Fireflies

Before you met me, I was a fairy princess

I caught frogs and called them prince

And made myself a queen

Before you knew me I'd traveled 'round the world

I slept in castles

And fell in love

Because I was taught to dream

I found mayonnaise bottles and poked holes on top

To capture Tinker Bell

And they were just fireflies to the untrained eye

But I could always tell

I believe in fairy tales

And dreamer's dreams

Like bedsheet sails

And I believe in Peter Pan and miracles,

Anything I can to get by

And fireflies

Before I grew up, I saw you on a cloud

I could bless myself in your name

And pat you on your wings

And before I grew up, I heard you whisper so loud

Life is hard and so is love child,

Believe in all these things

I found mayonnaise bottles and poked holes on top

To capture Tinker Bell

And they were just fireflies to the untrained eye

But I could always tell

I believe in fairy tales

And dreamer's dreams

Like bedsheet sails

And I believe in Peter Pan

And miracles, anything I can to get by . . .

And fireflies

. . .Fireflies

Before you met me, I was a fairy princess

I caught frogs and called them prince

And made myself a queen

And before you knew me I'd traveled 'round the world

And I slept in castles

And fell in love

Because I was taught to dream

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

Artist/Band: Faith Hill

Lyrics for Song: Fireflies

Lyrics for Album: Fireflies

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

Happy New Year to all my blog friends!

Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams

May all your dreams come true in 2007 and all the best in

health, wealth and success in whatever you do.

Enid

12/31/06

8:17 PM

The Letter that Never Came

I've mostly been hanging out with my family over the past couple of days. Our favorite home movie to watch at the moment is A Series of Unfortunate Events. This movie is centered around the lives of the three Baudelaire children who become orphaned at the very beginning and features Jim Carrey in the lead villanous role as Count Olaf. The Baudelaire chilren undergo a series of unfortunate events with only each other to hold onto. My favorite scene comes at the very end when they receive a letter (via snail mail) from their parents who have already perished in a fire.

*******************************************************

Dearest Children,

Since we have been abroad we have missed you all so much. Certain events have compelled us to extend our travels. One day, where you're older, you will learn all about the people we've befriended, and the dangers we have faced.

At times the world can seem an unfriendly and sinister place, but believe us when we say there is much more good in it than bad. All you have to do is look hard enough. And what might seem to be a series of unfortunate events, may, in-fact, be the first steps of a journey.

We hope to have you back in our arms soon darlings, but in case this letter arrives before our return, know that we love you. It fills us with pride to know that no matter what happens in this life, that you three will take care of each other with kindness, and bravery, and selflessness as you always have.

And remember one thing my darlings and never forget it - that no matter where we are, know that as long as you have each other, you have your family, and you are home.

Your loving parents.

*********************************************

This scene is guaranteed to tug at your heart as the words hold such meaning and truth, not only for the three children, but indeed for all of us. In this coming year, I hope that each and everyone of your homes are filled with unity, love and hope and that families will stand together as one to face the events occurring daily.

A Time for Renewal and Rebirth

A time for reflection on the events that have transpired during 2006. For me, personally, it has been a year of ups and downs. More ups than downs. Certainly, I am in a good position when it comes to my own self validation and self worth. The downs have been triggered mostly by external factors, most of which are beyond my own control.

One only has to watch the news both locally and internationally, to know that we are a nation; nay, indeed, a world under siege. Life, as we know it, has been changed and our sense of peace and well-being has undergone a sowmehat rapid transformation.

For Christians the world over, Christmas is symbolized by the birth of the Baby Jesus. It is a time for renewed hope and rebirth. Some of the best experiences which occurred personally for me during this past year came about as the result of reaching out and helping others.

I have read many great blogs during this past year and become familiar with the many wonderful writers behind them. One great comment that I came across recently said..... "As long as you are wallowing in your own misery, you are living in a state of self-centredness. The antidote to any situation is to reach out and live in the spirit of service to your fellow human being. Focus on giving to others, and that hole in your soul will disappear. Live a life in faith - whatever faith you can muster - and you'll not be too affected by the world. Wear the world, in victory and defeat, like a loose garment."

St. Francis of Assisi wrote this wonderfully meaningful prayer which reads:

Lord, make me a channel of thy peace;
that where there is hatred, I may bring love;
that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
that where there is error, I may bring truth;
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
that where there is despair, I may bring hope;
that where there are shadows, I may bring light;
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.

Lord, grant that I may seek to comfort rather than to be comforted;
to understand, than to be understood;
to love, than to be loved.
For it is by self-forgetting that one finds oneself.
It is by forgiving, that one is forgiven.
It is by dying that one awakens to eternal life.
Amen.

