MzDavinci |
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Judy's - "James Joyce Stream of Consciousness" Random thoughts, ideas, shared memories and happenings.
Getting to know me: I am trying to break lose of being a hostage "to what I should do." Do I have the courage to step across the threshold into the exciting world of possibilities?!? Please buy my new book! "My ta-tas were fine. I had cancer down there."Now available from:Amazon.com Barnes & Noble Also available! Now available from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble iuniverse.com Archives Inspirational people have visited my blogspot since 6/18/02. Thank you. 
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Friday, December 28
The mind plays tricks.
It is often difficult to find two people who perceive a situation the same way. It is even more unusual for two people to share the exact same memories. We all tend to view circumstances and situations differently and often consciously or unconsciously color events and memories. Our attitudes also play a role. For years people have been classifying people's attitude by whether they saw a glass half full or half empty. As my son, Tom, has pointed out that is only 2 of several ways to view the glass. (Yeah Tom!)  It can be confusing. It can boggle the brain sometimes when perceptions and memories don't match exactly. Below is a wonderful optical illusion. What wonders do you see in this picture?
Thank you goes to Vurdlak who shared this Hauntied Forrest Optical Illusion Thursday, December 27
Monday, December 24
NORAD Tracks Santa 2007
NORAD TRACKS SANTA 2007 I hope you enjoy tracking Santa. He has been watching us all year and knows when we've been naughty or nice. Now we can keep track of him as he travels around the world. Merry Christmas! Sunday, December 23
A Homemade Christmas Poem
Its time for Christmas
Posted by MzDaVinci @
10:18 AM
I hope you have fun Enjoy your family and friends Both the old and the young Help the weak and less fortunate Do what you can Make the holidays special Help your fellow man It's time for remembering It's time for new beginnings too Please be thankful for all you have And always to your own self be true. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year I hope it's a fantastic one that brings your goals near. Friday, December 21
This is great fun. It's Magic!
Enjoy a little magic.
Posted by MzDaVinci @
10:15 AM
See if it can guess your number. http://www.quizyourprofile.com/guessyournumber.swf
If you need to magnify at Christmas, magnify the joy!
I have ordered small magnifying glasses to use as promotional give-aways at my upcoming book signings. I am attaching a tag with contact information and to promote my book the phrase, "Investigate strategies to Sell More." As I was preparing the cards and ribbons to tie to the magnifying glasses it occurred to me that as Christmas approaches everything is magnified. Sometimes magnified out of proportion.
Posted by MzDaVinci @
9:43 AM
Financial concerns are magnified when choices are made shopping for gifts and bills need to be paid. Loneliness seems especially acute when you are alone and not with family or friends. It seems worse somehow to be apart during this happy time. Stress is magnified as you try to accomplish all your regular "have tos" and still find time for decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking, cleaning and celebrating the holidays. There never seems to be enough time. Time can seem to slow to a crawl if you are all alone. Surviving the festivities when you are feeling lost, depressed, hungry and without the spirit of Christmas or its trappings can be unbearable. People who celebrate the birth of Christ as the true meaning of Christmas can even fall prey to to magnifying their own feelings. Sometimes the side effect isn't kindness and love for everyone, but rather they become judgmental of those who they feel have commercialized the holiday. How can any of us be positively sure what motivates another? It would be awesome if during Christmas, especially during Christmas everyone could be nice to each other. Be thankful for what we have, share and have fun. It would be awesome if Christmas Day everyone would have at least one moment of happiness, smiling and laughter. May you enjoy your day and not fall prey to magnifying the situation.  I've got to go. I have my own magnifying glass to break and replace with spoonful of sugar (a cookie) and happy hopeful thoughts about the many possibilities that 2008 holds. Time to put the emphasis on the joys I have to celebrate instead of magnifying what is missing. Time to celebrate the miracle of Christmas and the joys of this festive season. Tuesday, December 18
With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore's "The Night Before Christmas"
In today's world we all feel like we are walking on eggs when we dare to speak. You don't even have to be voicing an opinion, to find that your words have been misinterpreted and even thrown back at you as being racial, offensive, or deameaning. Ridiculous!
