tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36989457373072833212024-03-08T06:14:43.796+01:00Thoughts and dreams of a Lucky StrugglerHello, welcome to my blog. This is not a diary - I'm not good at keeping a diary - but whenever I find something I think is worth sharing I will share it with you here. <br>The name I use to sign my messages matches the title of this blog. <br>If you change your mind and prefer to <a href="http://www.ilona-online.nl/index.htm">return home</a> have a safe trip and a relaxing and refreshing time. But wherever you are, enjoy your stay.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-91689334053386707692014-12-06T20:58:00.001+01:002014-12-06T20:58:55.229+01:00Mooie uitspraak"Moed mag geen overmoed worden;
<br>beleid mag geen besluiteloosheid worden;
<br>trouw mag geen verknochtheid worden aan de veiligheid van
<br>gebaande paden."
<br>Koning Willem-AlexanderUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-50566803700229362932012-04-08T22:44:00.000+02:002012-04-08T22:45:04.069+02:00Just what I wanted to knowOn the bus, on my way to a friend, I meet a man who starts to ask me questions about <br>"life as a blind person": how do I know when to get off, how do I cook, how do I read <br>email or surf the web?<br>I must admit I had hoped for a quiet journey, no conversations, some time to read.<br>This man's eagerness to learn, to investigate new things, the way he asks his <br>questions and can barely stand to wait for my answers - he'd take the words from my <br>mouth if he could :) - makes me think of my cousin. A happy thought.<br>His young, boyish voice and the words he uses and a thing or two he mentions about <br>his life remind me of a man I met years ago, a few times on the bus going to work.<br>While we're waiting for our next bus my curiosity gets the better of me.<br>Shall I just ask if he's Rick or is that a breach of privacy?<br>I ask him if he has, or had, anything to do with our local radio station.<br>He says no, "my boss wouldn't like it very much if I did".<br>He does work for a radio station though, a big one.<br>Hmmmm, interesting he has things in common with Rick - and his voice too if I <br>remember correctly.<br>His phone rings. He answers and says his first name. A different name; he's not Rick.<br>Funny, if I had waited five minutes longer he would have answered my question without <br>my asking.<p>Later at my friend's house while he is making coffee I contemplate whether or not I <br>will tell him about the call the other day. An AT company called me but did not leave <br>a message. I'm curious of course but decided to call back only if they call again. <br>But I'm curious... Is it interesting enough to tell my friend if I don't even know <br>why they called? Perhaps he has an idea why they called...<br>My friend appears in the doorway.<br>"I got a call from (name of the same AT company)," he says.<br>"Really? So did I! But I don't know why they called. Didn't leave a message."<br>"They're conducting a survey among their customers."<br>Funny how he starts to talk about something I'm thinking about and answers my <br>question.<br>Funny how twice this evening I had a question in my head that was - or would have <br>been - answered before I asked.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-41930598315651307032011-08-15T11:31:00.001+02:002011-08-15T11:31:27.964+02:00The green thing (author: Bill)The Green Thing<p>In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that <br>she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags <br>weren't good for the environment.<p>The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the <br>green thing back in my day."<br>The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation <br>did not care enough to save our environment."<p>He was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its <br>day.<p>Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer <br>bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be <br>washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same <br>bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.<p>But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.<p>We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every <br>store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and <br>didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to <br>go two blocks.<p>But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.<p>Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have <br>the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy <br>gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power <br>really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from <br>their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But <br>that old lady is right; we didn't have the green thing back in <br>our day.<p>Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in <br>every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a <br>handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state <br>of Montana.<p>In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't <br>have electric machines to do everything for us.