I read an interesting concept and found that I can relate and agree. The theory is that some people are thermometers. They merely register what is around them. If the situation is pressurized, they display tension and irritability. If it's a threatening or unknown situation, they worry and show fear. If it is calm, quiet and comfortable, they are relaxed and peaceful. They reflect their circumstances.

Others, however, are thermostats. They seem to have the power to regulate the atmosphere. They are the change-agents who don't let their situations dictate to them. They are able to control their attitude, their response to what is happening in their environment and in their lives.

I have always loved the way Spanish Moss drapes trees in the Savannah area and in central Florida. Little did I know that you should never touch this moss should it be found on the ground. It is infested with teeny tiny chigger bugs that will bite and eat your skin. Reason enough to avoid it and be cautious.

Years ago, this material was used by Henry Ford to stuff the upholstery of his cars. If I ever see an old Model T-Ford you can be sure I will want to know if the upholstery is original. I wonder how long those little critters live?

The second thing I learned is: if ever you see a buzzard headed your way, you don't need to fear that it is going to claw or peck you. Instead you need to move away quickly because buzzrds vomit when they fear danger. This is gross. The throw up in an effort to weigh less so they can fly away to safety as quickly as possible. Their projectile vomit can spew up to eight feet. I can't even imagine how rancid and awful smelling that would be.
Strange things to learn, however in the right or wrong circumstances this information could come in very handy.

They were with me during the bad times and celebrated with me during the best of times. Happy anniversary to my pals, Ben and Jerry.

Yesterday, I stopped by the local Walmart to get a couple of items. When I was checking out I had the opportunity to witness excellent customer service. Actually it is best described as thoughtful kindness.

The check-out clerk was to go on her break when she completed checking me out. Her replacement was standing next to her with her cash drawer in hand. The lady in front of me had just purchased her items. She was driving one of those electric carts with a shopping basket. I heard her ask if someone could assist her to the car and unload her bags. Without any hesitation, the young woman checking me out said, "If you can wait one moment while I finish checking her out, I am going on break and will help you."

I thought that was terrific. She shared part of her break time to help someone instead of just asking someone else to step in and assist. As I left the store, I stopped by Customer Service and relayed what had happened to the manager. She said she knew the young woman and would see that she was given a special pin to wear showing she had been recognized for outstanding attitude.

It feels good to catch people at their best. I think it would be wonderful if people would spend more time complimenting for what is good and right instead of putting the spotlight on what is wrong and should be done different or better.

I hope you catch someone doing something wonderful today.

In the past, Sundays have fluctuated between being my favorite to absolute least favorite day of the week. This Sunday turned out to be surprisingly spectacular.

When I went to go to the Seaside Grille for brunch, I found voicemail messages from my sons. Tom was telling me his family was going to a rodeo and it reminded him of the rodeos and horse shows I took them to when he was growing up. My son Jim and his family were going to the Green & White game at Marshall and he was thinking of me and knew I'd enjoy being there with them. That my sons remembered, thought of me and called was fantastic. Both had found my message wishing I had been with them on Saturday to watch my grandchildren play soccer so they knew they were definitely on my mind. Seems both West Virginia and Tennessee had soggy fields and the games were postponed. I am working hard to create an opportunity to visit them and it would be a bonus to see a soccer game as well.

After brunch I walked, nothing unusual about that except this time I didn't have to worry about how far I went because instead of needing to save enough energy to get back to my car or home, I had a ride willing to fetch me where ever I ended up. That was a wonderful bonus and I enjoyed a long sweaty walk that was over six miles.

I also enjoyed not one but two arts and craft shows. One was on Corey Avenue on St. Pete Beach and the other was Main Sail in Vinoy Park, downtown
St. Pete. I didn't find any treasures but I enjoyed viewing all the artist's creations.

