Working on SOS Site

Today I've been updating and revising our Sisters of Sunshine website. Somehow, we lost the template and I had to reinstall. Sure glad we didn't loose the information! Click HERE for preview.

Take Care on the Journey,

~Linda

Are We Having Fun Yet?

(I give up trying to line up the pictures with the words.)
It's a rainy day here in the Midwest - Nice for slipping back to bed! And, that's what I did for about 15 minutes. But, I have to spend the evening at work, and I have a lot I want to get done today. But, I enjoyed the open window and fresh breath of ozone for a little bit.

Samantha's flowers are in full bloom now and one can see the tulips dancing softly around the large stones that cover her little gravesite from all the way across the pond. And that is next to the mailboxes, so we keep a close eye on her.






















Sitting at my desk with the curtains open, I can enjoy the view from the second story window. There's a pine tree next to the neighbor's building that is in full view of my window. I wonder why I didn't think of planting more tulips under THAT tree instead of the one next to my window that I can't see? Next fall I'm planting a hundred tulips around the other tree! Just now a dove flew to the ledge of my window checking out the light and pondering if she could get in here to make her nest. Too bad. Window in the way... Don't bump your head mama bird!

This is the time of year to wonder what that awful odor is outside near the front door. At the post office. Around all the bushes and flower gardens. Yep, it's that really strong fertilizer odor and it is not my favorite brand of perfume. I wonder if my son, Billy, uses such stuff in his landscaping. Billy and Katy have planted many flower gardens in Portland as part of their landscaping business. Now they have full-time "inside" jobs, but I know they love getting back out in nature when they can.

Have you been to Sandy's website to see her flower pictures and those of little Star? (See the left-hand side of this website to go there. Also, I've added the link for my friend Olive and her PEACEFUL website.)

Star is the most well-dressed doggie in the neighborhood.

I finally figured out where all the socks go? Not the washer! Not eaten by the dryer, but under my side of the bed. I toss my socks there at bedtime and the sweeper pushes them just out of sight. I found at least 10 socks there the other day!

SOS ladies. Good news! I found a way to invite you as contributing members. I'll be sending you an invitation by email and let's see what happens. I'm not sure what that means, but I think you can add to the website. I believe Juanita would like to be invited but I have to go find her email. If anyone wants on board, please email me through your email, or if you don't mind, you can send me your email address under comments at the end of this.

Hey, have you heard of the new airline that is promoting itself by offering $10 airfare to some parts of the country? It's Skybus. Jim called me from work to alert me, and I got a round-trip ticket to the west coast to visit Billy and Katy next September (my annual birthday trip) for only $60 RT. (Couldn't get $10 coming back, but $50 isn't bad!). Taxes was only $14! I paid a little extra for early seating, but I couldn't have gotten a nicer birthday present!!!!! The $10 tickets are very limited, of course, but check it out!

After tulips in my garden, what's next? Maybe I shouldn't push it. The only flowers around the apartment complex where we live (except for one with pansies at the entrance) are those I secretly planted last fall. Got any ideas?

Jim and I have been sorting photography supplies and creating our new studio. I was surprised at how much photography equipment we had! It's fun and exciting and we hope to start taking lots of great pictures this summer! I plan to do more on-location shoots, but this is the first time in a long time that I've had access to all my supplies and equipment in one place.

Take Care on the Journey (SOS)
~Linda

Inspirational Day Thoughts

This link came to my website today and is truly inspirational. With or without the volume turned up. Click HERE



Website link is
http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?IHDcQ4wEEObLIiDnRKbkfw

Take Care on the Journey,
~Linda

Samantha Speaks

About six months ago we buried our 16-year old black cat, Samantha on the edge of the property where we live. Every day Jim and Sheba walk around the pond and pass the little gravesite where we planted dozens of tulips as we buried Samantha last fall. Today Jim reminded me that the flowers survived the bitter cold spell we had in April, and are in full bloom - unlike most of the other tulips in the area.

Camera in hand, I walked out and did a photo-shoot of the flowers. We got a "Samantha Surprise" when the film was developed. Notice the rainbows across the bottom of the first two pictures?
Click pictures for close-up view.

"You Go! Samantha!"

The tulips are straight north of the resting ducks. Our apt. building is way off to the right of the picture. There's a small pond on the right and a little creek on the left of this spot.