Posted by MzDaVinci @
1:29 PM
 I found this online and wanted to share it. I wish you a Merry Christmas and remind you that sometimes fried chicken is just fattening food and not a racial remark. A Politically Correct Christmas Story Published Nov. 28, 2007 'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck... How to live in a world that's politically correct? His workers no longer would answer to "Elves". "Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves. And labour conditions at the North Pole were alleged by the union to stifle the soul. Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety, Released to the wilds by the Humane Society. And equal employment had made it quite clear That Santa had better not use just reindeer. So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid! The runners had been removed from his sleigh; The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A. And people had started to call for the cops When they heard sled noises on their rooftops. Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened. His fur trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened." And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows, Rudolf was suing over unauthorised use of his nose And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation, Demanding millions in over-due compensation. So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife, Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life, Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz, Demanding from now on her title was Ms. And as for the gifts, why, he'd never had a notion That making a choice could cause so much commotion. Nothing of leather, nothing of fur, Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her. Nothing that might be construed to pollute. Nothing to aim, Nothing to shoot. Nothing that clamoured or made lots of noise. Nothing for just girls, or just for the boys. Nothing that claimed to be gender specific. Nothing that's warlike or non-pacifistic. No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth. Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth. And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden, Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden. For they raised the hackles of those psychological Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological. No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt; Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt. Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe; And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away. So Santa just stood there, dishevelled, perplexed; He just could not figure out what to do next. He tried to be merry, tried to be gay, But you've got to be careful with that word today. His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground; Nothing fully acceptable was to be found. Something special was needed, a gift that he might Give to all without angering the left or the right. A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision, Each group of people, every religion; Every ethnicity, every hue, Everyone, everywhere...even you. So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth... May you and your loved ones, enjoy peace on Earth.  Monday, December 17
Christmas is fast approaching - no longer 12 days away.
I am posting this for Mickey Logan. He said he didn't like the "Twelve Days Of Christmas." I think this version might make him smile. Enjoy!
Posted by MzDaVinci @
12:04 PM
"> Tuesday, December 11
Something fun to contemplate:
I don't hold much value in horoscopes but always enjoy when I receive on that seems to describe my current feelings or situation. Today's brought up an interesting concept. Wouldn't it be terrific to have a mirror that gave you a "thumb's up?"
Posted by MzDaVinci @
9:09 AM
It would be cool to have a mirror that gave you a boost of confidence about the way you look or said something positive that provided you some needed encouragement. I don't mean a mirror like the mean queen in Snow White had  but rather one that gave positive reinforcement, not false compliments. Now that would be an awesome Christmas Gift for everyone!Dear Judy, Here is your horoscope for Tuesday, December 11: You've usually got a healthy dose of self-confidence, but you need to power yourself up a bit more if you want to push through the day's activities. It might take nothing more than a quick thumbs-up in the mirror. Saturday, December 8
There was no politial agenda
The posting below was never meant to showcase a political point of view. It was meant to be a reminder that words can hurt. It was a story that touched my heart. It reminded me of similar personal experiences and I thought by sharing it we all might be a little more careful.
Posted by MzDaVinci @
10:04 PM
Just as those ladies in the story probably never meant to offend the wife or the soldiers at the other table, it was not my intent to upset anyone by relating the story.
A reminder at the holidays.
It was many years ago but sometimes seems like only yesterday, that it was Christmas my sons were only 3 months and their dad was in Vietnam. He was a marine located north of the DMZ along the demilitary zone.