<p>When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a <br>wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic <br>bubble wrap.<p>Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to <br>cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We <br>exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to <br>run on treadmills that operate on electricity.<p>But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then.<p>We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a <br>cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water.<br>We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, <br>and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing <br>away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.<p>But we didn't have the green thing back then.<p>Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their <br>bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a <br>24-hour taxi service.<br>We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of <br>sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a <br>computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites <br>2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza <br>joint.<p>But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we <br>old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back <br>then?<p><br>BillUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-85322960218876756502011-06-16T19:11:00.000+02:002011-06-16T19:12:11.034+02:00The one(s) she lives forFor 25-year-old Celia the most important person in her life, the <br>one she lives and would die for, is Peter.<br>They met four years ago and have been living together for two <br>years.<p>For 45-year-old Celia the most important people in her life, the <br>ones she lives and would die for, are her, uhm, "our" three <br>children.<br>Yes, Peter is a wonderful husband.<p>For 80-year-old Celia life has lost its beauty and meaning since <br>Peter died. It's no secret that she'd rather join him. Her three <br>children, successful and parents themselves, try to come to terms <br>with her (mental) preparations to leave.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-38144009663121307832010-12-29T13:17:00.000+01:002010-12-29T13:13:40.483+01:00Burden or blessing?"I've had a good life," says the elderly lady, "but now many <br>friends are dead and I have cancer which makes me increasingly <br>dependent. I don't want to be a burden to my children. Doctor, <br>please assist me in euthanasia."<br>Her daughter is fighting her tears, trying to come to terms with <br>her mother's decision.<br>Later, the doctor reflects on the lady's request.<br>How come we're suddenly so afraid to be a burden to people when <br>we grow old?<br>Aren't we a "burden" to people all our lives to some extent?<br>Babies are cute but they need to be taken care of and put <br>limitations on their parents' activities. We think that's only <br>natural and actually enjoy it for the most part.<br>But apparently we've decided that when the one who needs help is <br>an elderly person they're a burden all of a sudden.<p>A friend and I discussed this topic earlier and more generally.<br>The doctor is right, we need people throughout our lives.<br>That's what it means to be a social being.<br>Very often the lives of parents revolve around their baby.<br>As children we require time, attention and money and our parents <br>will drive us to dancing classes, sports clubs, music lessons <br>etcetera.<br>As teenagers we often cause our parents to worry quite a bit.<br>As partners, parents, employers, colleagues, neighbours we expect <br>people to behave a certain way, give us their time and attention, <br>be there for us, take our wishes and needs into account. Our <br>plans may differ from the other person's plans so we are a <br>"burden" even if it's a small one.<br>Yet we do not recognise our being dependent or a burden. We don't <br>call it that.<br>We define what "give" and "take" means from an "us and them" <br>perspective.<br>That's safe, usually.<br>Some "give and takes" are considered a normal part of life; <br>society couldn't function without them.<br>Of course we take care of babies, children and teenagers!<br>Besides, they'll be productive in the future.<br>In other cases there is a mutual "give and take": you work for <br>me, I pay you.<br>If it's an occasional, one-time event, giving without getting <br>something back is acceptable too - it may actually make us feel <br>good.<br>But if one is old, chronically ill or disabled it's apparently <br>considered a long-term commitment that doesn't naturally follow <br>from being a society and doesn't constitute a direct mutual "give <br>and take" situation.<br>But what's the difference? How do we define the reward or what is <br>normal in society?<p>The simplest answer would be: money.<br>Those who are economically productive or are expected to be so in <br>the future count and are deserving of our efforts; it's an <br>investment.<br>Otherwise you're a charity, nice for the feel good factor but as <br>soon as our need to feel good is satisfied you're useless.<p>In my opinion it's too easy to blame it all on money.<br>Money means "the rich and powerful", the big companies and <br>politicians.