A great quote - especially for a Monday


Worrying is like a rocking chair: It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere. - Unknown

(8) Back To Texas


"Noah get out your binoculars and keep watch on Hope please," said Grandma. "Jake, please get out yours too. Be on the look out for any suspicious trouble coming in our direction from below."

"Okay," they both said. They got out their binoculars and were vigilant doing as Grandma requested.

It seemed no time at all before they were back over San Antonio, Texas. As they had discussed on Runaway Island they hovered under the cover of the clouds to finalize the next step.

"Are you still okay Hope?" Grandma inquired. "Yes," replied Hope. "Douglas flies very smooth and I am able to hold on tight."

"Good," said Grandma very relieved to know that her precious Hope was safe and secure. "We will go down in the Hot Air Balloon first and talk to the people. Once we have the community calm, we will signal you and you can fly down and join us."

"How will you signal?" Asked Hope.

"I don't know. I haven't been able to figure how to send a signal up to you. We need to launch something in the air but I don't know what or how." Said Grandma.

"I know, I know," said Jake. "What?" Asked Grandma.

"Noah can kick his football. He can kick the ball better than anyone." Said Jake.

"That just might work," said Grandma. "Do you think you can kick it high, Noah?"

"Sure, Grandma I can kick my football high into the sky," said Noah smiling and happy that Jake had remembered he was an excellent football kicker.

"Then that will be the signal Hope. When we are ready for you to come down, Noah will kick the football high in the air." Grandma was nervous at the thought of leaving Hope up in the clouds with Douglas.

But before she could say anything, Hope said, "Don't worry about me. Douglas and I will be fine. Go down and make the people understand that Douglas doesn't mean any harm."

"Okay," said Grandma. "I love you" and with that they untied the rope that connected Douglas to the basket and slowly descended down to San Antonio, towards the Golden Arches of a nearby McDonalds.

Hope pulled in the rope and held on tight to Douglas. She waved one hand and said, "I love you too. See you soon."

"High heels were invented by a woman who had been kissed on the forehead." Christopher Morley

Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life. Ralph Waldo Emerson


Today's Affirmation

I value my time, and do not waste it with activities that simply fill it with mind numbing activity.

I am working on this. I am always busy but I need to guard and treasure my spare moments better (smile).

Quote


Sometimes you have to take the leap, and build your wings on the way down. - Kobi Yamada

Daily Inspiration Text: April 18


I subscribe to "Daily Inspirations" the one below was too fantastic not to share.

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Harold Whitman

Today's Affirmation


I listen to my inner longings and follow those dreams. I do not let the world choose what is right for me.

Hmm, I agree with Mr. Whitman. Unfortunately I am still working on the affirmation. I take resposnsibility for my choices but confess I let the world choose what is right for me too often. I need to listen to my own longings and become more aggressive in following my dreams.

I am definitely a work in progress. Alive, happy and dwelling on possibilities.

(7) Back at Max's


They arrived back at Max's house. "Hey Max!" Yelled Douglas.

Max came out on his deck. Unexpectedly, he dropped down a rope ladder for them. "Climb up. I have everything ready for you," he said.

One by one they took turns climbing up; first Noah, then Jake. "Hope" said Grandma, "it is your turn."

Instead of climbing the rope ladder, Hope smiled and climbed on Douglas' back. "Are you ready?" He asked. "Yes," she said and he flew her up to the deck.

Grandma laughed and climbed up the ladder to join them.

Max's house was filled with an eclectic blend of furniture and artifacts. Some things seemed hundreds of years old.

The table had 4 place settings people size and two dragon sized. Grandma was surprised. "Max how do you come to have dishes and glasses just the right size for us?" Grandma asked. "The Professor had to use a thimble to give me a little orange juice."

Max and Douglas laughed. "I am an explorer. I have been traveling the globe for centuries and have brought back lots of treasures. I thought people might visit someday and I wanted to be prepared."

"That's wonderful and wise," said Grandma.