When I finished my photo shoot, I stood up and said, "Thank-you, Samantha". I looked around and I looked up for some little sign even though I felt a little foolish. When I got home, Jim asked if I had counted the flowers. Yesterday (before somebody picked a few), there were 16 tulips. Samantha was 16 years old when she died.

Samantha is buried straight across the pond in front of the center tree. If the picture was clear, you could see the tulips almost in the center across the pond. The creek is just beyond the big center tree.

Hope you enjoyed our little walk today.

Many rainbows to you and yours...

Take Care on the Journey,

~Linda

"CATS" (Cover-up All Those Secrets)

I am back. Finally, “able to sit up and take nourishment” as my friend John likes to say when asked how he is doing. That nourishment part has been difficult the past few days. Hopefully, the beastly flu bug will not catch up with any of you! My advice: ‘As soon as your stomach will hold anything down, take the strongest pain pill in the house and sleep it off.” Just a bit of personal advice. Not related to anything professional!

Of course, the biggest and almost ONLY news has been from Virginia Tech. I’ve had nothing to do but watch the grim details until I can watch no more!

Early on, I heard the profilers say there had to be more than the emerging initial information, and sadly, they were right. Now NBC has received a homemade video made by the killer himself. It’s gut-wrenching to watch. In fact, I don't understand why CNN and others put such disgustingly horrible film on air! But, if one does, they all have to! I wish someone had told me not to look at it! Please don't bother!

I have some of my own opinions about why this sick, sick man was allowed to go so long leaving these “signs and symptoms” as we say in nurse language.

Not to drag my thoughts out too long on this horrible subject, but I totaled up the number of years I’ve been involved with colleges and universities with immediate family members in college or employed by one, so I dare offer to speak with some ‘authority” on how they function – in public and in private!

While I do not have that coveted college degree, my immediate family has been enrolled in a college or university for a total of 31 years, and we have attended at least ten universities or colleges. My hard work as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) has provided funds for a total of seven college degrees including three Master's and one Ph.D.

The major colleges and universities we have attended include:

Southern College at Collegedale, TN
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI
Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor, MI
St. Mary’s College, South Bend, IN
Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
University of Michigan, Detroit, MI
Pacific Union College, Angwin, California
Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH
Franklin University, Columbus, OH

So, I can say with quite some certainty that colleges and universities are quite like aristocratic cats….Both have sophisticated cover-ups!

For almost 10 years, I was the local newspaper reporter for the town where we lived on the university campus. I was forced more than once, to ‘kill the story’ by my editor who was just as furious as I was about the situation. Don’t think news media can pull all the plugs and always report a fair story. Money and power talked then, and still does!

I’m predicting that in the coming years, because of increasing technology, public communication will change. CATS will sit on public pedestals! Public Officials will have to keep up and take notes! They will be forced to look at how they ‘control traffic’ and how it is controlled by others. They will not be able to sit behind closed doors and dictate crazy rules and misinformation!

The “reporter” in me watched with deep interest as the questions were asked during the news conferences in Virginia. Often, questions are asked at news conferences in a way to actually unofficially “report” news the reporters aren't allowed to officially report on the air. But, it didn’t take long for officials to realize what was happening and after that, questions were not allowed at news conferences. Did you notice that? I knew right then that something was amiss!

Coming home tonight from a little drive to another town, Jim and I noticed flags at half-mast all along the way. Well, all except one very conspicuous flag floating in the wind at full mast. It was in front of the United Methodist Church in Sunbury, OH.

Oh please, don’t get me started on the CATS at church.

By the way, I have new cards (already!) for the SOS (Sisters of Sunshine) Club. For those of you that I have addresses, I will send you some but feel free to remind me! Anyone who would like some to pass out to your friends, please contact me through your email at lindasbook@usa.com. They are FREE! Click HERE for the SOS website.

Take Care on the Journey,

~Linda

A Verse For Those Who Love Nature

My loving husband left this message on a family blogsite, and I thought we could all share his message this morning...(I'm feeling better and will write more later today after I've refreshed and had a good meal.)

"Leave the ways of techno-world behind when entering the realm of Nature.
Commune with the spirit ways of sunlight and hear the voices of bird, wind and stream.
Bring the outer peace within and calm the mind from daily paths.
Hold each other’s hand and let the whisper of wind call to your inner child.
Play in the gardens of Nature can cast song upon the winds of destiny. BAP"

Photo by Katie (click)

Take Care on the Journey,
~Linda

Diarist Is Sick

The Flu-Bug has got me down...I had to leave work early yesterday and had to call off today. Not making good points with the bosses, but Sheba is happy to have me home...I'll post here soon when I feel better.


