Happy Birthday to Me! Happy Birthday to Me! Yes, today is my birthday so I should be able to write something of wit and wisdom. Well, I’m not sure how witty this will be but I do hope it will be filled with a small bit of wisdom.
As many of you know last year the day before my sixtieth birthday, a group of us ran the Dam-to-Dam race, an amazing experience for me for sure. The other morning when I knew they were beginning the race my heart skipped a beat wishing that I were on that start line. Because it was and is an awesome undertaking and accomplishment. Since last year I feel I have rested on my laurels, I continue to exercise and such, but I have not pushed or pressured myself to figure out a new exercise goal. So maybe this next year I will figure out something new. Any ideas that could help me decide on my next goal would be appreciated.
On the other hand since last year I have finished my novel, have submitted it to a contest and ended up as a finalist with an offer to have it published. I have until September 1st to work on the editing. Let me say that I thought the hardest part of writing was to finishing the book. I have since learned that the truly hard part is the editing cutting and rearranging the chapters and removing even some of my favorite lines. Editing is a difficult but necessary task. I will also have the opportunity to spend some time with it at the Iowa Writer’s Workshop this summer. I hope to receive some perspective on making this novel worthy of publication.
I believe we all use our birthday to evaluate our past year success or failure, whichever the case maybe. A little, like New Year’s Day, making decisions to improve our life and make new goals. I’m working on that list of goals and ambitions hoping to push myself to achieve things that are important.
The other thing that I believe I need to remember today and everyday are the blessings I have in my life.
The list is long, so please indulge me in my ramblings a moment.
I’m blessed with a HUSBAND that loves me not just in words but in actions, he loves me when I’m really not being very lovable and when my actions don’t necessarily deserve to be loved. He is a man that has the rough exterior that many see, but has the heart and soul of a gentle giant.
I’m blessed with CHILDREN, two that I was privileged to have carried and raised. Their accomplishments hold for me much pride and enjoyment. There are three that have allowed me to be a part of their lives and that is an honor as well. You watch them grow and experience the achievements they have worked hard to obtain. You hope you are a support in times of trouble and growth, never knowing for sure if you help or hinder their progress. The only thing you know for sure is that you would do anything necessary to make their loves and lives easier.
I’m blessed with GRANDCHILDREN, six at this time and a new granddaughter that will make her appearance in early October. An event we look forward to with great joy. The thing about grandchildren is that you see in them not only an extension of their parent but also the chance to see your legacy to be carried forward as well.
I’m blessed to have had PARENTS that loved unconditionally and taught me the things that are important in this world. They believed in family and in community. They taught us about a loving and trusting God. We learned of a faith beyond what we can see, a faith that is a guarantee of his truth and promise. They taught us about having a sense of humor and a sense of honor. I miss them both every day; I miss their physical presence in my life, but know that they are watching over us from their heavenly home. After all, I have the pennies to prove it. (That is a story for another day.)
I’m blessed with SISTERS and BROTHERS, which bind us together as family; their love has worked to bring us through difficult times. We have been blessed to enjoy many joyful times as well spent in celebration and the making of special memories. Their children give me the opportunity to extend the arms of love and to continue to keep the family traditions and history alive. I have a SISTER that is watching over me as well. I know my siblings understand how much she is missed every day. Her life cut way to short. Her humor and love of life is missed, her voice, her compassion and her friendship is sorely missed.
I’m blessed with FRIENDS and extended FAMILY, who not only are roots, but also help you to find the path your life, will take. Friends that have always been there to cry with you or to celebrate the joys you feel. I have experienced many people who have crossed my path and we may not be as close as one time in our life but they still have made a difference in the life I now experience.
I’m blessed to live in a COUNTRY that is free, that we have the liberties to worship in the manner we choose, that we may disagree with the current administration without fear of retribution, that we have the right to vote to change that administration if we so desire, that we move about our day without fear of restriction. I also know I am blessed that we live in a country where soldiers and service people believe in that freedom and the rights of all, that they have sacrificed all to keep our country free.
If I stop and think, there are so many more blessings, health, financial security, home, ability to think and remember, peace in my heart and knowledge of loving and being loved. All are a valuable and important thing to know.
So on this day of my birth I wish for all of you to stop and think of the things that are blessings. Remember the tough things can be blessings as well.
Cliff is working hard on finishing the guesthouse, so I should go and contribute something towards that effort today. That too is a blessing, have a place where we hope many of you will visit as well.
