"Flashlights" by Susan Pearl

Imagine that each of us is given a flashlight.

Inside the flashlight are two batteries-

One battery is "Respect"-

   the other battery is "Dignity".

In order for the flashlight to shine

  both batteries of "Respect" and "Dignity" have to be working properly.

Now, during the dark times,

  each one of us is asked to shine our flashlight.

How many flashlights would we see to brighten the dark times?

If our flashlight doesn't work-

Let's change out the batteries to be ones that will brighten the way.

"Respect" and "Dignity" is a universal right of all people,

because all people are created equal

and all people have a right 

   to be treated with "Respect" and "Dignity".

Let us shine this fact throughout any dark time

  and bring light onto the subject.

"Awareness for Choices to Meet Circumstances" by Susan Pearl

 Some days are "canoe days"

The circumstances of shallow submerged rocks make it a "canoe day".

Some days are "speed boat days"

The deep water allows for the speed of having fun water activities

   or the ability to travel fast and cover a lot of distance in a short amount of time.

There can be days of "troll fishing"

Easy, relaxing, effortless but still having a favorite pass time of fishing

   that makes for a special day of enjoyment.

Choices add to the quality of life- 

not only that those same choices can add to the safety and abilities of specific

   needs being met.

When approaching the needs of the day- 

   one need is to have a proper approach for that particular day.

It is good to be aware of  the choices to meet different circumstances of the day

   and that there is more than one way to do things.

"Best Wishes" by Susan Pearl

 Together, for the good of all, we will continue on,

Together, for the good of all, we will continue strong,

For "the good of all" comes from love,

"Best Wishes For All" is what such love speaks of-

So "Best Wishes" to one and all!

Together , no matter where-no matter who,

We will continue to be a star of love shining through.

"Loose Ends Cause Problem" by Susan Pearl

 Yesterday I decided it was time to organize my yarn,  I love to crochet and usually go from one project to another, or have two projects going at the same time- so there are times I have a lot of yarn beside me all piled up for easy access. This yarn organization project turned into quite big a project of its' own because it had become entangled.  The yarn was especially entangled through and around to handle of a carry bag.  The bag couldn't even be used until freed from the entanglement from the yarn.

The first thing I did was look for all the loose ends.  I had to find the loose ends before I could untangle the bag handle.  The bag had become dysfunctional because of  being attached to the yarn.

As I was finding all the loose ends I thought about that maybe when there are too many loose ends in life we can become entangled in them.  I have heard in life "to take care of the loose ends" and I could understand why.  These loose ends can entangle us to not be able to function as good as we can.

It feels good today to have my yarn sorted and put into organized containers and it is wonderful to be able to use my carry bag again.  It takes time to untangle the loose ends but it is worth it in more ways than one. 

"Of Course" by Susan Pearl

 When I am tired and don't know what to do-

---I can count on the strength of others to lead me through.

People's strength to meet the need is steady like from a constant source-

 and that source comes from love-----of course.

Love is unending and love cannot be contained-

 year after year that fact will remain the same.

So, whatever, the need is or how weary the journey may be, too,

The strong and steady force of love will be there for me and for you.

Yes, love will see us through, of course-

For love is an unending, uncontainable source for a strong, steady and constant

 goodwill force- "of course".

"Brings Fullness" by Susan Pearl

 It's been over six months since I lost my brother, Ron.

And I don't ever know when a thought of him-

  is going to "pop in"

I made it through my birthday just fine,

But now this holiday season he is coming to mind.

I see it as an extra gift to celebrate knowing him

And continue on and continue being strong,

  because I know that is what he would want for me, my dear brother, Ron.

Enjoy and be thankful for the time that is given

  brings fullness to the life we are living. 

"Range of Emotions" by Susan Pearl

 From the top of the mountain-

     to the valley so low.

This range of emotions-

   I happen to know.

All I can say-

    is that in my writings these emotions I convey.

We all can identify-

   with joy and laughter or sorrow with a tear in eye.

And those middle times, too,

   knowing that faith, hope and love are leading us through-

Connecting us in a certain way

   to all believe in a better day. 

  

"Meaning Gives Meaning" by Susan Pearl

 We are downsizing in sections.  A couple years ago we concentrated on nick knacks and other things that we enjoyed for many years and hoped some else would enjoy them, also.  A small wall ceramic beautiful clock was a little hard to part with for me.  The colors were so lovely and I had enjoyed it above the phone for over fifteen years.  But away it went to be be displayed with other things we sent to a community sale.

Our daughter said that a man was looking up and down our tables of things and he was actually visibly struck when he saw the ceramic clock.  He picked it up saying, "My grandmother had one just like this and I loved it.  My sister loved it, too, so I let her have it".  He was so happy and bought it.

Once in awhile when I look at our phone I still kind of think of the lovely ceramic clock we had above it for so many years.  But then very happy thoughts flood my mind when I think of the man having the clock on display in his home and how special it is to him and how special it was to him the the day he found it.  It was obvious it had meaning to him and maybe even made a meaningful story for them to tell others.

Somehow, these thoughts bring me more meaning and much more enjoyment than to still have the clock above the phone. 

"The Casserole Laugh" by Susan Pearl

 I made a roux yesterday.  We were fixing a vegetable and pasta casserole and I thought a cheese roux would be wonderful to add.  I didn't use a recipe because I think I have a natural cooking talent and for some things I don't need directions.

Later my husband said that he thought the roux was too thick.  I told him that I thought he liked thick gravy.  My husband and that, "Yes", he likes thick gravy, "but you should be able to shake it off of the spoon". 

I said, "MY, YOU'RE A BRAVE MAN.  That comment could spark an eruption.  All I can say is that it can be remedied with more liquid and it sure is a good thing that I am in a good mood today." We laughed and everything turned out to make a fine recipe with only adding more liquid to the roux.  Otherwise it could have been a recipe for disaster if we couldn't shake the casserole off of the spoon.