Grandma Sharon says. . . .

Tribute to Steve Jobs

2011-10-08T15:46:00.001-07:00

I love my technological devices, and many of them are due to the brilliant mind of Steve Jobs. It's amazing that he took technology where he wanted it to go and then he's gone. We all have talents and we need to use them to better the world. Thanks, Steve Jobs. I love where you took the world. And, thank you, to the young man who created the new Apple logo. You were very inspired.

Little Miss Hollywood

2011-10-03T18:03:00.000-07:00

Grandma says "she's adorable". Love you.

My Hairstylist

2011-09-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Jill. She has been a hairstylist for over thirty years. She opened Jill's Beauty Shop a year ago. Her address is 1661 Northern. Her telephone number is 757-4004. She has a charming personality, is always upbeat, and always has a smile on her face. She owns her own shop, next to her husband Manuel (Manny's Barbershop) at the same location. Call her for an appointment. She would love to meet you. Thanks, Jill, for all your good work. You're the best!

An absolute necessity because the TV says so. . .

2011-09-06T11:20:00.001-07:00

"Hunt for Red Purse"

2010-09-19T18:09:00.001-07:00

I am feeling really guilty about right now. The pictures you see are real. The story I will tell is real. The characters are real--they are two of my sisters. This is the second year my youngest sister Janis has gone to Chicago to visit with my next younger sister Betty. Betty has been living in Illinois for a coon's age (since the late 60's). But that is all going to come to an end because she has plans to move to Utah next spring and Janis won't be able to make any more visits to Chicago--bummer!

So, since I knew it was Janis' last trip there, I decided I wanted a souvenir. I asked "somebody" (didn't mention any names) to buy me a RED purse and I would send them the money. Red is my favorite color for purses right now but my husband Roger says I need another red purse like I need a hole in the head (he's right, you know), but I want one.

So on a windy, rainy, blistery, fall day in Chicago, my two sisters venture out to find Macy's, their favorite shopping place. This meant finding a parking place, riding the right train, getting lost, asking for directions, and finally making it to the shopping mall in the middle of a torrential rain. See pictures to back up my story.

Janis, unbeknowns to me, sent me a text message on Saturday but my cell phone was not on my hip. She wanted me to view pictures of two purses they had found and tell them which one I wanted. Well, that didn't happen. I don't know how to upload a downloaded picture to me on my cell phone (I think it costs money), so I didn't get back to them with the right information. Janis' next text message to me was something like: Well, we could camp here all night but I don't think security would like it, so we made our own decision. Thank goodness. I don't like to make decisions.

Well, I have retrieved the pictures found on Janis' private blog and have opted to show them so you can tell my story is true. Please enjoy looking at two of my sisters (sopping wet) and the purse they bought for me. It will be coming in the mail soon, I HOPE!

So the "hunt for red purse" is over (some similarity to the "Hunt for Red October" but not nearly so wet as they would have been if Macy's had been under the ocean). There, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I Love Life

2010-09-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

There's a song that my husband used to sing when he was going to BYU for his music degree. It is entitled, "I Love Life":

I love life so I want to live and drink of life's fullness,
Take all it can give;
I love life, Ev'ry moment must count to glory in its sunshine,
And revel in its found;

I love life, I want to live, I love life.

I love life, it holds me in its sway,
My heart hears its music, a melody gladsome and gay.
I love life, I'll have none of worldly strife.
Oh but to live for to love;

I love life so I want to live and drink of life's fullness,
Take all it can give;
I love life, Ev'ry moment must count,
To glory in its sunshine and revel in its fount.

I love life, I want to live, I love life.

(words by Irwin M. Cassel; music by Mana-Zucca, Op. 83)

Wish I had a magic wand and could wish a wish of love and happiness to everybody I know and even to the whole wide world. But guess what? He's (God has) the whole world in His hands. Prayers are always answered (one way or another) but in the end God is the one in charge. Sometimes our struggles are brought on by our own decisions and actions, but God is always there to help us. Let's choose to learn from our mistakes, put God in our lives, and love life. That's what He wants for us. That's what I want. I love life.

Are We Smart Yet?