Until next time "Remember Who You Are."
As many of you know last year the day before my sixtieth birthday, a group of us ran the Dam-to-Dam race, an amazing experience for me for sure. The other morning when I knew they were beginning the race my heart skipped a beat wishing that I were on that start line. Because it was and is an awesome undertaking and accomplishment. Since last year I feel I have rested on my laurels, I continue to exercise and such, but I have not pushed or pressured myself to figure out a new exercise goal. So maybe this next year I will figure out something new. Any ideas that could help me decide on my next goal would be appreciated.
On the other hand since last year I have finished my novel, have submitted it to a contest and ended up as a finalist with an offer to have it published. I have until September 1st to work on the editing. Let me say that I thought the hardest part of writing was to finishing the book. I have since learned that the truly hard part is the editing cutting and rearranging the chapters and removing even some of my favorite lines. Editing is a difficult but necessary task. I will also have the opportunity to spend some time with it at the Iowa Writer’s Workshop this summer. I hope to receive some perspective on making this novel worthy of publication.
I believe we all use our birthday to evaluate our past year success or failure, whichever the case maybe. A little, like New Year’s Day, making decisions to improve our life and make new goals. I’m working on that list of goals and ambitions hoping to push myself to achieve things that are important.
The other thing that I believe I need to remember today and everyday are the blessings I have in my life.
The list is long, so please indulge me in my ramblings a moment.
I’m blessed with a HUSBAND that loves me not just in words but in actions, he loves me when I’m really not being very lovable and when my actions don’t necessarily deserve to be loved. He is a man that has the rough exterior that many see, but has the heart and soul of a gentle giant.
I’m blessed with CHILDREN, two that I was privileged to have carried and raised. Their accomplishments hold for me much pride and enjoyment. There are three that have allowed me to be a part of their lives and that is an honor as well. You watch them grow and experience the achievements they have worked hard to obtain. You hope you are a support in times of trouble and growth, never knowing for sure if you help or hinder their progress. The only thing you know for sure is that you would do anything necessary to make their loves and lives easier.
I’m blessed with GRANDCHILDREN, six at this time and a new granddaughter that will make her appearance in early October. An event we look forward to with great joy. The thing about grandchildren is that you see in them not only an extension of their parent but also the chance to see your legacy to be carried forward as well.
I’m blessed to have had PARENTS that loved unconditionally and taught me the things that are important in this world. They believed in family and in community. They taught us about a loving and trusting God. We learned of a faith beyond what we can see, a faith that is a guarantee of his truth and promise. They taught us about having a sense of humor and a sense of honor. I miss them both every day; I miss their physical presence in my life, but know that they are watching over us from their heavenly home. After all, I have the pennies to prove it. (That is a story for another day.)
I’m blessed with SISTERS and BROTHERS, which bind us together as family; their love has worked to bring us through difficult times. We have been blessed to enjoy many joyful times as well spent in celebration and the making of special memories. Their children give me the opportunity to extend the arms of love and to continue to keep the family traditions and history alive. I have a SISTER that is watching over me as well. I know my siblings understand how much she is missed every day. Her life cut way to short. Her humor and love of life is missed, her voice, her compassion and her friendship is sorely missed.
I’m blessed with FRIENDS and extended FAMILY, who not only are roots, but also help you to find the path your life, will take. Friends that have always been there to cry with you or to celebrate the joys you feel. I have experienced many people who have crossed my path and we may not be as close as one time in our life but they still have made a difference in the life I now experience.
I’m blessed to live in a COUNTRY that is free, that we have the liberties to worship in the manner we choose, that we may disagree with the current administration without fear of retribution, that we have the right to vote to change that administration if we so desire, that we move about our day without fear of restriction. I also know I am blessed that we live in a country where soldiers and service people believe in that freedom and the rights of all, that they have sacrificed all to keep our country free.
If I stop and think, there are so many more blessings, health, financial security, home, ability to think and remember, peace in my heart and knowledge of loving and being loved. All are a valuable and important thing to know.
So on this day of my birth I wish for all of you to stop and think of the things that are blessings. Remember the tough things can be blessings as well.
Cliff is working hard on finishing the guesthouse, so I should go and contribute something towards that effort today. That too is a blessing, have a place where we hope many of you will visit as well.
Until next time "Remember Who You Are."
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