It's Time to Rock with Rock 'n Roll Legend, RICK SPRINGFIELD

Sahara Aldridge with Rick Springfield

_____

"I have known 'Little Miss S' since she was 5 and she is a bright spark in this weary world and this planet NEEDS her. Please join us at the Show Me Center, December 8th for a powerful show for an even more powerful cause".--Rick Springfield, Rock & Roll Legend

________________________________

(Excerpted from Michael Manning's blog post of Wednesday, November 22, 2006)

Unlike my previous BLOGs, I'm going to share information to assist those of you who live "OUT OF STATE" who want to attend this "once in a lifetime" concert event. Also, I am also going to repeat information for those of you who live in and around Cincinnati, Ohio area who wish to join me on the custom Tour Bus I have leased--which is FREE, by the way. And the reason I'm posting this everyone, is because I received word that a woman in California read my BLOG POSTS here and she responded by booking a flight from California to Missouri! I presume she is flying into Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI) and the Show Me Center advised me that she also wants to meet me, which is a privilege. Now, I realize that not everyone of you can do this. Many of you are married with children and heavy responsibilities. But I know you care deeply. There's still a way you can help and I'll share that here too in a moment.

I have leased a Tour Bus and assembled the components of this project to invite people who really love high octane Rock & Roll to join me. Many of you who are local have E-mailed me asking what local Radio and Television Stations they can tune in to listen and watch this story unfold. I'll also talk about how you can help even if you can't attend (and many of you live outside the US and want to help). So, let me just answer your FAQ's straight away:

_____
Q: I LIVE OUTSIDE THE US BUT WANT TO HELP SAHARA WIN HER BATTLE WITH CANCER. HOW CAN I HELP?
_____
Answer: All donations may be sent to: US Bank, Sahara HOOPS Aldridge "Slam Dunk Cancer" Fund, 325 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO. 63701 USA.
_____
Q: CAN I SEND A BRIEF "HELLO" AND A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO SAHARA?
_____
Answer: You bet! Go to Sahara Aldridge's website at: http://www.saharaaldridge.blogspot.com/. Remember folks, that you are speaking to a 12 year old girl--so rather than get heavy--a simple word of encouragement is preferable and would be really cool!
_____
Q: I WANT TO ATTEND THIS AWESOME ROCK CONCERT BY RICK SPRINGFIELD, BUT I LIVE OUT OF STATE. HOW CAN I GET A TICKET AND DIRECTIONS FOR LAND OR AIR TRAVEL?
_____
Answer: Very Cool! First, get your ticket by contacting Ticketmaster by phone at (573) 651-5000. The Ticket levels are $25 & $35 and Premium Tickets at $200 include a Special Artists Reception with Rick Springfield. NOTE: "Out of State" people can also go online at: http://www.showmecenter.biz/ to book tickets. Once you are on the Show-Me Center website, click on Directions for auto travel from Illinois, Kentucky or Missouri. If you are flying to the event, I suggest that you contact airlines who service your city or town for assistance to Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI).
_____
Q: TELL ME HOW TO BOOK MY HOTEL ROOM?
_____
Answer: If you are "Out of State", just call the DRURY LODGE at (573) 334-7151 and mention the Code Word: "SHOW ME" for a $69 plus tax special discounted room rate. A free breakfast buffet is available as well.
_____
Q: I'M IN AND AROUND THE CINCINNATI AREA. I WANT TO GET A TICKET AND RESERVE A SEAT ON THAT GROOVY TOUR BUS THAT IS FREE. TELL ME WHAT I NEED TO DO! RICK SPRINGFIELD IS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!
_____
Answer: You are awesome too! From our area, you need to call Ticketmaster at (573) 651-5000 and use the code name : "BUS" and mention The Rick Springfield Benefit Concert for Sahara Aldridge in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. We have 56 seats reserved in Section 103 Rows J-M. Tickets are $25 and $35. The Premium Artist Reception with Rick is $200. So there's a ticket to fit any budget! Next, if you are going on the Tour Bus, the way to book your DRURY LODGE room at the $69 plus tax discounted rate is slightly different from the "Out of State" people. Go online at www.druryhotels.com and Click On: "Book It Fast", Use this code: 262455 . Then proceed to book your room. Once you have a Confirmation Number, Email me at: michaelmanninginfo@GMail.com and provide me with the following: Your full name, Daytime and Evening Phone Number with Area Code, and your Hotel Confirmation Number. Remember people, WE STILL HAVE SEATS AVAILABLE! Don't get left behind! Act Now!!!. I will also be accepting "Stand-By" names for those who are otherwise willing to follow our bus by car. In the event that we have a "No Show", I will fill that seat with a "Stand By" person.

