All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother. ~Abraham Lincoln I lost mine this morning.... she peacefully went to sleep... She is in a far better place now... with others I love.

The Forgotten Ones???

       a Paul Bates sunrise

 I sat beside my mother's bed as she slept, watching the man sitting in his
wheelchair out in the hallway.  His head was slumped over, as he was sleeping
 as well.  I couldn't help but wonder about him.  He looked like a nice person. 
What had his life's work been?  Did he have a family... what happy memories
mingled in his thoughts?  I hoped there were many.  Nurses and aides passed
by him without a glance.  How I prayed he had family who came to visit him. 
Many times I would walk down the hall to stretch my legs and see bedridden
patients lying in their bed for hours in the same position.  Had they been
changed... talked to.... touched... comforted?  I know I had often changed Mama
myself when no one would come in. My sister and brother-in-law one would
always be there at lunch to help her eat when I was not visiting.  They have done
this everyday for months with so much love.  What did these other people do? 
Were they just forgotten?  Did they only have love in their memories?

     Nursing Homes, I am sure are understaffed as are many hospitals, but
I know first hand from nursing how big of a difference a nurse who cares
makes even when she is over worked and can not do everything she wants
to get done.  It is not like there is a lot of money to be made working in a
Nursing Home so it seems like to me if you get a job there it should be
because you care and want to help.  A touch or some kind words are just as
important as the changing and feeding... We all need these things.

     I am so thankful Mama is home now... surrounded by familiar things.  She
has people who love her and care for her.  She came home on Hospice this
week. Her baby, Sassy (her little poodle) lays right by her side...
you should see the smile this makes.  I took a Family Medical Leave to
come help care for her here in Florida.  I am so happy to be with her.

     In the time she sleeps, I have a lot of time for thinking.  The wonderful
people in my life (and who have been in my life) have come to mind every
day.  Many of those thoughts are of my friends on line. Those I have meant
in person and those I would love to meet.

     This is a big reminder what life is all about.  It is all about love
(those we love and who love us) and caring (caring about others
and them caring about us).

Love is what God blessed us with... 
We need to reach out, embrace and share this love....

I just finished watching the movie "Invictus"....... What a truly inspiring attitude Mandela had - a lesson for us all. What an amazing event in History this was. A great movie to portray the whole story. I truly hope if you haven't seen it... you will.

Just to share....

 
Claude Monet painted "Cliff Walk at Pourville" in 1885





Was looking up the correct title and author of a book this morning and came across this video of the author  speaking.... I immediately thought of all my friend Cherie and our other creative friends here who are such good writers, singers, photographers, artist....  and wanted to share it.  Yes. the video is a little over 19 minutes so I realize it would take someone very serious in their creative genius to take the time to listen.... and someone very interested in their creative genus is just the reason I posted it...  If just one creative person (writer, singer, artist, etc.) reads and takes something with them, I will be happy.
To anyone who has stopped... "Good Day"  I hope the day is or has been a pleasant one for you!





"EAT LOVE PRAY" by Elizabeth Gilbert

Here is her talk on "Creativity" at the 2009 TED Conference:
(for those who can't see the video, please copy and paste the link below - Thanks, Amalie)
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html

My Mother always made our Birthdays special.... It looks like you all have taken over where she left off. It is a nice day... I feel surrounded by loving friends and family! I want to visit each one of you and let you know how much your wishes mean to me.... and will do just that... BUT... It is my week and weekend to work... so I will be coming around Monday and Tuesday. Want to wish all you a wonderful weekend (A great 4th for all those in the United States)... Just please enjoy!!!

Once Again...

One step in the door and it was like being home.  Had I not known these people all my life????  Sure seemed like I have.

This comes as no surprise to many of you I am sure.  You have traveled distances to meet your on line friends to find with the first smile, the first great hug, this was not a new friend but a friend whom you had already given a large part of your heart.  It seems like this continues to happen with each friend I meet in person.  They are special on line. When you meet you find they are even more special.  I find myself so comfortable... it seems as though we have been together for years and it is very easy to talk with them (a few might wish I weren't as comfortable and wouldn't talk quite as much)   It is great to listen too... to hear their voice and to learn even more about them.