The food looked delicious. Hope said a blessing and they all enjoyed the succulent assortment of grapes, apples, oranges and pineapples.

In addition, Max and Douglas ate salad, a huge salad, made of assorted leaves, flowers and blossoms.

They were having fun but Grandma knew they were on a mission. They had a problem to solve. They still needed to make it possible for the dragons to get food from McDonalds without fear of being harmed.

As soon as they finished eating, Grandma explained the plan. "That sounds like it will work," Noah, Jake, Hope, Douglas and Max all replied.


"Step one; we need to head back to Texas as soon as possible. We need to show the citizens that they have nothing to fear from Douglas."


"We'll fly you back to your balloon," said Douglas. "That will be faster."

"May we help with the dishes first?" Asked Grandma.

"No," said Max. "I'll help Douglas get you back to the beach. I can do the dishes later."

"Thank you, that would be wonderful," responded Grandma.

Noah and Jake climbed on Max and Grandma and Hope climbed up on Douglas.

Away they flew to the beach where they left their hot air balloon. As they inflated the balloon they noticed there was a tiny hole and the air was leaking out. "What can we do?" Asked Jake.

Grandma had an idea. "Get your backpacks. We'll use the bubble gum to patch the hole."

They took it out and started to chew it. To make it soft and pliable. "Grandma this is a fantastic idea," said Noah.

Douglas and Max stood watching.

Hope and Grandma worked together to patch the hole.

"It's working," yelled Max, and Douglas.

Noah and Jake loaded up the balloon. Everything was set for the launch.

According to the plan, Hope was going to fly to Texas on Douglas' back. It was agreed that when people saw that Hope wasn't scared it might help them to be unafraid.

It would also proctect Douglas. The National Guard would be cautious not to put Hope in harm's way.

The rope they had created earlier was reattached to the basket and Douglas.

Grandma double checked with Hope. "Are you sure you are okay about flying back with Douglas?"

"I'm not scared. I'll be fine," Hope reassured her.

"Hold on tight," said Noah and Jake.

"I will. I promise," said Hope.

They waved good-bye to Max as they went up, up and away.

Parenting


I heard a very true fact stated on the Dr. Phil Show today. It was made by his son Jay.

"You are not the only influence in your children's life so you better be the best influence in their life."

I have always thought my sons were very fortunate to have great friends. They had an eclectic group of friends. A high percentage of their class went to college. Had they been in the graduating class the year before or after perhaps they may have been influenced differently.

I have witnessed my sons and daughter in-laws with their children. I cannot express how proud I am of the relationship they have already established with their young children. They will be a stellar influence. They are not only good role models, they are great listeners and they are fair.

(6) The Plan


"Do you know a way we can show the people we wish them no harm?" asked the Professor.

"Yes, I think we can help there. If we show people that Jake, Noah and Hope and I aren't afraid I think they will learn they have nothing to fear," responded Grandma.

"My other concern is how can you pay for the food? McDonald's can't afford to give away enough food to feed dragons. If Douglas takes it without paying, he will be stealing. He will be breaking the law."

"Oh no, we would never steal," said the Professor. "We always pay for our food. We learned about money long ago and have been saving in case we ever needed to purchase something from people."

Grandma was very surprised to discover that dragons knew about money; that they understood it was used in exchange for goods and services.


"Where do you get money?" She asked.

"From Stallone the Sandman," the Professor answered.

Now Grandma was very curious, "The Sandman? I don't understand."

"Did you notice how pure and white and fine the granulars of sand are on our beach?"

"Yes," said Grandma.

"We sell it to him. He sprinkles it in people's eyes when they are sleepy so they will have pleasant dreams." The Professor went on, "We've been doing this for generations and have quite a tidy sum saved up. We decided to use some of this fund to get us different food. It is nice to have a change from fruits and flowers once in a while. Douglas left the money on the counter when he got the McDonald's."

"Amazing!" Exclaimed Grandma, "This should be easier than I thought. We will show the people that they don't need to fear Douglas and that he will pay for anything he gets. I think it will make everyone happy and be good for business."