2010-08-17T13:36:00.001-07:00

I just couldn't resist posting this cartoon on my blog. I have two sisters (won't mention names) who went crazy over a Smart Card last year in Chicago. My northern Utah sister (youngest) visited my next younger sister in Chicago for a week. They had such an exciting time but went crazy--whacko over a Smart Card. The Utah sister just had to have one before she came home. I guess it will help her be ahead of the game when she returns for her next yearly visit in September. I, being the sister who knows nothing about Smart Cards, will enjoy the retelling of their antics through the streets and malls of Chicago again this year. It's almost time.

Cross Words

2010-07-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

At one time I had a blog about cross words, crosswords. . . but I deleted it. I love to do crossword puzzles. My maternal grandmother taught me, and she only had an eighth grade education. Then I got into CrossSums (Kakuro) which deals with numbers and they are fun, too. I am going to address a different kind of crosswords (cross words).

There's a hymn entitled, "Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words", meaning just that--"kind words are sweet tones of the heart". President Gordon B. Hinckley used to admonish members of the church to be a more kind and gentle people. Remember the tune about love makes the world go round? Love means being kind and gentle, and not speaking cross words, saying "I love you" and meaning it. No one is perfect and not meant to be in this life. This life is a time when we will make mistakes, a time for us to learn from our mistakes and grow from them, and we will become stronger as we learn and recognize the good from the bad. It's all about people learning how to get along with people, no matter our circumstances.

I found a quote from The Prophet Joseph Smith, in which he taught the women of the church: "When you go home, never give a cross or unkind word to your husbands, but let kindness, charity and love crown your works henceforward." (Ensign, July 2010) I could replace the word "husbands" with "families". There is so much wickedness in the world. Our homes should be a haven (safe place) for our children and husbands, and then our children do the same as they go on to have families of their own.

I love my family very much. I want us to continue to be loving, forgiving and kind to one another. Life is short. Cross words are harsh. When we live righteously, the blessings and miracles are in abundance. We don't get to see our families often enough but our prayers are always with them. Keep up the good work! You are a great blessing to our family. Your parents love you.

Keep It Simple!

2010-06-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

No one said life was going to be easy, just worth it. At times, we are harder on ourselves than we need to be. Sometimes the problems we encounter are from our own bad judgment and/or decisions we make. I took some art classes at a community college many years ago, and I was frustrated with my work. I just couldn't get the outcome I wanted. As I was frustrating through class one night, the teacher was talking to me and made the statement: "Keep it simple, stupid"! Later on I heard the same phrase in church, only it had been changed to: "Keep it simple, sweetheart"! Whichever way you choose to read it, it means keep life simple. I was rather irritated that someone would say that to me, but it was true. I began looking at my life, my way of doing things, my struggles, and realized I needed to simply my life. Once I learned that principle, life became easier. It was easier to make decisions, easier to be a wife and mother, easier to accomplish my tasks. My youngest daughter has a sign on her refrigerator that reads simply, "Simplify". I haven't been left without struggles or challenges or decisions, but life has been easier for me since I learned to keep it simple.

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T15:43:00.001-07:00

I called him "daddy". He was a fine man. He sired four daughters, whom he loved very much. He worked hard to provide for his family. He was particular about his looks, his dress, his family. He was an honest man. He died three months before I graduated from high school. He died too young. He left an amazing wife to finish rearing his daughters. He never lived to see his daughters marry, meet his sons-in-law, or enjoy his grandchildren. It was not meant to be. His death changed the course of my life, in that, in many ways, his death helped me choose the man I would marry, the person who helped build my future, and the person that I would become. I love you, daddy, and miss you.

Happy Wedding Anniversary!

2010-06-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

Roger and I have been married 47 years. Where has the time gone? We chose to center our lives around our LDS religion. We have had challenges and heartache, but the blessings have been worth it. We don't dwell on the past. We chose to love each other, never leave the house during an argument (talk it through and work it out), never put restrictions or ultimatums on our relationship, and to be each other's Best Friend Forever. We love our children, those married and unmarried, their spouses, and our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We see them struggle with challenges and heartache in their lives but we understand and give them our support in their struggle to overcome their challenges. Nobody said it was going to be easy, just worth it. Roger and I pray for peace and love and harmony within our family units. We want everybody to live a Christlike life. We made mistakes and they will make mistakes but the Miracle of Forgiveness is for everybody. We tried to set an example and desire for our children to set an example for their families, as we follow the example of our Savior and older brother Jesus Christ. We love them all.

I'm Looking Over a Four-leaf Clover

2010-06-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

Remember this little tune?