It has been noticed, I am sure.... these people are here for you in times of stress and sorrow as well as happy and fun times.  Here.... ready to love and let you know you are not alone.  They can bring a smile to your heart and laughter to your lips when you think you have neither left in you.
If you had told me  some years back I would have a family spread all over the world... I might have thought you were somewhat delusional.  What little I knew!

How I pray I can be the kind of friend to each of you others have been to me here.

We have a great Multiply Family... My Family here is starting to see the love and wonder of my Multiply Family.  (There was a time when they thought anyone you met from the internet only had mugging or murder on their mind in person).

Could anyone ask for more???  I don't think so....  I think you all are the greatest...  It makes me happy to see you interact lovingly with each other.... to laugh freely... to bring out the best in each other.   The feeling which the love and friendship brings is indescribable.
Each of you have been so kind to me even when I hid out... thank you and after spending the last weekend with several of our Multiply Family.... I came away feeling more sure of how blessed we all are to have each other.  How I love you and pray for much love and happiness for each of you...  Thank you for being there and thanks for being you!!!

A Very Human Thing To Do

A VERY HUMAN THING TO DO

Someone made the statement: "To err is dysfunctional, to forgive
co-dependent." Sometimes I think I operate that way - afraid to err
and slow to forgive.

Of course, we've all heard Alexander Pope's famous assertion that to
err is human, to forgive, divine. But I don't agree. I think that to
forgive is one of the most human things we can do.

A number of years ago, Hildegard Goss-Mayr of the "International
Fellowship of Reconciliation" told this true story. In the midst of
tragic fighting in Lebanon in the 1970s, a Christian seminary
student was walking from one village to the next when he was
ambushed by an armed Druze guerrilla fighter. The Druze ordered his
captive down a mountain trail where he was to be shot.

But an amazing thing happened. The seminarian, who had received
military training, was able to surprise his captor and disarm him.
Now, the table was turned, and it was the Druze who was ordered down
the trail.

As they walked, however, the student of theology began to reflect on
what was happening. Recalling the words of his scripture, "Love your
enemies," "do good to those who hate you," "turn the other cheek,"
he found he could go no farther. He threw the gun into the bushes,
told the Druze he was free to go and turned back up the hill.

Minutes later, he heard footsteps running behind him as he walked.
"Is this the end after all?" he wondered. Perhaps the young man had
retrieved his weapon and meant to finish him off. But he continued
on, never glancing back, until his enemy reached him, only to grab
him in an embrace and pour out thanks for sparing his life.

That was a very human thing he did - foregoing the impulse to strike
back. It took a strong spirit. Yet every time we decide not to get
back at somebody who hurts us, we exercise one of our greatest
powers - the power to choose a better way.

Somebody else put it better than I can: "Life is too short for drama
and petty things, so, kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and
forgive quickly." It's one of the most powerful and human things to
do.

  ~Steve Goodier
~Your Life Support

PICTURE PERFECT FRIDAY ~ OVER MY HEAD

 

 

 

 PICTURE PERFECT FRIDAY

 

For info on posting or to see other post follow the link below:

Your Host This Week Is:

Gator

and the theme he has chosen is:

Over My Head

 

 

 

Schrodinger's Cat...

Don't know...Is he alive or is he dead

??????????

Quantum Physics/Mechanics is just way

OVER MY HEAD

Got this from Cherie who got it from Angela who got it from Cynde....

List 10 things you have always wanted to say to 10 different people on Multiply. Do not admit to anyone who the things pertain to. Feel free to comment, but do not confirm or answer who people think you are talking about. Ok, so here is my list…the things I would say to 10 different people on my contact list….




1.  So many things I admire about you... but putting good looks, talent, faith on the
     back burner    (I know you shouldn't do that with faith)... your heart is amazing..
     and I think I love it the best.  You are loved by so many who truly count!

 2.  I know that happiness belongs to you as you spread so much of it around.
      You are so busy and bubbly...  bouncing around Multiply making others smile
       and bringing joy to their world,... I think you will take the love from the past into
       your future and it will be full of happiness and love.

 3.  You are a lovely Lady.... beautiful both inside and out! One I would love to spend
       some time with... there is no doubt in my mind you could turn any house into a warm
       loving home!

 4.  You are the special one... to so many... you are always there for them... with an ear... with a 
       smile.  I know I am not alone when I say I love you.... one of these days we will meet and I
       have a hug with your name on it!