<br>There's the "us and them" perspective again!<br>It's not our fault that people are excluded.<br>Isn't it?<br>Aren't industrial tycoons and politicians people just like <br>everyone else? They were our neighbours, our friends, our <br>relatives, our colleagues long before they rose to fame, power <br>and riches.<br>Besides, it seems to me that it's not so much being a burden on <br>the state (being dependent on money or health care from the <br>state) that bothers people the most; it's the feeling of being a <br>burden on a partner, children, neighbours, the feeling of being a <br>charity - and we all know what that means: "I'm the great <br>benefactor, you are the grateful recipient of my benevolent <br>gift". Great to be on the "I" side, much less great to be on the <br>"you" side.<br>Charity is not solely the domain of tycoons and politicians, it's <br>where we all participate, that's how we know the rules so well. <br>However good our intentions may be, however loving and <br>compassionate we may undertake our task of caring for someone, we <br>often (unconsciously and unintentionally) send the message: "you <br>are dependent, the weaker one who needs to be taken care of." We <br>may say it's understandable, not a problem, but it's still a <br>top-down approach a lot of the time where we, high above, reach <br>down to help the other person up.<br>As humans we want to be respected and appreciated, valued for who <br>we are and what we have to offer. We want to be seen as <br>essentially equal to others.<br>Charity robs us of all those things. Charities no longer belong <br>to "us" but are "demoted" to "them".<br>One would think that we (="us"), non-employers, non-politicians, <br>unflawed by money and power, should recognise the value of ALL a <br>person has to offer: love, creativity, insight, understanding, <br>patient listening, acceptance... and that shouldn't change when a <br>person grows old or becomes disabled. We're basically still the <br>same person with the same personal human gifts to share with the <br>world, the same soul, the same mind.<br>Whether one belongs to "us" or "them" they have their strengths <br>and weaknesses and we all complement each other.<br>Let's not forget that it's only a very tiny thin line between us <br>and them. Everyone will be old one day. Anyone could become ill <br>or disabled, it only takes one fateful moment.<br>And when we're there, across that supposedly well-guarded line <br>between us and them, we too still want to be respected, accepted, <br>valued, equal.<br>So let's stop thinking in terms of us and them. We can do that <br>without denying differences because basically everybody's <br>different, unique.<br>If nothing else, let the (possible or certain) reality of our <br>future inspire us to stop this "us and them" thinking.<br>Better yet, let's do it out of respect for humanity.<br>The bottom line is we all need help in some way every day whoever <br>we are.<br>If we can see that and no longer impart the message that "we <br>young / healthy ones are above you crippled / old people" we <br>might save some lives and improve the quality of many more.<p>Finally a note to "them": I learnt that some people have a strong <br>need to feel needed. They are happy if they can help and are <br>appreciated for it.<br>They may want the world to know what great deeds they're doing <br>and how much they sacrifice.<br>If the world says "wow, that's great, you are so giving!" it will <br>strengthen their sense of identity.<br>So don't think it's because you're "weak" or "needy" that they <br>"have to be there" ("us and them" thinking is such an easy trap to <br>fall into for anyone!); if you were "young & healthy" and broke <br>an arm, hurt your ankle or just had the flu you'd be just as <br>useful to them.<br>Just let them help you if it makes life easier for you, then give <br>them a sincere "thank you" and make their day!<p>#EndUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-52378737308297913502010-06-25T08:28:00.000+02:002010-06-25T08:11:48.387+02:00Senior citizens (author unknown)Note from LuckyLuctor:<br>Fortunately there are still people of all ages (from all parts of <br>the world) who believe in these values and strive to live <br>according to them (and know their national anthem too).<br>Let's cherish those values!<p>----------<br>Senior citizens are constantly being criticized for every <br>conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary.<br>We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not <br>blame others.<p>HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point out that it was <br>NOT the senior citizens who took:<p>The melody out of music,<br>The pride out of appearance,<br>The courtesy out of driving,<br>The romance out of love,<br>The commitment out of marriage,<br>The responsibility out of parenthood,<br>The togetherness out of the family,<br>The learning out of education,<br>The service out of patriotism,<br>The Golden Rule from rulers,<br>The nativity scene out of cities,<br>The civility out of behavior,<br>The refinement out of language,<br>The dedication out of employment,<br>The prudence out of spending,<br>The ambition out of achievement, or,<br>God out of government and school.