"Wonderful." said the Professor.

They finished discussing the details of the plan and soon were saying their good-byes.

Douglas saw them on the deck and flew up to help Grandma get back to the ground. "Thank you Professor," she said as she left.

Then Noah, Hope and Jake came running up to Grandma. "Did you figure out a plan?" Asked Noah.

"Yes," said Grandma. "Everything is going to work out fine. Did you have fun playing soccer with the dragons?"

"We sure did," they all said at once.

"I gave them my ball," said Hope.

"That was kind of you," said Grandma.

"I'm hungry," said Jake.

"Me too," said Douglas. "Let's go to see my friend Max and get something to eat."

Off they went back to Max's pretty purple house with the yellow trim.

Lessons I learned from Alice in Wonderland


Curiosity stretches your imagination. It awakens possibilities that you never contemplated before.

Exploring the unknown is always a little scary. It is important to let the people you meet along the way offer guidance, help and insight. That information will help you discover the direction that is best for YOU. Only YOU should decide what is best for YOU. You should never give away your power to choose.

There is no reality, only perception.

Time is fluid. It doesn't stand still. We rush, we hurry and sometimes we miss NOW.

Thank you Alice for sharing your adventure into Wonderland.

(5) The Professor


The flowers made the air smell wonderful. They were having a good time. Even so, Grandma knew this was serious business.

She wasn’t sure what was going to happen when they met the Professor. She was trying to think of things she might say. Just then her thoughts were interrupted by Douglas. He was pointing, “Up ahead is the Professor’s House. We’re almost there.”

They had expected the Professor would have the most magnificent house of all.

To their surprise, in front of them, nestled in the tree was a log cabin.

It was beautiful but certainly not the castle type house they expected. A rope was hanging down from the branches. Douglas pulled it. As he did music filled the air, beautiful music.

Soon a small dragon came to the door. He wasn’t brightly colored like Douglas or Max or the ones that had been peeking out the windows and doors. He was brown with bright blue eyes. His wings were white, lots of little pure white feathers. As he stepped out on the porch it was evident that he had a dynamic and confident presence.

“Hi Douglas, what brings you here? Who is with you?” asked the Professor.

“Professor, I would like to introduce Grandma, Hope, Noah and Jake,” announced Douglas. As each was introduced they smiled and waved up to the Professor.

“It is a pleasure to meet you. What brings you here to Runaway Island?”

Grandma answered, “We have come to meet with you. We understand that Douglas has been searching for food in Texas. Unfortunately the people there have become frightened. They have never seen a dragon before. We are concerned that someone might hurt Douglas thinking they are acting to protect the community.”

“Please come up. We will sit and talk,” invited the Professor.

Before they could question how they would get up there, Douglas scooped them all up and flew them up to the deck.

Once inside they saw that the interior was similar to one they might find in their own neighborhood. The only difference was that everything was huge.

Douglas used his hand to gently lift Grandma, then Hope, then Noah and finally Jake and set them on a chair around the large wooden table. Then he sat down at one end and the Professor sat at the other.

The Professor spoke first, “Grandma, do you think we shouldn’t venture off Runaway Island in search of food?”

“No,” replied Grandma leaning forward. “I think we can find a way to help you get the variety of food you want in a safe way.”

“It was never our intent to frighten or harm anyone. We must find a way to insure everyone’s safety and well being.” said the Professor.

All of a sudden there was a loud crash and a ball came through the window.

The professor got up and picked up the ball. It had a hole ripped in the side and was now going flat fast. He went outside on the deck. Below him were a dozen dragons.

“Sorry Professor, we didn’t mean to break the window. We were just playing soccer. May we please have our ball back?”

“You can have the ball back but I’m afraid it’s gone flat. It must have gotten a hole in it when it went through the window,” said the Professor.

Hope got up from her chair, slid down to the floor and went to the Professor’s side. “I have a soccer ball they can use,” she said opening her backpack.

