Is it time to get up yet?

The New Year is upon us and Chinese New Year is but a short week away. Year of the Dog, but more on that to come.

What have you done so far to set yourself above and beyond? It's not too late. The New Years gym enthusiasts are just getting warmed up so you aren't out of it, yet.

Better hurray, the blessings are in short supply. Time to sow so you can reap the harvest.

What better time to take yourself by the collar and give yourself a swift kick in the rear. Time is a wasting and they're out there waiting for you which reminds me that I need to run also. So,...

Tipping over wheelchairs...

It's New Years eve and what's you're M.O., not for tonight but for the new year?

Are you going to make it one of the best years of your life or are you going to take the back seat?

Here's your chance to redeem yourself or pat yourself on the back for a job well done! Nonetheless, we all have our work cut out for us. Which direction you take is entirely up to you. Like they say, "if it is to be, it is up to me".

Personally, I'm going to enrich my life by spending more quality time with my loved ones, increasing my knowledge in my business through advanced education, exercising more intelligently, playing harder, concentrating more on my spiritual growth, and become a better friend to all whom I come in contact.

I'm going for it like there's no tomorrow for who knows how much time one has to accomplish in this lifetime.

Be safe, be good, have fun and be a shining example of a human being...

Twinkle twinkle little star...

Christmas is here once again and all the shopping, decorations, festivities and frustrations begin again. I know this in not a joyous time for all nor it celebrated by all either. No matter, as this special time holds yet a message common to all.

Like what and who cares? You should but that's not necessarilly a good reason either. For whatever reason, this is a good time to reflect upon where we've been and where we're going and with whom.

It's a time to be with friends and share, put aside squabbles and ill feelings, and be one together. It's like "ah shucks", why not. You know, tomorrow is never promised, yesterday is history and tomorrow is a gift.

Time to uplift and bring everyone with us, tote the line, and lend a helping hand. Never know when you might be on that other end of the line. I say, better be safe and help others so that a little blessings might come our way.

Makes no difference what ethnicity, sex, age, nor disposition. Time to make things better and lend a helping hand, for we definitely lack there. Try it, you'll feel a whole lot better. What do you have to lose except some excess karma?

Have a great and special holiday season...

I knew there was a catch Wilma...

Ever wonder why things are happening, good or bad? Some say it's karma, some say it's bad or good luck.

I truly believe it's all of the above but we do have some say so in the matter. Our destiny is laid out for us, at least somewhat. Otherwise, we might as well just sit back and let what happens occur, right?

We have the ability to alter our destiny as the saying goes, "It's all in your hands". We can do pretty much anything we want but we are going to be held accountable.

So with that in mind, go out and do your thing but be mindful of possible repercussions, good and bad. I do believe that what you reap you sow and things come back one thousand-fold!

Oh my, so much responsibility. I wish I were a little kid again where you just eat, sleep, play and whine. Those were the days my friend.

Make it a great day...

Who, what, where, when, how...

Why are we here? What function do we serve? Why does misdirection and distraction abound?

Perhaps Thanksgiving is a stop on the road of life, a holiday, or whatever you want to call it. A time to stop to smell the roses and take responsibility for those past deeds. I truly believe it is a time to take stock on what's around the next corner.

Some of us wonder how we even got here period. It's like blinking your eyes and "bingo", it's Thanksgiving once again. What does all this mean? Got me...It's up to you to figure out.

Each of us has an intrinsic reason for being, a task or tasks to perform. Many of us have yet to identify that and others are well on their way. Life is much too short to put off to tomorrow. How do you know if indeed there is a tomorow for you? Why not take the opportunity to do something now?

Ever been to the hospital and visited someone who's life was quickly coming to an end? It is a very humbling experience. If you were in that person's place, what would you do differently in the short time remaining?

This is the mindset that one needs to have now. Not to rush out and throw caution to the wind, but something more reasonable. You know what I mean. We are here on borrowed time so we must make the most of it.