<p>And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and <br>tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with <br>others!!<p>And, we do understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember <br>those who have fought and died for our country.<p>Does anyone under the age of 50 know the lyrics to the Star <br>Spangled Banner?<p>Just look at the Seniors with tears in their eyes and pride in <br>their hearts as they stand at attention with their hand over <br>their hearts!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-91311883910876560492010-05-06T14:36:00.002+02:002010-05-06T14:45:35.748+02:00Funny labels (Author unknown)This is too funny not to share. According to the email that brought this nice content to me (author unknown) those are actual label instructions on consumer goods.<br /> <br />On a Sears hairdryer -- Do not use while sleeping.<br />(That's the only time I have to work on my hair.)<br /> <br />On a bag of Fritos -- You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.<br />(the shoplifter special?)<br /> <br />On a bar of Dial soap -- "Directions: Use like regular soap."<br />(and that would be???....)<br /> <br />On some Swanson frozen dinners -- "Serving suggestion: Defrost."<br />(but, it's just a suggestion.)<br /> <br />On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom) -- "Do not turn upside down."<br />(well...duh, a bit late, huh!)<br /> <br />On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding -- "Product will be hot after heating."<br />(....and you thought????..)<br /> <br />On packaging for a Rowenta iron -- "Do not iron clothes on body."<br />(but wouldn't this save me time?)<br /> <br />On Boot's Children Cough Medicine -- "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication."<br />(We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents if we could just get those 5 year-olds with head-colds off those bulldozers.)<br /> <br />On Nytol Sleep Aid -- "Warning: May cause drowsiness."<br />(...I'm taking this because???....)<br /> <br />On most brands of Christmas lights -- "For indoor or outdoor use only."<br />(as opposed to what?)<br /> <br />On a Japanese food processor -- "Not to be used for the other use."<br />(now, somebody out there, help me on this. I'm a bit curious.)<br /> <br />On Sainsbury's peanuts -- "Warning: contains nuts."<br />(talk about a news flash)<br /> <br />On an American Airlines packet of nuts --"Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts."<br />(Step 3: say what?)<br /> <br />On a child's Superman costume -- "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."<br />(I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one.)<br /> <br />On a Swedish chainsaw -- "Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals."<br />(Oh my God..was there a lot of this happening somewhere?)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-61241129020379065342010-05-01T23:11:00.001+02:002010-05-01T23:11:24.470+02:00Break free of resentmentBreak Free of Resentment<br>by Jane Powell<p>"Life flourishes when you let go of resentment."<p>Resentment is like a parasite.<br>It feeds on you and leaves you weakened by its presence.<br>Its only purpose is to take from you - and take it will.<p>Break free and shake resentment off!<br>There's simply no room in your life for this negative energy.<br>You have so much to do and so many places to go.<br>If you let resentment get in the way you'll never reach your <br>potential.<p>Start by focusing on what you do have, not on what is lacking.<br>Stop fretting about what should have been, and concentrate on <br>what could be.<br>Forgive, forget, and move on.<p>Let go of resentment today and you'll be amazed by all the space <br>it leaves in your life for better things.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-49862826918140300832010-04-04T16:22:00.000+02:002010-04-04T16:20:32.821+02:00EmbraceI breathe deep<br>Breathe you in<br>And hope you can feel my heart<br>And all the love that's there for you<br>All for you<br>Relax, surrender<br>Soak in my love and be protected<br>From the harsh influences of life;<p>Breathe deep, breathe me in<br>Let me rest in you<br>In your wordless intensity<br>Your beautiful being.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-1722561992737965842010-03-20T15:38:00.000+01:002010-03-20T15:36:49.712+01:00I just want to thank all of youThis is definitely one of the very best forwarded e-mails I ever <br>received! No need to forward any more!<br>Be a good friend. Think before you forward a message.<br>Don't contribute to a society governed by fear; unimaginative <br>media are doing a pretty good job on that.<br>Don't be an accomplice to those whose sole objective it is to <br>play upon people's fears, guilt or greed.<br>If you really dread something bad just might happen if you don't <br>forward a particular e-mail then why would you forward it to a <br>friend and burden them with the problem?<br>Please be considerate, realistic and respectful to your friends <br>when forwarding messages. There will always be threats and <br>dangers; we'll just have to live with them - and enjoy ourselves.