I'm looking over a four-leaf clover

That I overlooked before.

One leaf is sunshine, the second is rain,

Third is the roses that grow in the lane.

No need explaining, the one remaining

Is somebody I adore.

I'm looking over a four-leaf clover

That I overlooked before.

(I found out this was written in 1927; words written by Mort Dixon, and music written by Harry Woods. It was made popular in 1948 by Art Mooney.)

Wisdom of Kinds

2010-05-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

I found these "wisdom of kinds":
1. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain.
2. One of life's mysteries is how a 2-lb. box of chocolates can make a woman gain 5 lbs.
3. The best way to forget your troubles is to wear tight shoes.
4. The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then your body and your fat are really good friends.
5. Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.
6. Sometimes I think I understand everything and then I regain consciousness.
7. Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks two sizes.
8. Skinny people irritate me, especially when they say things like: "Sometimes I forget to eat." You have to be crazy if you forget to eat.

Wound About Follow-up

2010-05-10T08:04:00.001-07:00

Well, if you are wondering where this post is going, you are going to have to read all 15 comments from my last post. I created quite a conversation piece amongst my sisters. Here goes! I am now known as the "red hen" (I'm the oldest, you know); next sister is "silver fox"; next sister to her is "purple turtle" (who was considered by herself slow until she got her sleek skateboard); and finally the youngest sister considers herself "black sheep" (even though I disagree), although, according to her, she can just sit back and eat the bread. So we are now known as red hen, silver fox, purple turtle, and black sheep. My "wound about" almost turned into an Elmer Fudd cartoon special. Thanks for the fun. Love you all.

"Wound About"

2010-05-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

To all my avid readers: I came up with this phrase all by myself last night while I was trying to go to sleep. You've heard about "round about" (merely mention this for pronunciation purposes), well my new phrase is "wound about". I have been thinking how I could adapt this phrase to certain situations in life. Where am I going with this? Hmmmm, let's see. . .

I have certain unnamed sisters who are crazy (I mean really crazy) about certain unnamed sodas that they have become addicted to and just can't get along without. I guess they like the refreshing flavor and the way it makes them feel. One sister insists her drink be buried with her so she can take her "perk" with her. She knows better. But I think my sisters are "wound about" their new drinks. . . (I've been there, done that years ago), but I am still the oldest in the family. (:o) That's my birthright.

I was going through the grocery store a few months ago and a food demonstrator snatched my adult son by the arm and said, "here, try one; take them all; I can't leave until they are all gone." I don't think she had been there very long because she had a lot of samples to give out. I understand the drink has a lot of B-12 in it, but look at the ingredients. There's more caffeine or about as much caffeine as in a cupful of pure, unadulterated coffee. Is the world "wound about" this new energy drink?

We live in a computer world. I heard the other day about a new health diagnosis called "computer stress syndrome." This is the result of impatient computer users waiting for their computers to start, do its thing, run a program (maybe more than one program at a time), crash or shut down. I always said that computers were no smarter than the people that used them until I started using one. Dang, those things can sure be slow, take their time, do their thing, reboot when they feel tired, and get very sluggish when they are fed too much data, and that could be because of some unknown update and/or upload, or maybe be infested by a vagrant virus. "Just leave my computer alone." I thought computers had a lot of memory that would last a lifetime--at least I thought that with every computer I have purchased. I have gone through more computers than I care to mention. I don't necessarily like computers for these stressful reasons but I cannot--I repeat--I cannot get along without one. I have often said I am going to find a cave with an electrical outlet so I can take my computer and hybernate. Don't take my computer away, please! I'm "wound about" it.

Then I need to bring up the color red. I saw a segment of a talk show where everyone in the audience was given a free, big, red mixer. That started it. I purchased a red washer and dryer, a red microwave, a red hand mixer, a red crockpot, red pans, and I have upteen red purses. I hate purses because they are heavy, bulky, cumbersome, make my shoulders ache, but I sure like my red ones. There are certain shades of red clothing I am not fond of--would rather have raspberry or mauve or pomegranate--but "red" is the color when it comes to other things. . . Oh, but I do have a burgundy car and front door!

Well, maybe enough said about "wound about". I had fun coming up with all these scenarios. It wasn't meant to hurt feelings or make someone feel guilty for their actions. Life is a process to learn and have fun, but we can't take our "wound about" with us when we leave.