 5.  You have a gift that I wanted all my life... and what a blessing it is to all of us you share it
       with us (not nearly enough... lol .... okay, we get a little greedy but how wonderful it is). 
        And I am sure others know... as I have found out that you have a heart as large as that
        talent!  (Don't worry... I haven't let lack of talent stop me... I still do it in the car, the shower,
        and behind the lawn mower..... yes, have less neighbors then I use too)

 6.  What an amazing and beautiful woman you are....  The very first time I came to your
       page... I liked you... knew you were a special person.  What a wonderful family... what
       a beautiful and neat world you live in... I am so glad we connected and hope we always
       are... and even with the distance I hope one day we meet in person!

 7.  Your happiness is so well deserved! I am so glad you have shared it... it is so wonderful
      to hear!  You are a talented and wonderful woman... he is a lucky man... lol... okay...
      you are a lucky woman too.  Much happiness to you both always!

 8.  You don't even know it but you have made me smile over the last few months... you are a
       mess... so funny.... and yet so kind....  Sometimes I don't think you want others to know you
       are a big teddy bear!

 9.  If I were to be stranded on an Island, in the desert, anywhere... I would want the two of you
      there ..... always... you are the dearest and the best people and I have no doubt we will
      always be friends!

10.  We don't know each other very well.... okay...not really at all but you are in my prayers and
        thoughts so much.  The thing I want you most to know is you are never alone.

I want more numbers!!!!  I am not through talking yet.... lol....
too many special people ... not enough room.

PICTURE PERFECT FRIDAY ~ ONCE IN A BLUE MOON

WELCOME

TO

 PICTURE PERFECT

 Each week a new theme will be posted here on Friday morning.

You are invited to put up your best picture on your own blog with that theme in mind.

 You do have the whole weekend to post your picture, so there is no rush.

 Remember it should be just ONE and ORIGINAL, taken by YOU, and not off the internet.

 Then come back and leave a comment on this page in the comment box so that everyone can link to your blog and see your photo.

Don't forget to OPEN your page to EVERYONE for that day.

By all means mention your camera and lens used, and if the picture has been altered or enhanced in any way, so we can all learn and improve our techniques.

Try and post a decent size picture on your blog page for an increased WOW factor. Often so much is lost or distorted if the size is too big or too small.

 Remember this is NOT a competition, this is about being creative, having fun, and being supportive of one another.

Out of the box thinking is encouraged.

Your Host This Week Is

LindaO

and the theme this week is

Once in a Blue Moon

(something that happens rarely or something you see or do rarely)

Once in a Blue Moon
you meet somebody
who is delightfully intelligent
and so very kind,
with a great sense of humor
and a wonderful smile.
They brighten your life
and touch your heart,
like you never thought possible.

Thank goodness for Blue Moons!

* The back ground picture I took in Monterey
   this Jan. with John's Kodak camera (Z612).
   The picture of John was taken in Nov. 2008
   as we were on a road trip to Northern CA.
   John was driving and I snapped this picture
   with my Kodak camera(Z740).  When I layered
   the pictures, I flipped the picture of John so the
   bird wouldn't be in his face. The layering was
   done in GIMP.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Looking forward to seeing
your Blue Moons!

"We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about." - Charles Kingsley

A BETTER WAY TO LIVE...

Many know how I enjoy "Your Life Support" and How I like to share them....
I read this one and immediately felt the need to post it...
We are all special in our own way and we need to recognize it and celebrate it.  
So many special people here on Multiply...
Am so proud to know you and I've missed you...
I hope this is a step toward finding my way back to you.

Did you know...?

That Joan of Arc was only seventeen when she was riding at the head
of the army that liberated France from the English?

That church reformer John Calvin was twenty-six when he published
his "Institutes" ?

That poet John Keats died when he was twenty-six?

That Shelley was thirty when he was drowned, but not before he left
English literature his classic "Odes"?

That Sir Isaac Newton had largely discovered the working of the law
of gravitation when he was twenty-three?

That Henry Clay, the "great compromiser, " was sent to the United
States Senate at twenty-nine and was Speaker of the House of
Representatives at thirty-four?

That Raphael painted his most important pictures between twenty-five
and thirty?

That Mozart only lived to be thirty-five years old?

Maybe I'm just a late bloomer.

When I was a young man I wanted to make things happen. After a few
years I realized I would have to content myself with watching most
things happen.