Posted by MzDaVinci @
5:01 PM
I remember watching Bob Hope entertaining the troops  hoping that maybe by some miracle Tom had been able to get away from the fighting and be in the audience. I lived in Arlington, Virginia and everyday the news was filled with headlines about war protests. Many said horrible things about our troops. It was a frightening time. Again many families are separated from loved ones as they are stationed far away in a war zone. Protestors are everywhere. It is one thing to be against the war BUT we need to be forever mindful of the men and woman who are placing themselves in peril in the name of freedom and the United States of America. Today Lt. Col. Jack Peavy, U.S. Army Retired sent me the following story. I hope you take a few moments out of your hectic schedule of shopping, wrapping and holiday festivities to read this. More importantly, I hope you remain mindful of what you say. A WIFE'S REQUEST: I was sitting alone in one of those loud, casual steak houses that you find all over the country. You know the type--a bucket of peanuts on every table, shells littering the floor, and a bunch of perky college kids racing around with long neck beers and sizzling platters. My gaze lingered on a group enjoying their meal. They wore no uniform to identify their branch of service, but they were definitely 'military:' clean shaven, cropped haircut, and that 'squared away' look that comes with pride. Smiling sadly, I glanced across my table to the empty seat where my husband usually sat. It had only been a few months since we sat in this very booth, talking about his upcoming deployment to the Middle East. That was when he made me promise to get a sitter for the kids, come back to this restaurant once a month and treat myself to a nice steak. In turn he would treasure the thought of me being here, thinking about him until he returned home. I fingered the little flag pin I constantly wear and wondered where he was at this very moment. Was he safe and warm? Was his cold any better? Were my letters getting through to him? As I pondered these thoughts, high pitched female voices from the next booth broke into my thoughts. 'I don't know what Bush is thinking about. Invading Iraq . You'd think that man would learn from his old man's mistakes. Good Lord. What an idiot! I can't believe he is even in office. You do know, he stole the election.' I cut into my steak and tried to ignore them as they began an endless tirade running down our president. I thought about the last night I spent with my husband, as he prepared to deploy. He had just returned from getting his smallpox and anthrax shots. The image of him standing in our kitchen packing his gas mask still gives me chills. Once again the women's voices invaded my thoughts. 'It's all about oil, you know. Our soldiers will go in and rape and steal all the oil they can in the name of 'freedom'. Hmmm! I wonder how many innocent people they'll kill without giving it a thought. It's pure greed, you know.' My chest tightened as I stared at my wedding ring. I could still see how handsome my husband looked in his 'mess dress' the day he slipped it on my finger I wondered what he was wearing now. Probably his desert uniform, affectionately dubbed 'coffee stains' with a heavy bulletproof vest over it. 'You know, we should just leave Iraq alone. I don't think they are hiding any weapons. In fact, I bet it's all a big act just to increase the president's popularity. That's all it is, padding the military budget at the expense of our social security and education. And, you know what else? We're just asking for another 9-11. I can't say when it happens again that we didn't deserve it.' Their words brought to mind the war protesters I had watched gathering outside our base. Did no one even appreciate the sacrifice of brave men and women, who leave their homes and family to ensure our freedom? Do they even know what 'freedom' is? I glanced at the table where some young men were sitting, and saw their courageous faces change. They had stopped eating and looked at each other dejectedly, listening to the women talking. 'Well, I, for one, think it's just deplorable to invade Iraq , and I am certainly sick of our tax dollars going to train professional baby-killers we call a military.' Professional baby-killers. I thought about what a wonderful father my husband is, and of how long it would be before he would see our children again. That's it! Indignation rose up inside me. Normally reserved, pride in my husband gave me a brassy boldness I never realized I had. Tonight one voice will answer on behalf of our military, and let her pride in our troops be known. Sliding out of my booth, I walked around to the adjoining booth and placed my hands flat on their table. Lowering myself to eye level with them, smiling I said, 'I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. You see, I'm sitting here trying to enjoy my dinner alone. And, do you know why? Because my husband, whom I love with all my heart, is halfway around the world defending your right to say rotten things about him.' 'Yes, you have the right to your opinion, and what you think is none of my business. However, what you say in public is something else, and I will not sit by and listen to you ridicule MY country, MY president, MY husband, and all the other fine American men and women who put their lives on the line, just so you can have the 'freedom' to complain. Freedom is an expensive commodity, ladies. Don't let your actions cheapen it.' I must have been louder than I meant to be, because the manager came over to inquire if everything was all right 'Yes, thank you,' I replied. Then, turning back to the women, I said, 'Enjoy the rest of your meal.' As I returned to my booth applause broke out. I was embarrassed for making a scene, and went back to my half eaten steak. The women picked up their check and scurried away. After finishing my meal, and while waiting for my check, the manager returned with a huge apple cobbler ala mode. 'Compliments of those soldiers,' he said. He also smiled and said the ladies tried to pay for my dinner, but that another couple had beaten them to it. When I asked who, the manager said they had already left, but that the gentleman was a veteran, and wanted to take care of the wife of 'one of our boys.' With a lump in my throat, I gratefully turned to the soldiers and thanked them for the cobbler. Grinning from ear to ear, they came over and surrounded the booth. 'We just wanted to thank you, ma'am. You know we can't get into confrontations with civilians, so we appreciate what you did.' As I drove home, for the first time since my husband's deployment, I didn't feel quite so alone. My heart was filled with the warmth of the other diners who stopped by my table, to relate how they, too, were proud of my husband, and would keep him in their prayers. I knew their flags would fly a little higher the next day. Perhaps they would look for more tangible ways to show their pride in our country, and the military that protect her. And maybe, just maybe, the two women who were railing against our country would pause for a minute to appreciate all the freedom America offers, and the price it pays to maintain its freedom. As for me, I have learned that one voice CAN make a difference. Maybe the next time protesters gather outside the gates of the base where I live, I will proudly stand on the opposite side with a sign of my own. It will simply say, 'Thank You!' To those who fought for our nation, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know. GOD BLESS AMERICA - MERRY CHRISTMAS  Friday, December 7
Enter at your own risk.