Happy Birthday, Mother!

2010-04-17T14:26:00.001-07:00

Today is the 94th anniversary of the birth of my mother. Happy Birthday, mother. She reared a family alone after my father's death in 1960. She was a school teacher. She loved homemaking but she taught English. She made lasting impressions on her junior high students. As her life came to a close in 1997, many of her former students visited her in the hospital; i.e., some of them were nurses, doctors, specialists in the medical field.

I remember the dresses she used to make me for school. I never had a boughten coat until 1960. She made doll clothes for Christmas. She made Easter and Christmas dresses for her girls. Homemade candy came from nowhere (so it seemed) on Christmas morning. She always had a "bribe" so to speak for the grandkids to do better and/or get their work done. She was an immaculate housekeeper.

She lost her eyesight to macular degeneration and had to retire from teaching earlier than planned, but she continued to live by herself and take care of herself. She had one pattern for afghans she could crochet by just feeling with her fingers. Pretty much everybody in the family has one. She even donated many, many, many of her afghans to the Shriner's Hospital in Salt Lake City one year. She was an exceptional lady. I love you, mother.

This is my story and I'm sticking to it!

2010-04-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

I went to my hairstylist yesterday. I went early and had time to chat with everybody while Jill finished the lady before me, who was having a color. In the course of the conversations, Jill said, "oh, dear, I have some color left over; what am I going to do with it?" Without hesitating, she turned to me and said, "let's use it on Sharon's hair." To HER surprise and to MY surprise, I said OKAY. Jill looked at me and said, "you're kidding, right?" "Nope," I said, "let's do it." That's when Jill got excited. I usually take the blame for everything but this time it was somebody else's fault :) Jill very patiently worked with both me and the other lady. Then Jill got a brainstorm to highlight the other lady's hair, too, along with her color. She was using the same highlight color on both of us, so why not? So, that's what she did. The other lady left looking beautiful, and three hours later, I came out with a new look. It was fun--Jill made it fun! She makes her customers feel good about the way they look. I was tired of the drab salt and pepper color so this was a nice change. I LOVE YOU, JILL! Thanks

Cash or Credit?

2010-04-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

I remember when credit cards were first instituted. I went to the store to buy a spool of thread. I was asked, "will that be cash or credit?" My reply, "I am only buying a 75 cent spool of thread". "Well, we have to ask." Hubby and I didn't get our first credit card for years but then it happened. We were so excited to be accepted into the credit card kingdom. We used it faithfully while the kids were growing up when all five needed a pair of shoes at the same time, or we needed to buy groceries when all that was left for the month was $18. It came in handy, got out of control because we found it easier to buy "wants" and not "needs", came in handy, kept getting out of control. . . Now there are rewards cards--same routine. Now that we are retired, we get paid back for what we spend. How exciting. The kids are grown up and they have there own credit cards--they come in handy, get out of control, come in handy, keep getting out of control. . . Then the banks came out with debit cards to help us spend the money in our checking account easier. Now we have to be careful using debit and credit cards. Someone found a way to use them illegally. So, Zoe thinks "cash is so kindergarten"? What have our children learned? Cash is the best way to go--if you don't have it, you don't spend it. Let's get back to basics.

Rumbles

2010-03-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where this posting is going to go. Not a lot has happened since the beginning of a brand new year, full moon, and new decade. Life just seems to take on the same old routine, no matter the time or the circumstances. Get up every morning and make breakfast for hubby and son (thank goodness son has a job), and start "visiting with my ancestors", and get my hair done once a week (I love Jill). There's doctors to see on a regular basis, grocery store visits, eat-outs when I don't feel like cooking, vehicles to have serviced, laundry to keep up, vacuuming to do, dishes to put in and out of the dishwasher, bathrooms to clean, concerts to enjoy with our grandchildren, but best of all the times we go to church every Sunday. Since our wards were divided, I am the only organist in the new Stockston Hill Ward, so I'm it--I play for sacrament meeting, Relief Society, and choir. All that leaves is Primary and it overlaps with my playing schedule.