In addition, to get out of the blazing heat I saw a movie at the Beach Theatre, "Don't Stop Smoking." The movie is loaded with stars and is terrific. It is nice to watch a movie that isn't a remake, that dares to make people think and is down right fun. I especially hope my sons see it as both of them are Wordsmiths and have talents to "spin" facts for good not evil.

It was a busy day and although it was filled with "everyday" experiences it was a Spectacular Sunday because I was touched long distance by love and enjoyed slowing down with the warmth of the sunshine on my shoulders.

Most people don't know there are angels whose only job is to make sure you don't get too comfortable and fall asleep and miss your life.

Thank you to the Guardian Angels in my life that wake up my spirit and remind me that routine doesn't equal life.

Enjoy this awesome day.

It is fun to daydream about winning the lottery tonight. The drawing is at 11:00 PM tonight.

Lines are long everywhere this week with people purchasing tickets. I have 3 quick picks from 3 different stores in the area. I also have a chance with the reservations staff at TradeWinds Resort. They let me join in their group.

Winning would definitely be life changing. It is estimated that if there is one winner and they decide to take their winnings in a one time lump sum, they would get $45 million. If they take the yearly payout they would get approximately $2.7 million a year for twenty years.

If I win, it would be awesome. Long ago, I decided that should I ever win, I would split my winnings 4 ways. I would love to see how my sons would each use their shares. It would be fun to see what they would do. As for my share, I would definitely share and travel and yes, foolish or not, I would go for the one time lump sum.

Fingers crossed, lets see what happens.

What does your current situation tell you about yourself?

We live our lives fulfilling our roles as children, brother, sister, parents, friend, employee, employer, minister, care taker, dancer,lover, soldier, singer, true to our religious beliefs, etc., etc.

As Shakespeare wrote; "All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players. They all have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts."

Each of us could write a list of all the different roles we have played during our life journey. Sometimes we have been more successful in one role than another.

The trick is not to get so immersed in playing roles that we never discover our true self. We are all conditioned to measure success by the quality of life we have, the responsibilities we take care of and what shows on the outside. We make decisions about the next step based on how it is going to effect this person or that person or my financial situation or what people will think.

I admire the courage in people who dare to be uniquely themselves without that mental "what if" baggage. When they are the true essence of themselves they are giving a great gift to the world.

We are all one of a kind, but what seems most comfortable, most acceptable in today's world, is to copy, to be like someone else or to meet some standards set up by society.

It is refreshing that there are people reminding us that being who we are is better than being a carbon copy of someone else. The singer Pink reminds young girls that they lose more than they gain if they try to follow in the footsteps of Paris Hilton or others by needing the same clothes and look. Her video "Stupid Girls" tries to illustrate her message in a fun, entertaining way.

Yesterday Oprah and her guest Dr. Robin discussed, "Women Who Live A Lie." They used the example that people try to create the perfect picture or "Kodak moments," but it's what happens before and after the camera clicks that really counts.

I'm guilty. How about you?

What does your current situation tell you about yourself?

Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday that you enjoy by being exactly, the wonderful, flawed and perfect YOU.

I love this song. It makes you smile and kinda dance.

DANIEL POWTER LYRICS

Bad Day

Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces everytime
And I don't need no carryin' on

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Well you need a blue sky holiday
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on

You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day

(Oh.. Holiday..)

Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong

So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day

This is Judy wishing you a blue sky holiday. Enjoy.

Spring is here, Hurray! All the signs are there, Easter, Cherry Blossoms, Flowers starting to bloom, coats replaced by sweaters, sunshine and blue skies.

It is time for spring cleaning. It is time to remove the clutter, the excess.
House cleaning during the spring is the most common "Spring Cleaning." It is also a great time to shape up your body, not because bathing suit season is approaching but because it will make you feel good.

It is also a terrific time to evict the people who have rented space in your mind. You know who they are, we all have them. Not the "voices" that people say make them go postal. I mean the voices that say, "you can't" the ones that inhibit you from going after your dreams. The ones that say, "you aren't worthy."

