have more time
   for peace of mind.
Freeing me to see what the best possibility can really be.
So today is a "no worry" day for me,
I'm learning how to be more "care free".
By being less serious and trying something new,
Who knows what a worry free day can lead me to.

"Making up my Mind" by Susan Pearl

What does getting out of a bad relationship and having a surgery have in common?
It's like:  You really don't want to do it but you know things can't go on the way they are.
And that is what I call "making up my mind".

"Our Special Rendezvous" by Susan Pearl

I remember the words spoken to me so sincerely,
"I'll meet you back at camp,
There's a hill I'm going around,
 I'll meet you back at camp at sundown,
And if I don't get to come,
I want you to know-
I will carry your love within wherever I go.
But I'll meet you back at camp when the day is done,
And together we'll watch the setting sun.
Yes, when the day is done
We will watch the setting sun,
Meeting at camp will be our special rendezvous,
A rendezvous that's waiting just for me and for you".

"Right Now" by Susan Pearl

An "Attitude of Gratitude" is the best way to go.
With an "Attitude of Gratitude" the best of each day will show-
Like seeing a rainbow makes us know-
The sun is shining somewhere for this to be so-
An"Attitude of Gratitude" helps us to see that somehow-
Somewhere there is a good shining through right now.
No matter what--no matter how-
A good is shining through right now.

"The Mixture Journey" by Susan Pearl

Life is a mixture of joy and pain,
   of laughter and tears,
  of straight-a-ways and tight curves.
It's not where we've been or what's ahead-
It is being aware of our current surroundings
   and adjust accordingly-
   that is the journey.

With faith, hope and love as our guide
   we will take things in stride  
With rest, reflection and solitude,
   yet not feeling alone,
Or with the company of others by our side,
   or a combination of the two-
We continue on- time and time again-
Knowing life is not easy at times,
but has other times of coasting through-
And staying aware shows us what we need to do.  

"Celebrating a Well Lived Life Of Appreciation" by Susan Pearl

Sleeping outside under the stars,
   away from the city-away from cars,
Who could ask for more?
It had been such a good day,
   hiking challenging trails to see the beautiful sights
       that are "out of the way".
Who could ask for more?

 A wonderful life-priceless parents,  a dear son,
   a loving wife by my side in a heart to heart special way,
   good friends and lots of nature enjoyment that uplifted the soul,
So, so much to be thankful for, having the joy of life each day.
The spreading tops of the tallest of trees formed a canopy over me
   as I walked to see mountains of great majesty-
Then reading book after book with so much knowledge to take in,
Oh,what a grand journey it all has been!
I have been given a lot and I know it,
I have gratitude and I want my life to show it.
By expressing to others my appreciation like never before,
How could I have ever asked for anything more?
May the words "THANK YOU"
   be written across my forehead throughout eternity
   because of the good life that has been given to me.

Personal note:   We celebrate the life of our good friend,
    and we celebrate the gift of knowing him
    with thankfulness and with peace.
Remembering the love and appreciation of life he showed-
    the inspiring and humorous stories of nature he told,
    with gratitude for what we've got-that was the lesson he taught.

"Apple Tree Memory" by Susan Pearl

I could tell by the way she was running towards the back door
  that something was wrong.
Her sister had gotten caught in the apple tree
   and she was running as fast as she could to tell me.
I ran immediately and was instantly relieved to see
   our older daughter had freed herself from the tree.
Our two daughters went on to play the rest of the day,
  and it may be a vague memory for them now.
 but in my mind I still can see, somehow,
     that I knew something was wrong by the way she was running to get me
      to help her big sister, who was caught in the apple tree.

"The Nonjudgmental Tree" By Susan Pearl

A good mentor friend said to me,
" I want you to be as nonjudgmental as you can possibly be,  
   when you see this crooked fir tree,
Because when the tree comes into view
  remember you don't know what it has been through.
Even though the crooked tree is on the end of a row
  and all the other fir trees stand straight as an arrow,
You still don't know that as each day is dawning
   the end fir tree is in the shade of a nearby awning,
So the fir tree leans to the west and is bent to the right
   to reach toward the early morning east sunlight.
When you see the crooked tree think that it has done the best that it can,
With the circumstances it has at hand,
   and be as nonjudgmental as you can be,
   seeing a tree working twice as hard to reach what for others comes so easily".

"Stepping Stones of Kindness" by Susan Pearl

Stepping stones of kindness is what this week has brought to me,
Stepping stones of kindness that came into view for me to see,
Stepping stones of kindness that helped me come to where I need to be.
Stepping stones of kindness are there to assist through each journey.

"Noble Call" by Susan Pearl

If we would take the good that we know to be true,
And let this good show and shine through in what we say and do,
Then our point of view would be answering a noble call
   of having peace on earth and goodwill towards all.