I had my birthday for the year in February, which I lovingly share with a son and granddaughter. Hubby is going to have a birthday this week, #71. The routine will be about the same because we will go out to eat at some famous restaurant--in Kingman? We have lots of choices: I-Hop, JB's, Chili's, Cracker Barrel (affectionately called "the basket" when we can't remember the name), Golden Corral, Vito's, El Palacio--just to name a few--or we could go to Wendy's for a chocolate frosty--yummy! Maybe some day all of our families will be together for some occasion--it doesn't matter what. We haven't all been together in one place since Christmas 2001.

Hubby and I haven't traveled in over two years but Kingman is a nice place to be. The weather doesn't get really hot nor really cold--except I thought I was going to freeze to death this year--but then I was thankful for all the moisture so desperately needed in the mountains to fill our thirsty water sheds. We can be thankful "for the beauty of the earth" wherever we live and appreciate all of God's creations. The Travel Channel takes us to a lot of exotic places, and Samantha Brown, and even Wheel of Fortune gives away vacations to faraway places, and Jeopardy teases our minds with answers to foreign knowledge we should have learned and remembered somewhere along life's journey. The BYU Channel teaches of life's meaning, understanding the scriptures and the gospel principles we should be learning day by day. This weekend is Easter and General Conference. Can't wait to listen to the prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, and all the apostles. They will have good advice for their listeners.

I guess I'm through. Keep in touch. Life is short. "I love life and I want to live". Take good care of yourselves until we rumble again.

Full Moon--New Year

2010-01-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

A full moon ended the year 2009 and ushered in the New Year 2010. This new year is the beginning of a new decade. I love a full moon. It reminds me of why this beautiful world was created, and that God loves each one of us, and that is why He sent His only begotten son Jesus Christ to atone for the sins of the world and be resurrected so he could help us overcome the death of this world. We are being watched over by a loving Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, and they know our needs and the righteous desires of our hearts. This knowledge, coupled with a full moon and a New Year give me hope and strength for a better tomorrow, knowing that I have a Father in Heaven who loves me and an Elder Brother who gave his life so that we might all have eternal life.

Lots of Love to Locks of Love--15 inches worth

2009-12-12T14:36:00.000-08:00

And this says it all. He was the hit of the Kingman Super Salon.
He had them all in stitches and they loved every minute of it.

Credit Cards

2009-12-12T14:21:00.000-08:00

AHA, here's the solution to getting

out of debt.

My Purse

2009-12-12T14:14:00.001-08:00

I have a fettish for purses (red ones, at the moment), but either they are too big or too small. I have a wonderful husband, though, who doesn't get into my purse. I have gone from big ones to little ones. I had the problem of not being able to find anything one day so I have been buying smaller purses. I hate purses and computers, but what woman can get along without a purse? and what person can get along without a computer (I don't have a red one)? I need them both. So, for the time being, my new, small, red purse is sufficient--it's not as heavy as a bigger one but getting close to it. What can I do without to make it lighter? Lipstock, nail clippers, kleenex, hand lotion, keys, wallet, credit cards (which takes me to my next blog spot).

Ziggy's Well Wishes

2009-11-29T05:12:00.000-08:00

Here's wishing you well from

Ziggy's well. Now that Thanksgiving

is over, here's wishing you well for

the holidays and the new year ahead.

Let's wish our families well, our country

well, our friends and neighbors well,

and anything else you want to wish well.

I AM THANKFUL TO BE ALIVE--Positive Attitude

2009-11-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

I am thankful:

For the wife who says it's hot dogs tonight, because she is home with me, and not out with someone else.
For the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is home with me and not out at the bars.
For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes because it means she is at home, not on the streets.
For the son who is more comfortable in the safe haven at home than out on the streets getting into trouble.
For the taxes I pay because it means I am employed.
For the mess to clean up after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
For the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.
For my shadow that watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.
For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.
For all the complaining I hear about the Government because it means we have Freedom of Speech.
For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking and have been blessed with transportation.
For my huge heating bill because it means I am warm.
For the lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means I can hear.
For the pile of laundry and ironing because it means I have clothes to wear.
For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been capable of working hard.
For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours and wakes me up because it means I am alive.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

2009-10-29T07:33:00.001-07:00

My oldest daughter is always suggesting that she is becoming like me. I guess this says it all.

Story of a carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee

2009-10-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up; She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.''Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft.

The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.