Unfortunately, these days I usually have no idea what is happening.

Of course, most of us will never paint a masterpiece, write a
classic or discover an important scientific principle. But why
should we? We're each cut from a unique pattern.

Dick Van Dyke once told the story of a woman taking her nephew to
her Catholic church. She whispered to him as they approached the
pew: "Can you genuflect?"

"No," he said, "but I can somersault!"

I wonder if he showed her.right then and there. I can almost see him
rolling down the aisle in a joyous celebration of the thing he CAN
do, with no regard for genuflecting. the thing he cannot do.

Some people waste lives obsessing on that thing they cannot do,
wishing they were more competent. And some measure the value of
their abilities against those of others, wishing they could
contribute in a bigger and better way.

You and I may never be a Mozart, a Raphael or a John Keats. But
there are things you CAN do to bring beauty or joy or happiness to
your world. Find them. Do them. Celebrate them. Rejoice in them.

I can hardly think of a better way to live.

From "Your Life Support"
~ Steve Goodier

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHERIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another year gone by and I am not there! 

(Well there once again in heart and Spirit.)

I'm getting pretty good at re-posting last years Birthday Celebrations but

once again I think it covers our Cherie pretty good....

Only maybe now, she is even more loving, giving, younger looking and

if possible that smile has gotten even prettier!

And of course, she is even more fun.

I'm so proud to call her my Best Friend!

To Dance in the rain with her...

Follow the link below..

I still feel you'll be glad you did!

And now the feelings from last year that are carried over!

Yes, today is Cherie's Birthday.... After spending last year with her on her Birthday, I had decided that I was going to make sure that I was there for every Birthday after that...

 (Best laid plans...)  But I am there in heart and spirit!!!!

Seems as though we have our own little community going here on Multiply and the beauty of it is that miles don't matter (well, until you want to get a real hug from your friend again.)  Anyone that is blessed enough to know Cherie knows everything I am about to tell you... and anyone that doesn't know her needs to drop by and wish her Happy Birthday and get her in your life... it will be a day that you will always be thankful for!!!!  I know!!!!

(Link to Cherie below)

 

serendipitydreams

 

So much to say about our Cherie....

 

She is such a good writer... but she is much more than a writer...

 

 

She is beautiful BUT she is much more than that!

 

 

She is a wonderful mother and grandmother......

    ( I know she looks too young!)

 

 

She is loving & kind!!!

 

 

She is so much fun and full of life and adventure!!!

 

 

She is the BEST FRIEND anyone could ask for!!!!

I could go on and on...

and still not cover how beautiful, kind, smart or loving she is....

Just please join me in wishing Cherie a very Happy Birthday!!!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHERIE....

MAY THIS YEAR BE YOUR BEST YEAR YET!!!

AND MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE!!!

Judi's Message to you...

I received this email yesterday from John's sister and best friend Judi:

Would you please tell John's friends on Facebook and Multiply (and other places he might have) what their messages have meet to me and my mom. I don't have the words to thank them all and tell them how sorry I'm for their loss too.


IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY BROTHER AND BEST PAL


REMEMBER HIM AS THE WAY HE WAS NOT AS HE IS TODAY.

REMEMBER HIM AS THE MAN WHO LOVED THE OUTDOORS AND NATURE AT HER BEST.

REMEMBER HIS SPIRIT AS A FREE FLOWING RIVER, A WIND THROUGH TIME OVER THE HILLS HE LOVED TO EXPLORE.

WE ALL LOSE EACH OTHER BUT NOT IN OUR MEMORIES AND HEARTS.

REMEMBER HIM AS ONE WHO LOVED YOU ALL IN ALL THE IMPORTANT WAYS.

REMEMBER HIM WITH A SMILE AND DO NOT GRIEVE TOO LONG
FOR HE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU.

JUDI OLIVERIA 2/6/10

TO ALL OF YOU WHO CARED ENOUGH TO WRITE ON MY BROTHERS WALL AND SPACE

MUCH LOVE AND APPRECIATION
MAY YOU ALL BE SAFE AND WELL
JOHN'S SISTER JUDI

Happy Birthday to our Gator!

It's rolled around again....

Our Gator is another year young!!!!

And just where might we find him????

Well you might find him in the swamp....


He may be sitting at his computer...