Remove the clutter and listen to your own inner voice. A decluttered home, mind and working to be fit these are my "Spring Cleaning" goals.

I have discovered that pain has some interesting side effects.

It distracts you from your life. Whether physical pain or heartache, when you are feeling pain it seems to take center stage. Everyday concerns move to the backseat OR sometimes everyday concerns seem to take on a new look. It is almost as though you are looking at the things needing to be done in your life through a carnival's funhouse mirror. They look wobbly and out of proportion.

Pain also manipulates time. It slows it down and speeds it up. I had to take some pain medicine this past week due to zigging instead of sagging when I was in the shower and hurting my back. About one hour after taking a pill the world started to move in slow motion. Everything looked fuzzy and my words slurred. After another hour passed I was best described as semi awake then zonked. This is when the magic of pain caused time to speed up. When I would awake groggy and evaluating the status of my discomfort, I would discover hours and hours had passed or even a whole day!

Pain also can make you numb to real life. If you get so caught up in the "feeling" of it, whether emotional or physical, you can miss what is happening around you. This type of pain is dangerous. It occurs after the physical pain has subsided it is when the "pain" becomes an excuse for sitting on the sidelines of life and not participating.

It has long been noticed that I have a low tolerance for drugs and a high tolerance for pain - a wonderful combination. This past week has almost been a laughable series of circumstances. I had some dental work done last Wednesday and on Friday I was feeling so much better. I decided to celebrate and take a shower and wash my hair. Ooops! I definitely moved wrong and hurt my back. Ouch! Fast forward through the weekend and found myself battling my own stubbornness. I was bull headed and didn't want to just lay still and heal. I didn't want to take the pain pills. The pain won and I was still, quiet and often asleep or groggy most of the Easter weekend.

Brand new week, brand new day and except for a slight twinge, I feel "Marvelous." (I think Billy Crystal used to say "Marvelous" in a cool way.) No need to take anymore pain pills or lay still on the couch. I have a beautiful, sunshiny day outside waiting for me. I am blessed to recover so quickly and although a bit groggy I am ready to move forward.

If you are suffering from pain, I wish you a speedy recovery. Remember that pain has a side effects. I wish you a belated Happy Easter and wonderful Patriot's Day.

Today my daughter-in-law, Carol, Jim and Jake are going to a casting call for a movie being filmed in Huntington, west Virginia. Carol sounds especially excited. I am hoping they include her and she shows up in our theatres and doesn't end up on the cutting room floor.

Today I was finally feeling back in focus, healthy and eager to enjoy this sunny day.

After doing errands, chores, the laundry and assorted "have tos," I went exploring. With the top down on my car, my hair up in a ponytail off I drove. During my drive, I came upon a "Crocodile Dundee" adventure taking place in the road. Two policeman and a game warden were trying to capture a gator. I was told that it was over 10 feet long. I thought it was huge, super gigantic. The police were definitely treating it with great respect and a wee bit of fear seemed apparent.

Down the road, I saw something else I had never witnessed. There were calves nursing from their moms. It was precious. Definitely a sign that Spring had arrived.

I ended up in Arcadia, the middle of the state. I saw people participating in a walk for life. An assortment of people walking, raising money to find a cure for cancer. There was a festive atmosphere. It made me smile. It would be amazingly wonderful if their efforts provided the funds that result in a better understanding of the cause and cure of this dreaded disease.

Mark gave me a terrific compliment when he heard about my jammed packed day. He said I am always trying to fill each day and as the song says, "Live Like I Was Dying," so he wasn't surprised by my adventure. He said since I had been sick, he figured I was making up for lost time. I laughed to think, wow, he nailed me, guilty as charged without even realizing it. LOL It was a fun day.

I love when the time changes and it doesn't get dark until later. It makes the evenings more fun to enjoy under the shine and warmth of the sun.

I hope you enjoy the extra sunshine.