<br>Be careful, not fearful! Have a great day.<p>--------------------<br>>(Author unknown):<br>I just want to thank all of you for your educational e-mails over <br>the past year. I am totally screwed up now and have little chance <br>of recovery.<p>>I no longer open a public bathroom door without using a paper <br>towel or have them put lemon slices in my ice water without <br>worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel.<p>>I can't sit down on the hotel bedspread because I can only <br>imagine what has happened on it since it was last washed.<p>>I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving <br>because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking <br>one's nose (although cell phone usage may be taking the number <br>one spot).<p>>Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only <br>imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the <br>years.<p>>I can't touch any woman's purse for fear she has placed it on the <br>floor of a public bathroom.<p>>I MUST SEND MY SPECIAL THANKS to whoever sent me the one about <br>poop in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet <br>sponge with every envelope that needs sealing.<p>>ALSO, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the <br>same reason.<p>>I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl <br>(Penny Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the <br>1,387,258th time.<p>>I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I <br>receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending <br>me for participating in their special e-mail program.<p>>I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels <br>looking out for me, and St. Theresa's Novena has granted my every <br>wish.<p>>I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible <br>mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.<p>>I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell <br>like a water buffalo on a hot day.<p>>THANKS TO YOU I have learned that my prayers only get answered if <br>I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within <br>five minutes.<p>>BECAUSE OF YOUR CONCERN, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it <br>can remove toilet stains.<p>>I no longer can buy gasoline without taking someone along to <br>watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when <br>I'm pumping gas.<p>>I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper since the people who make <br>these products are atheists who refuse to put 'Under God' on <br>their cans.<p>>I no longer use Saran Wrap in the microwave because it causes <br>cancer.<p>AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW I can't boil a cup of water in the <br>microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face... <br>disfiguring me for life.<p>>I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could <br>be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.<p>>I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me <br>with a perfume sample and rob me.<p>>I no longer receive packages from UPS or Fed Ex since they are <br>actually Al Qaeda in disguise.<p>>I no longer shop at Target since they are French and don't <br>support our American troops or the Salvation Army.<p>>I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial <br>a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica, <br>Uganda, Singapore, and Uzbekistan.<p>>I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now <br>have their recipe.<p>>THANKS TO YOU I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big <br>brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me <br>instant death when it bites my butt.<p>>I can no longer drive my car because I can't buy gas from certain <br>gas companies!<p>>I can't do any gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by <br>the brown recluse and my hand will fall off.<p>>If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the <br>next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your <br>head at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon and the fleas from 12 camels <br>will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know <br>this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my <br>next door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's <br>beautician...<p>Oh, by the way.....<p>>A German scientist from Argentina, after a lengthy study, has <br>discovered that people with insufficient brain activity read <br>their e-mail with their hand on the mouse.<p>>Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-8421031273732559482009-12-01T16:11:00.000+01:002009-12-01T16:10:54.159+01:00It's Lucky Number 37 Day!!!Every day is several national and international holidays and <br>probably a few personal holidays too.<br>No wonder we're so busy!<br>I thought I should have a few personal holidays of my own.<br>Today is one of them; first anniversary this year.<br>I could have called it No Name day but that might be confusing in <br>relation to No Name's birthday on the third of July.<br>I could have called it "fall off a horse day" or "break your arm <br>day" but that probably would be frowned upon by parents and <br>medical people.