"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."

I have personal experience waiting for the man I loved to return from war. I was pregnant with my twin sons while my then husband, Tom was sent to Vietnam. He showed enormous courage and valor as did the others that served. I have never forgotten what it was like to pray and wait. Hoping that your loved ones would stay out of harm's way. Today families are experiencing the same thing. Remember those that are serving and those that have put their lives on the line for our freedom.

Without their joining the ranks of the military, likely the family barbecues and fun we enjoy wouldn't be possible. It is time to remember their sacrifice and that of the families that have waited with hope in their hearts. Say thank you.

Forget me not.
Written by Bill Chance in 2001

Remember rockets red glare
bombs bursting in air
gave threw the night that our flag is still there.

Our forefathers reminder of a price to be paid and responsibility to inherit the United States.
Rockets red glare bombs bursting in air
Words fallen on ears unwilling to hear.
deaf no more we all know now the price of freedom the price of war.

Freeborn children listen and see a new generation paying for you and me
Don't be so blind or so deaf to the sights and sounds Americans have left,
Let freedom scream in our ears and minds never forget those left behind.
Freeborn children stand tall and see! does the banner old glory yet wave for thee

God bless America.

This book was given to me many years ago by my son, Tom. It made a wonderful difference in the way I viewed myself.

I learned that other people, even those who are your loved ones aren't to judge you. They don't know what is in your heart or your true intentions. They can only assume. Who are they to give you stars or dots. You are special just the way you are.

Don't let others define you. Trust in yourself and in God's love. Have faith and let love and joy fill your heart.

"There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We just take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn, and they create new and curious combinations. We keep turning, making new patterns, but they are the same old pieces of glass that have been in use throughout all the years."
Mark Twain

My lovely sister, Wendy, cut her hair in support of me. She still looks very pretty. In return I told her I would post our pictures. What was I thinking?!?

In Cleveland, Ohio it's illegal to catch mice without a hunting license.

The world's termites outweigh the world's humans 10 to 1.
(You have to wonder who came up with this??? How do they know?)

In 10 minutes, a hurricane releases more energy than all the world's nuclear weapons combined.

Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim or handle of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle," is the phrase inspired by this practice.

I had the most incredible adventure when I went to Kenya. It forever changed me. I always loved to travel but after this experience an insatiable passion was released inside me. I am always anxious to go somewhere and explore. Whether it is a new neighborhood, a festival across the state or a totally new place. It doesn't matter if the adventure takes me around the block or around the world I get excited.

I used to have Australia and Greece on my want to see list. Then the top priorities became the Red Wood Trees and Mt. Rushmore. Recently I have thought about Mongolia (strange I know). I can't help but admire people who live in circumstances so very different from what I have experienced.

Years ago, many years ago when I took 3 months and traveled around the United States by car, Amtrak, plane and boat, I remember returning and my Mom saying, "I bet you will be glad to sleep in your own bed." Nope, if money were not a problem and responsibilities met, I would travel everywhere and see and experience as much as possible. I believe in life after death BUT I also believe it is our responsibility to live the life we have been blessed with before we die.

Conference calls aren't just for business anymore. I was blessed to receive one from my sons for Mother's Day. It was awesome to be able to speak to both of them at the same time despite the fact that I am here in Florida, Tom is in Texas and Jim is in West Virginia.

So many families find themselves geographically challenged these days. I think conference calling is a great solution. It can provide an opportunity for relatives spread around the globe to connect simultaneously. Whether everyone wants to celebrate a special occassion, discuss details of a reunion or simply to share a few moments together that is more personal than exchanging e-mails.

Time for us to take a tip from the corporate world and use it to enhance our personal relationships. Remember Father's Day is fast approaching.

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on,
Pooped on,
Chewed on,
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put that little one down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

To all the Mothers everywhere around the world, I hope you enjoy a wonderful Mother's Day.

Tomorrow moring I begin yet another adventure. It probably can't be described as filled with traditional FUN but I am confident it will be:

"F"antastic in its own way,

"U"nique

"N"ecessary

Thankfully I believe none of us goes on our life adventures alone.

"The God who made the firmament,
Who made the deepest sea,
The God who put the stars in place
Is the God who cares for me."
Berg

Because God cares about us, we can leave our cares with Him. We don't need to travel to the Land of Oz like the Cowardly Lion to find courage. We are blessed to have it within us.

I hope you have a marvelous Monday and wonderful week.

Dear Judy,
Here is your horoscope for
Saturday, May 2:

Your health is much on your mind right now -- maybe for good reason! The good news (and it is quite good) is that now is the perfect time to do something positive for your health -- it should work wonders!

"Money is like manure - good only when spread around."
Carl Sandburg

"If you need encouragement, praise, pats on the back from everybody, then you make everybody your judge."
Fritz Perls

A man asked the famous psychiatrist, Dr. Carl Menninger, "What would you advise a person to do if he felt a nervous breakdown coming on?" Most people expected him to reply, "Consult a psychiatrist." To their astonishment he replied, "Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, find someone in need and do something to help that person."

"There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy."
Robert Louis Stevenson