We know for a fact from the past...
Where ever you have been able to find him...

There were friends around him...
 because our Gator is loved!





These days it is no different....
You will find him hanging out with friends,

Or trying to rescue them...

Lots of friends around him...
some bring music to his life...

Some look pretty and smile...
(They write good too!)

Others are good guys like our gator...
(and are on their way to playing a mean guitar).
And nearly just as cute...
even when you can't figure out what they are up too.

Each of us are so proud to be his friend!!

And where you find Gator & Friends....
You find cameras!!!!
Because no one shares their knowledge
and expertize with a camera like our Gator!!!

Gary,
It is an honor to call you friend and
wish you a very Happy Birthday!!!
For you are a treasure more precious than gold.
Thank you for being my friend!

Happy Birthday, John.. With loving Memories

  This picture which was done for Image & Words describes best how I feel about John. I don't need to tell anyone how giving, kind, humorous, intelligent and loving he was... each one of you know.     
         When the light is dimming, and vision blurred, When the end is near, and close at hand, What is most precious to us in all we possess Becomes crystal clear.   ~ JohnO Thursday, August 7, 2008 9:04:36           A picture I loved of John's and one I know he was pleased with. One of his favorite places... I am so blessed to have sat with John in here....  moments I will forever remember.

    Today being his birthday, I am re-posting his last years birthday blog... I think it pretty well describes John, our Penguin... affectionately called Pengy by some.      
 

Not sure how polite it is to post ones exact age... but I did learn this interesting fact that I am sure it is okay to share:

The Emperor Penguin is the largest known species...and they are about 3'7" tall, so I was having a hard time with our penguin being almost 6 feet tall.. till I read that "Some prehistoric species reached enormous sizes, becoming as tall or as heavy as an adult human... " which might help in explaining the age and height of our penguin.

To know our penguin is to love him!  

Most penguins feed on krill, fish, squid, and other forms of sea life caught while swimming underwater.  They spend about half of their life on land and half in the ocean.  Our penguin spends more time on land than usual as we all know his favorite food is chocolate!!! 

Frannie's Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies made just for our penguin are one of the finest chocolates to eat ... There are a lot of squirrels in Atlanta that can testify to that!!!!

The average day in the life of a penguin is filled with adventure and drama, as they struggle to live and thrive in a challenging environment and changing climate.  We all know our penguin is a busy penguin!                                            

Yes, that's our Penguin running for the post office with yet another package for a friend... the perfect smile maker... and he knows how to make us all smile!

He finds the time to write and share with us.......   so much knowledge.. so much fun... so much beauty..........  You only have to go through his blogs to understand why so many love going back over and over again...   You will find the nicest people there... and will have the best time.  He calls it "Mumblings From a Padded Cell" and what a great penguin to be locked up with!

The Penguin loves to read and has a thirst for knowledge! 

Antarctic Dreams........ and he has a few of his own.... which I know include his  friends, travel and exploring a few caves. 

And something we all know!  The Penguin is the best friend.  He will go to all lengths to help you as he did for Cherie in the case of her missing Boobies... he did not stop the search until he knew they were safe in Gator's hands!!!  And has continued to check on them from time to time...  What a penguin!!! I am sure everyone agrees they are looking good!

He makes time for fine music and so often shares his rare finds with us!

Don't tell this penguin it can't be done, he just might be the bird that can do it!!!

The penguin is happiest in time spent with friends...

  Our Gator, our Penguin and our Cavey     Happy Happy Birthday, JohnOh,  I wish you love, health and happiness for this year and all your years to come! (As much happiness as you spread May you get that and more!!!)   Please join me in wishing JohnOh a Happy Birthday!!!! And letting him know that we sure love having him around here as part of our Multiply Family!!! But First.. If you haven't already... Please check out Gator's Birthday Party for the Penguin!!!! This is the link to the Gator's Party for The Penguin Click here to get to The Penguin      

 

*A big thanks to the Gator for his help

with the chocolate ice cream Penguin,

the running with package Penguin. And

The Three Amigos group!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A big thank you and Hug to Gator for all the hard work, time and love he has put into this birthday celebration of John's Life.

Link to Gators Tribute

"Johns Online Memorial and Remembering His Birthday"

John... so loved and missed by so many...

How Blessed we were to have him in our lives...

Now we shall carry him always in our hearts.