The daughter then asked,'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Our Ship

2009-09-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

I quoted the poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox for a reason. Stake conference was today and our stake president read this poem. I started thinking about when my husband and I were first married. We sat down and talked about how we wanted our married life to go. We decided, or made a covenant, if you will, with each other and with Heavenly Father that we would live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We set our sail, and our soul, to Them so they would direct and bless our lives. We were not spared trials and tribulations in our lives or in our childrens' lives, but it has sure been worth it and we have been greatly blessed. We receive our reward every day. Our children struggle as they get older and have families, and we pray that they have set their "sail and their soul" in the right direction. We love our families.

'Tis the Set of the Sail -- or -- One Ship Sails East

2009-09-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

Poem by: Ella Wheeler Wilcox 1916

But to every mind there openeth,
A way, and way, and away,
A high soul climbs the highway,
And the low soul gropes the low,
And in between on the misty flats,
The rest drift to and fro.

But to every man there openeth,
A high way and a low,
And every mind decideth,
The way his soul shall go.

One ship sails East,
And another West,
By the self-same winds that blow,
'Tis the set of the sails
And not the gales,
That tells the way we go.

Like the winds of the sea
Are the waves of time,
As we journey along through life,
'Tis the set of the soul,
That determines the goal,
And not the calm or the strife.

Baby Blues - Take time for a hug!

2009-09-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

Attitude is Everything

2009-08-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head."H-M-M," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today." So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head."Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head."YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything.

The Barn

2009-08-07T17:19:00.001-07:00

We all need a little love and
happiness in our lives; a little
something to make us smile
and make our hearts glad.

Embracing Imperfection

2009-07-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

I really like this story:
"When I was a little girl, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one
night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my
mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned toast in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if
anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom, and ask me how my day was at school.
I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that toast
and eat every bite! When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad
for burning the toast. And I'll never forget what he said: 'Baby, I love burned toast.' Later that night, I went to
kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his toast burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said,
'Debbie, your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired, and besides, a little burnt toast never
hurt anyone!'"

"You know, life is full of imperfect things.....and imperfect people. I'm not the best housekeeper or cook.
What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each
other's differences - is the one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship."

Dieting

2009-07-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

Emily Watts has written a book entitled, "I Hate It When Exercise Is the Answer: A Fitness Program for the Soul". Some of us struggle with obesity, have tried every diet that has come along, and still have a hard time controlling those bad eating habits: chocolate, cookies, ice cream, any desserts, candy, overeating (you name it). Been there, done that. Maybe Emily Watts does have the answer, but who wants to exercise? That sounds like work. Maybe when I get through "visiting with my ancestors" I will ponder the idea of exercise, or maybe I better decide to do it now.

My New Look

2009-06-26T13:47:00.001-07:00

This is my new look; i.e., I love my new hairdresser and my new eyes. They add to the plumpness of older age and eating habits. All you Kingmanites, please call my hairdresser Jill Diaz at Kingman Super Salon, 1565 Northern Ave, 928-757-4091 for an appointment. She's great. If you need cataract surgery, Dr. Michael Stagner is tops: 928-753-2900. His office is on Stockton Hill Road.

This picture was taken with hubby for our 46th wedding anniversary but I cropped it for this part of my blog. Our picture together is on facebook. Check us out.

My Friend Ziggy

2009-06-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

I feel like Ziggy when I need to

go up or down stairs.

Ziggy's Words of Wisdom

2009-06-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

Meet my friend, Ziggy.
He is so wise at times.

For Your Information

2009-05-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

If you want to listen to music you like, go to www.pandora.com and register to create your own radio station. If you want easy listening music, put in the name Jim Brickman and hear what you have created.

Another suggestion, the church has a new radio station, 24-hour no-less. Go to: radio.lds.org and see what the church as created.

Happy listening.

Mothers

2009-05-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers in the world.

Cataract Surgery

2009-03-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Well, thanks to modern day medicine, I have had successful cataract surgeries. A month ago I had the right eye done: 20/350; day after surgery 20/40; one month after surgery 20/25. Not too bad for an old lady and one eye. Only problem was I was cockeyed (lopsided) for a month, but yesterday I had the left eye done: 20/250; day after surgery 20/25 (same as right eye).

I am now going to have to get used to just using reading glasses for computer, reading books, and reading piano/organ music. I have tried my old glasses and they aren't worth a darn. What a difference.

The surgeries went well. I had an excellent doctor. I am glad it is over.