It is during these special holidays that we become somewhat introspective. There is a definite reason. You have something very important to accomplish. Did you know that or do you even care? It's ok if you want to ignore it, that's your choice.

But for those of you who know there's something hanging that needs attention, get to it now. Time waits for no one and those who prosper, take the bull by the horns and say, "Bring it on, now!" I am of the later persuation, how about you?

I challenge you to become the best of the best that you can be. No matter what your background or schooling. In these matters it is not applicable. Your intrinsic self and humanity are what come into play. Your ability to uplift others, to smile in the face of adversity, to go beyond your wildest dreams, are what's paramount here. You won't know that you can do it until you give it a mighty try.

I have confidence in you because I know you can do it and raise yourself to the next level in the process. It is easier than you think. You just have to leave your weaknesses at the door.

Have a terrific journey and I'll see you at the finish...

Banging one's head against the wall causes one mighty headache...

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this. He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. Well, he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?"Still the hands went into the air. My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE and WHOSE WE ARE. You are special- Don't EVER forget it." If you do not pass this on, you may never know that it touches, the hurting hearts it speaks to, or the hope that it can bring. Count your blessings, not your problems. And remember: amateurs built the ark .. professionals built the Titanic. If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

Pearls of wisdom...from the mind of common everyday man...

The fog called Life..

I cannot remember... I don't not know when.... I cannot see the forest for the trees.
Is it fantasy or reality? Will I wake up from this dream or is it a dream after all?
Have you ever felt this way before? Do you now?

Life is funny, life is strange.
It is time to rearrange.

Push back all the stuff we fear,
look into that mystic mirror.

Dare we push and plow forthright,
force ourselves with all our might?

Oh what courage it must take,
hope it won't be another mistake.

But forward is the only route,
to gain respect and earn more clout.

The choice is yours to live or regret,
only heartache we forget.

It's a new day!

It's a special day for me today but that's not the point. The point today is to live and breathe anew. The birds are singing, the sun's a shining and we have loved ones with whom to share our joys and sorrows. It's a day for deep reflection. Why? No particular reason except that tomorrow is never promised.

Yes, something has grabbed me by the collar and given me a smart jerk, nothing serious but has awakened the inner-self. Don't wait until something serious occurs to realign yourself. Live each day like it might well be one of your last. Make a difference in someone's life, put a smile on their face, give them something to feel good. It doesn't take that much effort, really.

Things come back one thousand fold and numerous other blessings tag along too. Like what? That's the kicker! You never really know but ever get the feeling someone's looking out for you in those hairy moments of life? That's the payback!

Tell you what. I'm ready to receive those over and over again. I am a glutton for receiving the pat on the back and the "I got you, don't worry"! So, go out and make someone's day! You'll love the results...

Wanted: A few good men & women...

It's a new day and things are happening faster than we can comprehend. There is so much craziness about and no one seems to be able to rectify it. Why?

Road rage, gangs, drugs, backstabbing, and corporate dirty deeds abound. What can we do about it? Get involved. Don't turn the other cheek. It's not tattling if it prevent some wrongdoing.

Problem is, too many of us are non-confrontational. You've got to get invovlved if you want change. Standing on the sidelines waiting for others to tote the rope doesn't work. Every persons involvement is necessary to get the job done.

If you won't pitch-in, then get off the boat and we don't want to hear a peep from you. I'm tired of hearing all the #*&@!$ from people and then when asked what are they doing about it, they come up blank. Shame, shame, shame.

It's a two-way street. You take the good with the bad and you do your part and maybe even a little more. You get involved and get your hands a little dirty and make this place a better place cause you don't want to live in the cesspool...do you?

Flying under the radar...

Have you ever been reclusive or illusive?

Well it's time to come out of your shell. There's a whole new world outside that awaits. The air is fresh and crisp, the birds are a chirpping, and the kids running about with glee.

Your're not a vampire are you? Maybe you are. If that is the case, you are excused from this. For the rest of us, it truly is time to make a move and literally, move on. Time and life is a wasting. Our clock only has so many clicks. When it stops, you nor I know.