"Four A's" by Susan Pearl

There are four words that begin with the letter "A" that I try to remember whenever hard changes come in life,
"Alignment" to the change-----not being misaligned helps with pain.
  This is a form of acceptance.
"Adjust" to the change--- in knowing we cannot change this different circumstance and setting.
This is a form of acceptance.
"Adapt" to the change----this helps with learning how to live with what we cannot change.
This is a form of acceptance.
And now the number four word that begins with an "A"------ACCEPTANCE----
Acceptance brings the peace that leads to healing.

"The Ride" by Susan Pearl

A friend told me-
That a friend had told her-
"Life is like a rodeo with each of us on a bull-
Take it one jump at a time-
       and hang on for the ride".

Yesterday was Valentines Day.
My husband and I have been married over fifty-two years.
For Valentines I wanted to tell him something special from my heart.
So last night as we told each other "goodnight"--I looked into his eyes and said-
"What a nice husband,
What a good man,
I love you,
I always have
  and I always will.
And for as blessed as I am
   I will be forever grateful.

Happy Valentines Day."

"Alignment and Balance" by Susan Pearl

It is best not to get ahead of ourselves-
Because when we are ahead of ourselves we are really out of alignment
   and possibly out of having good balance,
It is best to stay aligned and take one thing at a time.

"The Peace of Seeing Geese" by Susan Pearl

What is it about a honking flock of geese
   crossing the sky that catches my eye?
A huge flock of geese flew towards the north today,
Could this mean that spring is on the way?
Do the geese know more than me
  about when spring will be?
The geese carry me in thought for a moment or two
  as they are in flight,
And then I realize I was at the right place at the right time-
   because-
   they are already out of sight.
Leaving me with a pleasant peace
  and wonderment of seeing a huge flock of geese.

"Happiness Way" by Susan Pearl

You and I, we thought we knew the way-
But there were many ways for us to find-
Then we found this thing called "happiness",
    and it has become our "way" of life-
    staying with us ---every day
    as we continue on our way.

"Good Dog - Good Times" by Susan Pearl

It is hard to say
 good-bye to good times.
When--,again,--when
 a dog's age sets in.
That is exactly
 what it has been,
 good dog and good times
 over and over,
 again and again.
So many good times,
 too many to count
 a special kind of bond,
 without any doubt.
Such a beautiful
 time in life to treasure
 that is so beyond
 any kind of measure.
Recalled and thought upon
 more smiles to come.

"Clear to see" by Susan Pearl

Aft' the dust settles
It is clear to see,
The black TV stand
Is turning into-
A light shade of gray-
It is dusting day.
Dust keeps settling down-
Over and over,
Again and again,
Clearly shows the time
Of needs to be done,
Even if not fun.

"Six Hour Vacation" by Susan Pearl

Vacation station
Awaiting for me,
Here I come, gladly.
My recliner chair,
My TV remote-
End tables holding
Insulated cups-
I'm all fixed up,
With lattes for me,
Cappuccinos, too,
And mochas, what fun-
My six hour vacation has begun,
And a six hour vacation is better than none.

"Missing the Boat" by Susan Pearl

I asked my good friend-
Has your ship come in?
"Why, yes", my friend said-
"My ship did come in-
but, sorry to say-
I was at the airport".

"My Lottery Dream" by Susan Pearl

Oh, lottery dream,
My lottery dream,
When will you come true?
It is so much fun
thoughts of the lump sum,
Dispersing the funds
Into thirty five banks
Across fourteen states.
With ticket in hand
I view winning balls,
Dashing the banks list
My excitement falls,
This has got to stop
Causing ups and downs
The prize was not won
More money to win,
Maybe fifty banks,
In thirty nine states.

"Welcome to Football" by Susan Pearl

Screeching whistles,
Deafening crowds,
Exciting plays,
Some injuries,
Seconds to go,
Will they, won't they?
Officials say---Touchdown!
No, No, No
What will the replays show
When will we know?
Suspended in time
The clock is stopped-
Can hear a pin drop--
Welcome to "Football".
A fumble away,
Then an interception display,
Runs eighty yards,
Takes it into the in zone,
But a flag is down on the play
Now, What will they say?
Kicks a field goal,
But missed the timeout call,
So it really doesn't matter after all.
Welcome to Football.
But when it comes together
It is a breathtaking sight to see,
The speed and momentum click
Success overcomes adversity
The touchdown is made
The roar as they score
Welcome, welcome to Football.

"My Cavern Alarm" by Susan Pearl

The cavern's spoken,
My stomach has growled,
It's time to get up
And face a new day,
I wake up hungry
Each and every day,
There is a story
I was born hungry,
Sucking on my fist
Just after my birth.
So without a doubt
I think about food
It started at birth.
A cup of coffee,
And a piece of toast
Is my breakfast plate.
That's all it will take
Don't want to be late.
Got to keep movin'
Rumbling quakes await
What growling sounds to make
Embarrassing sounds
Interrupting sounds
Humanly strange sounds
The cavern awakes.