The Lord is in Charge

2009-02-22T15:26:00.001-08:00

Hello! Thought I better update a little. I am doing well. I have had cataract surgery on one eye; I have a sciatic nerve problem in my back and leg; my sacroiliac is bothering me; and I have either a cold or sinus problem since my cataract surgery. I am accepting my challenges, while I grin and bear it. I am doing well.

This weekend was Stake Conference. We have such a great stake presidency. We all came away with a sense of peace, even though the world seems to be messed up right now. Love one another, make your home a safe haven for your children, serve others, find heroes in the scriptures, and pray daily. The Lord is in charge.

The world news seems to think only 10% of the world got in over their heads, which caused a few others to have to readjust their lifestyle because jobs were cut, salaries were frozen or reduced, and the housing market went crazy. The CEO's got it all! Everybody should learn to budget their money.

Be thankful for what we have, who we are, and that the Lord is in charge. He will take care of those who try, keep trying, pick themselves up and keep picking themselves up, and endure to the end.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

2009-01-15T15:18:00.000-08:00

Well, the holidays are over. It's time for Happy New Year 2009. Still have the holiday decorations up. Just now found (took) time to add a new post on my blog. Did I make any new year resolutions? Maybe some but no drastic changes. The snow is gone but it is cold in Kingman, but not as cold as in other parts of the country. I am thankful for the freedoms we enjoy in America, my husband and family, my comforts of life, my ancestors, my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Savior Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world--it is over--it is done--it can never be taken away. I am thankful for His love and the love of a Heavenly Father, who gave His only Begotten Son as a gift to the world. I know that my Redeemer lives! May we all find more peace in 2009, and be a "kinder, gentler people". HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

It's the time of year to remember the greatest gift of all, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. From His birth to His atonement, He has blessed the lives of all people on the earth. Without God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, life would be impossible.

About Animals and Children

2008-10-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

I guess this little guy didn't get his way.

Maybe we have children who have felt this way when they didn't always get their way. But, you know, parents are parents, and we do the best we can. Did you know it's easier to be a grandparent? We can spoil the child and then send him back to his parents. But we wouldn't be a good grandparent without having been a parent first. It's not easy but it's worth it.

Temples

2008-09-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

A temple is a holy and sacred place. Enjoy this slideshow I received from a friend:
http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/slideshow/

I'm visiting with my ancestors

2008-05-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

If you want to "visit with my ancestors," go to my sister's blog at pedigreepotpourri.blogspot.com entitled "My Ancestors' Descendants Did That." Sue has put a lot of work into this blog and will continue to do so.

Cleaning House

2008-01-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

Cleaning Poem

I asked the Lord to tell me
Why my house is such a mess.
He asked if I'd been 'computering',
And I had to answer 'yes'.
He told me to get off my fanny
And tidy up the house.
And so I started cleaning up...
The smudges off my mouse
I wiped and shined the topside.
That really did the trick...

I was just admiring my work..
I didn't mean to 'click.'
But click, I did, and oops I found
A real absorbing site
That I got SO way into...
I was into it all night.

Nothing's changed except my mouse
It's very, very shiny.
I guess my house will stay a mess...
While I sit here on my hiney.

A Tribute to All Computerized Grandmas

2007-09-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

THE COMPUTER SWALLOWED GRANDMA
The computer swallowed grandma.
Yes, honestly it's true!
She pressed 'control' and 'enter'
And disappeared from view.
It devoured her completely,
The thought just makes me squirm.
She must have caught a virus
Or been eaten by a worm.
I've searched through the recycle bin
And files of every kind;
I've even used the Internet,
But nothing did I find.
In desperation, I asked Google
My searches to refine.
The reply from him was negative,
Not a thing was found 'online.'
So, if inside your 'Inbox,'
My Grandma you should see,
Please 'Copy,' 'Scan' and 'Paste' her
And send her back to me.

This is a tribute to all the Grandmas who have been fearless and learned to use the Computer........ They are the greatest!!! I am one of them.

Care Bears

2007-08-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

My first love is my husband, children, and grandchildren, but then there's Care Bears. I actually made one when they first came out over 25-30 years ago. I am more partial to the first ones created but they are all just so cute. I collect them and give them away, collect them and give them away, etc. I'm a grandma.

Grandma Sharon says:

2007-08-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

Look! I've joined the world of bloggers. This is all new to me so be patient. It should be fun and interesting.