This I know for sure. We were put here to accomplish something, each one of us, in our own special way. Yes, each one of us are special, perhaps special cases, but special nonetheless. So, whatever held you back so far, break loose from those shackles and make your entrance, NOW!

Do that which you only dreamed or imagined. It's doable but only by you. You are special, so go forth my brother and sister, time waits for no one...

Random thoughts on that which could be...

"Ordinary" people doing an "extraordinary" job

To achieve, one must reach beyond ones comfort zone

You can, if you think you can

We are limited only by our inability to visualize the achievement

If it is to be, it is up to me

If you can conceive, you can achieve

Ouside of the box is a beautiful and mysterious world of the unknown

Be afraid, it helps us to grow

The fastest way to go nowhere is to be static

Have a dream, announce it daily, visualize it, taste it; now go about your business

The creative mind awakes when we are at rest

It helps but it doesn't

4th of July, dream or nightmare?

Take a moment to reflect upon what you may have taken for granted. Look around, really look and see with unjaded eyes. What if the things you now enjoy were to vanish into thin air?

You own nothing, you have little food, no money, perhaps no roof over head, no freedom of speech, no fair government, no rights. You have nothing, nothing...Yank! It was only a brain fart, a bad daydream, not really reality, or was it?

Don't think it couldn't happen. Maybe our life as we now know it is really a dream after all and reality is our living nightmare. Hmmmm...Don't forget about the people that have provided us with the gift of freedom and the "good life". It's the birthday of our country! Have a happy and safe 4th!!!

229 Years old, The Fourth of July... And still not forgotten...

THE 4TH OF JULY

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties topay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: Freedom is never free!

We Get No RESPECT...

We get no respect! We're charter members of the "Honey-Do" club. Ok guys, time to rally about. It's the one day of the year dedicated to us a mere 40 years ago, yet it will probably be treated as just another day. Even though President Johnson put us on the calendar, it just seems to slip by unnoticed. Why is that? Could it be that we're just not that important as Mom's or is it just that we don't really care either way? Hummmmm, let me think. Naw, I know we're very important. We bring home the bacon and the bread. Oh yeah, we get our reward in the bed. I know. We do all the chores around the house. Oh yeah, the boss lets us golf and watch TV. We fix things. Oops, I forgot. We probably broke it in the first place trying to force things. Let me think. What else do we do? We let them go shopping and we get to stay home and watch TV, "push". Ok, guess we're not that special after all. Ah, but then I remember our little girls telling us how much they love us, giving us those nice little hugs and kisses, snuggling up to us on the couch, bringing us our slippers, telling us how they will always be there to take care of us when we grow old. "They walk us to the door in the morning to kiss us good-by and greet us at the door when we come home and ask us about our day and how much they missed us. Hey , isn't that what our wives are suppose to do? Maybe there's more to the statement from our daughters that they want to marry us when they grow up! Our sons...those guys are guys. They don't even give us another thought on Father's day. I don't know about you but I'm depressed. Time to go out and do something fun. What do you say about us all meeting up somewhere and comiserate? Sorry, got to go. The little women is calling...Have a great day this Sunday! Do something fun...

A cheer to "Fathers" everywhere...

"Tribute to a father"

When I was:

Four years old: My Daddy can do anything.

Five years old: My Daddy knows a whole lot.

Six years old: My Dad is smarter than your dad.

Eight years old: My Dad doesn't know exactly everything.

Ten years old: In the olden days, when my Dad grew up, things were sure different.

Twelve years old: Oh, well, naturally, Dad doesn't know anything about that. He is too old to remember his childhood.

Fourteen years old: Don't pay any attention to my dad. He is so old-fashioned.

Twenty-one years old: Him? My Lord, he's hopelessly out of date.

Twenty-five years old: Dad knows about it, but then he should, because he has been around so long.

Thirty years old: Maybe we should ask Dad what he thinks. After all, he's had a lot of experience.