“That would be kind of you,” said the Professor.

Hope threw the ball to the dragons below. “Thank you,” they said. “Want to play with us?”

Hope looked over her shoulder at Grandma. “May I?” She asked.

Grandma smiled and said, “Yes.”

Hope turned back to the dragons, “May my brother, Noah and my cousin, Jake play too?”

“Sure, the more the merrier,” they yelled.

With that Hope, Noah and Jake climbed onto Douglas’ wings and he flew them down to the grass leaving Grandma and the Professor to discuss what to do.

“Would you like some orange juice? Asked the Professor, as he came back to the table.

“That would be lovely,” said Grandma.

The Professor got out 2 glasses. Dragon glasses are much bigger than people glasses. Noticing this, Grandma asked, “Do you have anything smaller? I doubt I can lift such a big glass.”

The Professor thought for a moment and then brought out what looked like a little silver metal glass, just the right size for her. “It is really a thimble. I use it when I sew patches on my sheets. It should serve our purpose.”

“Excellent,” said Grandma. “That is the kind of creative thinking we need to solve our dilemma. There must be a way Douglas can get food from McDonalds and not cause a commotion or scare anyone."

The Professor gave Grandma her thimble full of orange juice and sat down. “Yes, there must be a way,” he said.

“Thank you for the juice,” said Grandma. “It is delicious.”

With the sounds of children and dragons happily at play outside they began devising a plan.

Not Just Rhetoric Anymore


Over the years I know I have said at least many thousands of times, that non of us knows how much time we have here on earth and we should treasure each day. I've said that I don't know if there is reincarnation, I only know I have this time and I need to use each day, make them special better than the last. I have said these things and others about cherishing the time we have. I have been sincere and meant each word.

This year it is a little different. Why is it different? I don't know why. How is it different? I can't even describe. There has been a change in my day to day life and reaction to life's circumstances.

I now truly feel and understand that it isn't how long you live that counts. The years aren't what matter.

It is the moments.

(4) Max


Grandma had lived in Florida for several years and visited many beaches there and throughout the Caribbean. Never had she seen such sparkling, pure white sand before.

When they reached the grass it was spectacular too. It was tall, dark emerald green without a trace of any weeds. The only accent on this beautiful carpet of green grass were flowers, a rainbow of big gorgeous flowers.

As they neared the trees the houses nestled in the branches became more visible. Each was unique. Each made of wood and painted in pretty pastel colors with lots of lattice and gingerbread trim.

Hope was the first to notice dragons peeking out of windows and slightly opened doors. "Hi," she said and waved.

All but one quickly disappeared.

Douglas realized what happened and explained, "Most dragons are frightened by the unknown. We have never seen the likes of you before. Don't worry when we get to the Professor he will tell them everything is okay."

"What about that one?" said Noah pointing at the window where the one dragon remained watching. "That's my friend Max. He is an explorer like me." With that Douglas motioned to Max.

Grandma, Hope, Noah and Jake stopped in their tracks as the door to the pretty purple house with yellow trim opened and a giant red and orange dragon with gold and lilac colored wings stepped out.

"Hey Douglas, what you got there?" He questioned.

"This is Grandma and this is Jake. These are his cousins Noah and Hope," replied Douglas.

"Hi there, I'm Max, pleased to meet you."

"Hi Max," Grandma, Jake, Hope and Noah responded.

"You have a very pretty house," said Hope. "I like the colors purple and yellow very much."

"Thank you," said Max. "If you don't mind my asking, what are you doing here?"

Douglas explained, "They want to help us. Seems my getting food has stirred things up. We are on our way to see the Professor."

"Well if anyone will know what to do it is the Professor. Stop back by when you're done and I'll fix you something to eat."

"I'm getting hungry," said Jake and Hope at the same time. "Me too," said Noah.

"We appreciate your generous hospitality," Grandma said "but I don't know if dragon food is edible for us."

" I have some apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries and a beautiful salad of flowers. Is that what you call edible?" Max asked.