Take Care on the Journey,
~Linda

"SOS" Sisters of Sunshine

Hello Ladies, I posted this new message at our new SOS site http://sistersofsunshine.blogspot.com

Hats off to anyone who makes their way here!
Here's 55 hugs and 5555 smiles. (55 being my lucky number!)

Here's the VistaPrint link where you can sign in and view the card in the cart and even order some if you want to. But, I'll send anyone FREE cards if you email me at the SOS email address. sos@been-there.com (From your email, please. Clicking here won't get it to me.)

Okay, go to http://www.vistaprint.com
Sign with this email address: sos@been-there.com
Password: anyone
Click the word Cart in the upper right hand corner and see the card waiting there. Click Larger View and also check out the backside of the card! Being careful if you make changes to the card as it will stay that way if you put your initials there.

A candle in the palm of a hand. What could say it better?

PLEASE COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL ME IF YOU SEE ANY REASON WHY I SHOULDN'T PUT THIS LINK ON THE WEBSITE. I'M STILL NEW AT THIS TOO.

Have A Sparkling Day!
~Linda

Hold Your Flowers Low

For a few moments I took down the article, "Shattered Glass" but now it's back. I think the story needs to be told. But, I'm moving on to stories more pleasant and informational. Every time I see the word, "Worthington" (and there's a lot of places with that name around here), I cringe a little, but as wedding planners say to the bride, "Hold your head high: Your chest out: And Your flowers low".

Unlike Imus In the Morning, I'm back to work. My private duty baby is out of the hospital, so I'm working most every day M-F 4p-MN starting today. I like that shift because it helps me to be better organized. I'm working every other weekend at the nursing home for the month of April and that's this coming weekend. After that, it depends on who is the nicest to me. (And, we know who that is.)

When I turned on the computer this morning, the screen lights went dark. I thought of my friend Floyd. Hey, Floyd, I'm sure you checked the little buttons that control brightness. On my monitor they are under the front edge and not up there with all the other adjustment buttons. Whew, I'm not sure where the flashlight is, so I'm glad THAT was my problem!

We thought it was going to get warm this week, but while ago when I took Sheba out, I had the hood pulled up over my head and my back to the wind. Sheba lifted her nose to the wind and sat down on the grass stiff with ice. She loves the cold air and a windy day that must bring all kinds of pleasant odors from the city of Columbus. I had to offer her a "treat" to get her to come back in without being pulled inside.

Yesterday I finally got in the mood to spring clean. One of my favorite shows is where they remake a house or a room. I like to use their ideas when I can. I've added small lights inside my tall plants in the living room and even placed one behind the TV so it adds dimension and highlights to the plants sitting on that side of the room and the picture frames above. Of course, when Jim came home he went around and turned off all the lights wondering why I "forgot" to turn off the lights.

That's one difference between us. He loves to sit in the dark, and I want ALL the lights on. We compromise and I have certain lights that only get turned off at bedtime. Boy, does he enjoy that ritual of turning off all the lights. He does appreciate small night-lights, so at least we don't bump our heads and stub our toes in the night!

Back to housecleaning, I got the living room clean and changed around. Now I need to pick up all the stuff I moved to the back rooms as I was cleaning...You know how that goes. Sheba is mad at me because I sorted through all the dogs’ toys and discarded the most raggedy chewed up ones. Ching-Ching is downright pouting about it. Before all the dog-lovers fuss at me, you should have seen the pile of old toys. Both dogs cheered up when I spread what was left back over the floor for them to pick through. I thought CATS were bad.

Dryer is done. Dishes are calling, and Sheba wants out again. (Hope she's not sick!!!! These days we're all watching for every odd sign or symptom with our pets!)

Take Care on the Journey,
~Linda

The "SOS" Sisters-of-Sunshine Club

Click Bugs Bunny for the link to the new site i mentioned in the comments section. The website address (in case you want to save it) is: http://sistersofsunshine.blogspot.com I'm ordering small "SOS" business cards to direct women to that site. If you want some to pass out, let me know.

Take Care on the Journey,
~Linda