<br>So it's "lucky number 37 day":<br>I live at number 37,<br>the medical center where my favourite physiotherapists are is at <br>number 37<br>and I was 37 when my favourite horse gave me a reason to visit <br>that medical center and meet those great people.<br>So in honour of heart-dwelling horses and people and interesting <br>links:<br>HAPPY LUCKY NUMBER THIRTY-SEVEN DAY EVERYONE!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-70322876248417106772009-11-21T10:04:00.000+01:002009-11-21T10:03:56.301+01:00HeartprintsWhatever our hands touch -<br>We leave fingerprints!<br>On walls, on furniture<br>On doorknobs, dishes, books.<br>There's no escape.<br>As we touch we leave our identity.<br>Oh God, wherever I go today<br>Help me leave heartprints!<br>Heartprints of compassion<br>Of understanding and love.<br>Heartprints of kindness<br>And genuine concern.<br>May my heart touch a lonely neighbor<br>Or a runaway daughter<br>Or an anxious mother<br>Or perhaps an aged grandfather.<br>Lord, send me out today<br>To leave heartprints.<br>And if someone should say,<br>"I felt your touch,"<br>May that one sense YOUR LOVE<br>Touching through ME.<br>(Author unknown)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-28220389620437130062009-11-16T18:02:00.002+01:002009-11-19T12:10:52.348+01:00Mindful"Great minds discuss ideas,<br />average minds discuss events,<br />small minds discuss people."<br />(Admiral Hyman Rickover)<br />Wow, so we actually have THREE minds!<br />Next time I feel I'm losing my mind I'll be wondering which one I'm losing<br />but I'll still have two minds left!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-45822439807793538192009-11-11T23:56:00.001+01:002009-11-19T12:30:55.614+01:00To M.Your name will never sound the same again<br />Because now it is you; you gave it identity,<br />Added your warmth and love to it<br />And at its heart lies your beautiful sense of wonder<br />That touches our souls with the promise<br />Of countless possibilities, opportunities<br />To encounter the beauty that emerges<br />Or the joke that pops up<br />Out of (what appears to be) the daily grind<br />If only we receive,<br />Not bound by our own expectations<br />Which so easily lead to disappointment and criticism<br />But open and anticipating, letting it surprise us;<br />With our hearts and our senses wide open<br />So we won't miss a precious moment.<br />That sense of wonder radiates a life so contagious,<br />It makes our souls come alive<br />When we share in its joyful excitement.<br />So stay true to yourself;<br />Please don't ever lose yourself!<br />May nothing ever dim the light within you;<br />And if you find a weakness in yourself<br />Or someone points it out to you<br />Don't EVER allow anyone to convince you,<br />Least of all yourself,<br />That your weakness is more important than your strengths;<br />Your gift to this world is a rare and precious one.<br />May you find true comfort when you're sad<br />And a way out of any trouble.<br />I wish you love and happiness;<br />I hope and pray that your wondering soul<br />Will be well preserved forever.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-88031171640647933292009-10-20T15:24:00.001+02:002009-11-19T12:21:15.610+01:00The truth about liesThese are beautiful lyrics (based on what I found on <a href="http://www.sing365.com">sing365</a>) by Evanescence from the songs "lies" and "lies (remix)".<br>THIS IS SO TRUE (and so hard to remember)!<p><br>Bound at every limb by my shackles of fear<br>Sealed with lies through so many tears<br>Lost from within and pursuing the end<br>I fight for the chance to be lied to again<p>You will never be strong enough<br>You will never be good enough<br>You were never conceived in love<br>You will not rise above<p>They'll never see<br>I'll never be<br>I struggle on and on to feed this hunger<br>Burning deep inside of me<p>But through my tears breaks a blinding light<br>Birthing a dawn to this endless night<br>Arms outstretched, awaiting me<br>An open embrace upon a bleeding tree<p>Rest in me and I'll comfort you<br>I have lived and I died for you<br>Abide in me and I vow to you<br>I will never forsake you<p>They'll never see<br>I'll never be<br>I struggle on and on to feed this hunger<br>Burning deep inside of me<p>Rest in me and I'll comfort you<br>I have lived yet died for you<br>Abide in me and I vow to you<br>I will never forsake you<p>They'll never see<br>I'll never be<br>I struggle on and on to feed this hunger<br>Burning deep inside of me<p><p>Bind my limbs with fear<br>Choke me with tears<br>I won't die for you<p>You've been here before<br>And come back for more<br>But not this time<p>You will never be strong enough<br>You will never be good enough<br>You were never conceived in love<br>You will not rise above<p>Somebody tell me what made us all believe you<br>I should have known all along it was all a lie<br>(Should have known it was all a lie)<p>Now I know the truth<br>I'm through fearing you<br>And I am free<p>You will never be strong enough<br>You will never be good enough<br>You were never conceived in love<br>You will not