Grandma laughed, "Yes, that is edible. It sounds delicious but no salad for us. We would very much enjoy the fruits but please no flowers."

"No problem," said Max. "We're tired of our diet of fruits and flowers too. That is why we sent Douglas out to find something else. You should have been here the other day, he brought back something called McDonalds. It was delicious. Come back when you're through with the professor and I'll have everything ready."

"Thank you Max," they all said in unison and continued to follow Douglas as he led them to the professor.

The Time Change


I have always been happy when spring arrives and soon after the time changes so it remains light later. I think I must be solar powered as I have always seemed to have tons of energy up to three hours after it gets hard dark. It doesn't matter if it gets dark at 5PM or 9PM. Three hours later I tend to slow down.

We turned our clocks forward in the wee small hours of the morning Sunday. Fantastic! I heard on the TV that sunset won't be until 7:5PM tonight.

I discovered something else about myself yesterday and today. After turning the clock forward I found myself looking at the clock at 6:30 in the morning and thinking, hmmm yesterday it was only 5:30AM and this somehow gave me permission to go back to sleep. In the afternoon I thought it is already 4PM I need to hurry and get my "have tos" done. I was no longer thinking, hmmm it was only 3PM yesterday at this time of day. When it became bedtime yesterday I thought, hmmm I have stayed up super late it is after 2 in the morning. Truth is I usually don't go to bed until midnight or one. My body was actually on schedule.

I have seen commercials saying, "A brain is a terrible thing to waste."

I realized today that my mind is awesome. It may not be the smartest or loaded with super intellect however it is creative and adjusts to circumstances in its own unique way. Over the years it has extrapolated most of the memories of moments that were less than terrific. It has an auto pilot switch that allows me to choose being happy most of the time.

I feel a little change around my edges as the days grow longer. I understand how my sons, family and friends noticed a difference in me when this metamorphous took place. If there is a light that shines within people then surely mine has gone from using a dimmer switch to full intensity (smile).

Wishing everyone a most excellent day.

(3) Runaway Island


They waited, hiding in the clouds without a sound until they were sure the jets had gone by and given up their search. Grandma broke the silence, "How far is Runaway Island?"

"It doesn't take me long," said Douglas.

"But you are so big and fly so fast, faster than we can travel," said Hope. "I don't think we can keep up."

"I have an idea," said Noah. "You can pull us. We can use the rope from my backpack."

"It is a great idea Noah," Grandma said. "Unfortunately, if we use your rope to tie our balloon to Douglas we will be too close. When he flaps his wings it will stir up the air and we will tip. We need to follow farther behind."

Jake had stopped blowing bubbles while they were hovering, hidden in the clouds. He opened his backpack and took out his rope and the duct tape. "What if we use all our ropes, tape them all together? Then we could tape one end of the new long piece to Douglas and the other to the basket."

"That just might work," said Grandma.

Everyone opened their packs and took out their ropes and tape and got to work. Within a few minutes everything was all set. The ropes were taped together. One end was taped to the basket the other to Douglas the Dragon.

"That was a terrific idea," Grandma said with a smile. "Please fly slowly Douglas. Don't flap your wings hard or we might tip."

"Okay," said Douglas and away he flew out of the clouds and across the bright blue sky.

Everyone got out their binoculars and looked down and all around as the land disappeared and the ocean appeared below. Everyone was getting excited with anticipation of visiting Runaway Island.

Douglas flew fast, yet he always made sure his wings made smooth motions through the air so they wouldn't shake or tip.

Nearly two hours had passed when they spotted a large beautiful island. Douglas looked over his shoulder and told us, "Runaway Island is just ahead. We will be landing soon."

The island was big. It looked huge even from high in the air.

The island was edged with about 1,000 feet of sugar white sand beach. Then there was lush green grass and lots of assorted beautiful flowers. There were trees, tremendous trees. They reached high into the sky.