That is the sign that should appear on my front door as I work on methods to promote my book and add content to my website. Happily, it is a glorious day and the weekend is predicted to be the same.
Posted by MzDaVinci @
2:34 PM
 My grandson, Jake at the site of the world's most challenging corn maze.
Happy Holidays
May you keep your cool and smile as you deal with traffic and craziness during this holiday season.
Posted by MzDaVinci @
11:55 AM
-23.jpg) Thursday, December 6
Learning
What is "learning"?
Posted by MzDaVinci @
9:28 AM
"In its broadest sense, learning can be defined as a process of progressive change from ignorance to knowledge, from inability to competence, and from indifference to understanding. In much the same manner, instruction or education can be defined as the means by which we systematize the situations, conditions, tasks materials, and opportunities by which learners acquire new or different ways of thinking, feeling, and doing." Cameron Fincher, "Learning Theory and Research," in Teaching and Learning in the College Classroom, edited by Kenneth A. Feldman and Michael Paulson, Ashe Reader Series, Needham, MA: Ginn Press, 1994. Now that is the scholarly interpretation of learning, and it is true enough. I know that life is a continuous learning process and I have discovered that the more you enjoy something or that it interests you the easier it is to learn. Then there are the things you need to learn in order to more forward, or are part of your job, or that you have little aptitude for, or they teach you in school but you never think you will need them. These are the things that are often more difficult learn. I am currently struggling (that would be a nice word for it), learning codes and formats to place content into my website so I may launch it to promote my company Ideas Unlimited and as a tool to help businesses jump start their imaginations and create strategies that will help them grow their business. Thankfully, my very talented son, Jim, provided me a template and a wealth of information and guidance to begin. Still my knowledge level wouldn't even fill to the top of a thimble. Aristotle may have been one of the greatest minds ever, so it follows that if his quote is correct: “Anything that we have to learn to do we learn by the actual doing of it. We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate ones, brave by doing brave ones.” Aristotle Then I guess it is understandable that doing frustrating things you become frustrated. Still he did say we learn by actually doing it so struggling or frustrated it is time to try, try again. Thanks for letting me rant. May all your life lessons come easy for you. Wednesday, December 5
Mother Nature is changing lives everyday.
 This morning the news was overflowing with weather related disasters. The West Coast is dealing with hurricane force winds, floods and mud slides. Homes, roads and bridges have been destroyed. People have been rerouted, detoured and all too many have lost their homes, cars and possessions. The Mid-West and Northeast are digging out from snow. Just staying warm is a challenge. The power of Mother Nature is beyond description. There is a randomness to what happens around the world. Even our advanced technology has been unable to predict what will happen and prevent devastation. We need to respect the power of nature. When we say our thank you prayers we need to remember that we need to be thankful for a nice day. All too often when in our hectic days we focus on what needs to be done and what isn't going well and we overlook that we have been given the gift of a nice day. Tuesday, December 4
Dare to live your life with unbridled passion. Believe in possibilities.
It seems not so long ago that ABC's Wide World of Sports was "the" show to watch. Before there were lots of cable channels and channels that specialized in specific sports like the NFL and Golf Channels, there was ABC's Wide World of Sports. It was one of my favorite shows.
Posted by MzDaVinci @
8:32 AM
Evel Knievel's dare devil attempts and jumps were showcased here. Dressed in his red, white and blue jumpsuit he would dare to do the wildest stunts. Just watching him made the adrenaline run through your own veins. He wasn't like the men on "Jackass," his stunts were measured and calculated. He was more like the people who dare to do "extreme sports" today. He seemed to have the same spirit as the snow boarders, the trick bike riders, the Tony Hawks of today with their skateboards. It was exciting. You held your breath and hoped he would successfully jump those cars, or the fountain at Caesars Palace or the Gorge. To live your life with unbridled passion, doing what you love that is a great legacy. Evel died last Friday. He lived his last years only a few miles from where I currently live. He squeezed a lot of living into those years. Thank you Evel for the excitement you added to my life adventure.  |