Thirty-five years old: I'm not doing a single thing until I talk to Dad.

Forty years old: I wonder how Dad would have handled it. He was so wise.

Fifty years old: I'd give anything if Dad were here now so I could talk this over with him. Too bad I didn't appreciate how smart he was. I could have learned a lot from him.

"Memorial Day", the story behind the story...

Once again, Memorial Day is upon us and should be foremost on our minds. I feel it's a privilege and an honor to live in the land of the free and I honor those who have made this possible. "Love this country or leave it". But, do you know the history behind this special day?

The rememberance of this day stretches back to the Civil War, to honor those who died in the service of their country.

It was originally called "Decoration Day", for it was a day set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves.

In 1966, the Federal government, under the direction ofPresident Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, NY, the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo because on May 5, 1866, the town made Memorial Day an annual community-wide event during which
businesses closed and the residents would decorate the graves of the soldiers with flowers and flags.

Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery in which a small American flag is placed upon each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

That is why it is so special to America's families and those individuals who contributed above and beyond the call of duty.

Now you know the real story...

Hello, anyone in blogland awake out there?...

Sometimes I wonder if I'm read,
comments show you're all in bed

Better to be read and not comment,
otherwise you one might commit in cement

Words are sometimes hard to take,
the lessons tough although we make

It's too easy to give advice,
wisdom abounds like grains of rice

It's not me that speaks this truth,
if you knew me that be proof

Wisdom comes from everywhere,
it's for all of us to share

Like a radio tuning in,
it's part of all, it's within

Give it a try if you dare,
life's more of a real scare

Get advice on important matters,
move up on the universe's ladder

Time to go and move about,
wisdom gives us all that clout...

No nonesense meditation...

As I sit upon my chair,
meditationing everywhere

Got to see what's up today,
channeling in good stuff before we play

Lots of karma everywhere,
good and bad, you know it's fair

Wisdom in it's truthest state,
determines the outcome of our fate

Yes it's up to you and me,
results be daunting but it's free

So put your head on nice and straight,
your fate appears upon your plate, of life that is...

Happiness is just a smile away...

Hey, got a beef about something? Got a chip on your shoulder. Got revenge and nastiness on your mind? Call Roto Rooter right away and way go troubles down the drain!

Really, life is too short to go around with a chip on your shoulder. Yeah, cuss at me , well, people like me, but you know the lowdown truth. It just ain't really worth it. You just need to step back, take a deep breath and let out a great big laugh at yourself and the situation.

It just isn't worth all the grief. Did you know that it's all that "STRESS AND AGGRAVATION" is what's causing all your ailments. Yes, it can be self-inflicted and it can be self-treated. Give it a try.

The more you smile, the more happy you will be, the less grief will befall you and the more open you will be to all the good stuff out there that you are inadvertently missing.

A smile a day keeps the bad stuff away!!!

Dreams can come true...

I have a dream... A dream where mankind meshes together as a whole. A union of the minds, where ego has no place. Where prejudices is not commonplace. Where love for fellowman is the norm.

Truly a dream, but in reality, when could this happen? Unfortuneately not until we are faced with extreme adversity and threat to our existence, as we know it today. Why is this? Because it is karma, past and present.

We as a people, are not ready to put things aside and move forward in unity and purpose. Too many agendas. Sad but true. Only in a dream but one that could come to fruition in the not to distant future. When exactly depends on us.

It is up to each and everyone of us as individuals to do our part. It will catch on, momentum. Once the ball gets rolling, it will gather moss. Only in the movies do we get a glimpse. But if the mind can conceive it, it can achieve it. Wouldn't it be grand? If only a minority would not venture for selfishness, it could become reality.

For if we do not change, and change soon, we could very well rip the fabric of oneness that binds us together as a being. Perhaps we can achieve this in our dreams and then bring forth from there, I don't know but it has to happen soon. Just look around at what we've done to mess things up. Really, what ashame.

The mission, if you decide to accept it, is up to you and the ramifications are extrordinary!!! Go forth...