They slowly landed on the beach. On closer inspection the trunks of the trees looked like red woods. They had large arm like branches reaching out in each direction. The leaves were dark green and hung down like weeping willows. Nestled in the branches were large beautiful tree houses. They were awesome.

Plop. We were safely on the beach. "Lets tie up the balloon and unhook the rope from Douglas. Everyone put on your jackets. It is a little chilly and grab your backpacks. We all have to stay close together, " Grandma said.

"Okay," chimed Noah, Hope and Jake.

"Follow me," said Douglas smiling. "I will take you to see the Professor. He is the wisest of all Dragons."

Grandma took hold of Noah and Jake's hands and Hope held on to Noah. They weren't scared. They were excited. They knew they were ready for anything because they had each other. They were an unbeatable team.

Off they went with their packs, wearing happy smiles as they followed Douglas the dragon to meet the Professor.

( 2) The Adventure Continues...


The basket swayed and tipped. Everyone held on tight. When the dragon was about 20 feet away, Grandma asked in her calmest, nicest voice, "Please stop Mr. Dragon. You are close enough. If you come any closer our basket will surely tip and we will all fall out."

With that the dragon stopped.

Then a very strange thing happened....he spoke. "Good day. I am Douglas. I am a dragon. What kind of bird are you - so many heads and voices with a basket like body and a balloon type wing?"

They were all startled to hear the dragon speak. They laughed at the notion that he thought they were a bird.

Before anyone else could speak, Jake said, "Hi Douglas, please to meet you." Still blowing bubbles between his words he continued, "We aren't a bird. I'm Jake and these are my cousins Hope and Noah. We are traveling on an adventure with our grandma to find you. This is called a hot air balloon."

"A hot air balloon?" said the dragon,"How very interesting. I use my wings to fly from place to place. Why are you on an adventure to find me?"


"Because you are scaring people," Hope said. "When people are frightened sometimes they do things without much thought. We've come to see if we can help before someone gets hurt."

"Hurt someone? I wouldn't ever hurt anyone," said Douglas the Dragon, "I was sent to find food for all the dragons that live on Runaway Island. We have grown tired of eating the same old fruits and flowers day after day."

"Is that why you keep going to McDonalds?" inquired Noah.

"Yes," said Douglas. "We heard about a place called Texas where everything was said to be big. We dragons have big appetites. I saw the golden arches beaconing from the sky and that is where I went. I didn't mean to scare anyone."

"We understand," said Grandma. "You weren't going to hurt anyone. You just wanted to get something delicious to eat."

"That's it exactly!" Douglas smiled as he spoke.

"Trouble is we have trouble," said Noah. He had been keeping a watchful eye with his binoculars and noticed that people from the town below were looking up and pointing.

"Douglas we need to get out of here. We need to go somewhere safe to talk. We need to figure out how to help you before someone gets hurt."


"Okay, follow me to Runaway Island. We'll be safe there," said Douglas.

"Hurry!" said Hope. "Here comes some jets and I don't think they want to visit and talk."

"Quick Douglas fly ahead and flap your wings hard," Grandma said pointing towards some white puffy clouds.

Off he went flapping as hard as he could. The motion made the clouds multiply and soon they were all hidden in a veil of clouds as the jets went racing by.

(1) Superman, Batman, Aquaman, Wonderwoman, and Spiderman aren't the only breed of superheros.


Little did their parents know what happened when they went to visit grandma.

It was time to go on their adventure. They went on an adventure each time they came to Florida to spend a week with their Grandma. In the past they had saved a town when a volcano was about to erupt. They dropped a ton of Maalox into the crater and it settled the rumble and extinguished the fire.

When they arrived for this visit, their Grandma had explained that a flying dragon had been swooping down on various cities throughout Texas. No one had been able to solve the problem. The animal rights people wanted to make sure the dragon went unharmed. Scientists wanted to capture him for research. The National Guard had been called out to stop him from frightening the citizens.