rise above<p>Somebody tell me what made us all believe you<br>I should have known all along it was all a lie<br>(Should have known it was all a lie)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-50948219759270080122009-08-18T12:46:00.001+02:002009-11-19T12:54:30.240+01:00Cute!Last Saturday I was at a party. Among the dozens of guests were my almost eight-year-old nephew and a little girl of two-and-a-half. Let's call her Angie for the sake of privacy; her mother calls her princess sometimes. Because playing with a much younger child beats conversing with grown-ups my nephew entertained the little girl. He learnt what her name was and did call her Angie a few times but by the end of the evening, when he found her again for some game, we heard him say: "come, princess!"<br>Children can be so cute!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-57520756225270970482009-08-16T16:47:00.002+02:002009-11-19T12:42:52.014+01:00The magpie and the mysterious burning balloonSometimes it takes a good friend to help me understand what's <br>really going on in my life. Thanks Mark!<p>A little over a week ago three strange things happened.<br>First, on Thursday evening we were out in the garden enjoying the nice weather when suddenly the serene Summer evening was disrupted by lots of sirens: fire trucks, a police car and an ambulance. The sirens went on and on and on and it sounded like the fire trucks were driving around in circles. We thought some factory producing chemicals had exploded or something but Friday's newspaper revealed that all those firemen and policemen were in search of a burning balloon that was reported to have crashed. It wasn't the balloonist who had made an emergency call but rather someone living in the area who thought they'd seen a burning balloon pass by and suddenly disappear. We'd seen two balloons shortly before but they weren't burning. After searching for about 1.5 hours the firemen and policemen gave up. No balloon was found or officially reported missing, nobody knows what really happened.<p>Then on Saturday as mum was writing a birthday card, back door open to let the Summer breeze freshen up the house, she heard the flapping of wings. Thinking it was a bird that just landed on the wall between our neighbour's garden and ours she looked up and saw a magpie in our kitchen on the counter! We're not interested in such pets so she chased it off.<p>On Sunday I was talking on Skype when mum came into the room to warn me that two teenage guys were standing in front of our house, looking up at my room (or the neighbour's) and typing something into their mobile phones. She asked if it was possible for them to hack into my phone or my computer. She made very sure the guys knew she was watching them and after a while they disappeared.<p>To me those were three separate, remarkable events but Mark made me see how they were connected: the magpie knew where the burning balloon had ended up and came to tell us so we could sell the story and photographs and be famous and rich but, as many animals these days, it was fitted with a transmitter and those two guys, being on a treasure hunt, knowing the magpie had entered our house and thinking it was still there, in the attic somewhere, were trying to pick up the transmitter's signal on their mobile phones.<br>I would never have thought of that!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-6905760465017981682009-08-14T20:41:00.001+02:002009-11-19T13:00:55.148+01:00Keep love aliveBecause of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.<br>(Matthew 24:12-13)<p><br>Good thing to remember (for me too!): the harder it is to love the more the world needs it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-46656910128225921002009-08-06T18:36:00.001+02:002009-11-19T12:58:22.520+01:00Number funThere's a logic to this apparently but most of all it's fun.<br>I never realised this until someone pointed it out recently.<br>Let's say you were born in 1970. Your mother was born in 1945 and your father in 1940.<br>When you are 40, your dad will be 70<br>and when you are 45 your mother will be 70.<br>This works for all years of birth within a century, ,01 through ,99.<br>Once you cross the ,00 border the age of the older person is the year of birth of the younger person (last two digits) plus 100.<br>Example: you were born in 1975 and your child was born in 2002. <br>When your child is 75 you will be 102.<br>Funny, isn't it?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698945737307283321.post-69025720836395025032009-08-03T21:53:00.002+02:002009-08-03T22:09:45.042+02:00Watch your thoughtsWatch your thoughts<br>For they become words.<br>Watch your words<br>For they become actions.<br>Watch your actions<br>For they become habits.<br>Watch your habits<br>For they become character.<br>Watch your character<br>For it becomes your destiny.<br>(Author unknown - if you know who the author is, please let me know)<p><br>On <a href="http://wisdomology.com/quote/view_entry/100">Wisdomology</a>, Heatherhedyjon wrote in response to this:<br>"I need to remember to watch myself more than I watch others."<br>So do I.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0