They always traveled in their hot air balloon. This way they could travel quiet and unnoticed. Hot air balloons can only launch at sunrise or at dusk, so plans were made to leave at sunrise. Backpacks were packed with all the necessary items they might need...flashlights, duck tape, rope, bubble gum, green M & Ms, mirrors, binoculars and jackets. Each had the one special item they would need to deal with the dragon problem in Texas.

Who were these grandchildren with hidden super powers that went on adventures with their grandmother when their parents thought they were simply visiting with her, enjoying a safe - fun vacation?

Noah - fast and speedy, traveled with a football.

Hope - smart and beautiful traveled with a soccer ball.

Jake - powerful and strong traveled with a bottle of bubbles.

Grandma - happy and energetic traveled with notebook and pen.

As the sun rose Noah, Hope, Jake and Grandma loaded up into their balloon and off they went, high into the sky.

It was a beautiful clear day and the sun warmed the air perfectly making it possible for easy navigation from Florida to Texas. They were headed towards San Antonio. They were excited. According to Hope, the Dragon's pattern of behavior was leading him in this direction. She had a map and was helping to steer.

They had a plan. They would try to find the Dragon and figure out where he came from and what he wanted. Noah had noticed that everytime the Dragon had been spotted he was near a McDonalds. It could be a clue. He was using the binoculars searching the sky for a dragon sighting.


Jake was blowing bubbles and watching them float on the breeze. It was a terrific way to keep track of the way the wind was blowing and was a great help to Hope.

Grandma was smiling and happy to be with Jake, Hope and Noah. She knew they would find a way to solve the problem. They always did. They were a good team.

Just then Noah spotted the Dragon. "Look there he is!"

He was huge. He was green and blue and had silver and pink wings. He was soaring through the sky, swooping up and down like he was looking for something.

Grandma called out to him, "Mr. Dragon, hello Mr. Dragon over here!" He didn't respond. They all yelled, "Mr. Dragon, hello Mr. Dragon over here!" Still no reponse. Grandma took 4 pages from her notebook and rolled them up like a megaphone. They each took one and yelled again, "Mr Dragon, hello Mr. Dragon over here!"

This time he heard them. He turned his head and looked over his shoulder at them. Then he turned and flew towards them. The flapping of his big long wings created turbulence and the balloon and the basket they were riding in started to shake. "Hold on! Hold on tight!" Yelled Grandma as the Dragon got closer and closer.

Embrace the Unexpected Compliment


There are times in each life when, whether it is conscious or unconscious, you hope for a compliment. You are all fancied up for a party or you just lost 30 pounds or maybe you completed a difficult task. These compliments feel good, recognition for your effort.

Then there are those rare unexpected compliments: Unexpected words of kindness, Someone mentions something you thought might go unnoticed, Someone shares a little extra time with you, You find a nice note or card or voicemail message. These compliments not only feel good they can touch your heart and often can send your spirits soaring and can be the catalyst for other actions.

Sunday I had brunch with 3 lovely couples from Cleveland. During the course of the meal, Myron mentioned that he liked my writing. He had been reading my blogspot. I was surprised. He had taken time to read my words. He had brought it up and mentioned it as a recommendation that the other people take the time to visit the site and read my words. Whether they do or don't doesn't matter. What mattered to me was that he was so kind and that something as personal and special to me, my writing, had evoked a positive response from him. How very fantastic!

Today I heard from someone special to me. Someone I haven't seen in many months. He had read my blog and challenged me to "suprise" him. It made me smile all over that he had read my words.

It occurred to me that sometimes we get so busy that we miss the nice words that flow our way. Unfortunately, we seem to put a spotlight on winning over those who don't think we are the greatest thing since bubble gum.

Be open to kind words, the compliments that come your way. Enjoy and cherish.

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly. anonymous


We aren't permanent. Life isn't permanent.

Failure lies in every success and success is found in each failure.

Sometimes there are periods of great energy and creativity and others where you are stagnant and it seems you're not getting anywhere or achieving anything.

Life is all about change, immeasurable possibilities.


Enjoy, the unpredictability and surprises.