_____
Q: WHERE DO WE MEET THE BUS IN CINCINNATI ONCE WE ARE BOOKED?
_____
Answer: At 8:30 A.M. on Thursday, December 7th, 2006 our Tour Bus will pull up in front of The Westin Hotel located directly across the street from the newly-renovated Fountain Square in the center of downtown Cincinnati at 5th & Vine Streets! Macy's department store is catty-corner across the street (with the HUGE new Jumbo Screen TV on their roof). Parking is available at the Northern Fountain Square Garage on Vine Street, or at the 5th and Race Street Open Lot (next to the Millennium Hotel). I will endeavor to secure free parking. This is still underway. I will be carrying Mayor Mallory's Proclamation on board designating December 8, 2006 as "SAHARA ALDRIDGE DAY" in The City of Cincinnati! Isn't that a blast? We will depart promptly at 9:00 A.M. for Cape Girardeau, Missouri and arrive at 4:00 P.M. where Channel 12 Television will be awaiting our arrival at the DRURY LODGE to interview us! We will overnight at the hotel, then enjoy an Ultra-Groovy Breakfast Buffet the morning of the concert! The concert begins at 7:30 P.M. Those who have Premium Gold tickets to enjoy an Artist Reception with Rick Springfield will be driven to the meeting site by our Tour Bus. Our meeting point after the concert will be the bus so we can "overnight" back to Cincinnati. This is a Tour bus and the seats recline. "Overnighting" tours are common. The bus has three flat screen TV's, DVD and CD players and a restroom. Even our Driver is Groovy! Lakefront Lines is the largest Tour Bus operator in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. They have received the highest awards of safety and excellence from both The Department of Transportation and The Department of Defense. Our Tour bus is new. We will Rock!
_____
Q: I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY OF THE CINCINNATI TELEVISION STATIONS COVER THIS STORY SO FAR? AND SECONDLY, IS THERE A RADIO STATION THAT I SHOULD STAY TUNED TO?
_____
Answer: YES! Tune in Radio Station WGRR 103.5 FM, Winner of "Adult Contemporary Station of the Year". This is where you will find interviews with Rick and all information related to the show and this Cincinnati-based project in the days ahead! WGRR 103.5 FM is THE "Official Radio Station" for "The Cincinnati Sahara Aldridge Express" Tour Bus Trip to The Rick Springfield Benefit Concert for Sahara.
_____
This is truly a unique Cincinnati story. The Cincinnati Police will be Escorting our bus out of the city limits as a "tip of the hat" to Sahara for making so much phenomenal progress! I continue to work on tying up some smaller details here while I remain available to Media.
_____
All of your Prayers, Good Wishes, E-mails, Mediations, Good Vibes sent through the Universe and Blogosphere are being felt and appreciated. Keep it up! And don't forget to say a brief hello to Sahara for a smile and encouragement!

All proceeds from ticket sales after expenses are paid will go to benefit Sahara and her family. Rick Springfield is playing the concert for free. For more information on the concert, visit www.showmecenter.biz or Michael Manning at: www.michaelmanning.tv.

Interesting Stuff

It's time to post something new! So, yes, I am about to inundate you with all the interesting stuff I've been getting lately in my mailbox. Here goes:

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

• How to fall in love without losing herself,
• How to quit a job, break up with a lover and confront a friend without ruining the friendship,
• When to try harder...and when to walk away
• That she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents
• That her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over
• What she would and wouldn't do for love or more
• How to live alone...even if she doesn't like it
• Whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally
• Where to go...be it to her best friend's kitchen table...or a charming inn in the woods...when her soul needs soothing
• What she can and can't accomplish in a day...a month......and in a year.

Mid-life has hit you when......

• You stand naked in front of a mirror and can see your rear end without turning around.
• Carrots are good for your eyes, yet all you see are many dead rabbits on the highway
• You realize you get to choose from just two people for president and 50 for Miss America
• You begin to notice that people who spend money on beer, cigarettes, and lottery tickets are always complaining about being broke and not feeling well
• Having a smoking section in a restaurant is rather like having a peeing section in a swimming pool
• You realize that most nudists are people you really don't want to see naked anyway

The next time you feel like complaining remember: Your garbage disposal probably eats better than thirty percent of the people in this world.

Every time you walk into a singles bar remember Mom's wise words: "Don't pick that up, you don't know where it's been."

THIS IS SOME GOOD ADVICE! If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
• Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
• Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout..! run right back and make friends.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
• Stop when you have had enough.
• Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

THE JOYS OF BEING OVER 50.....

1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run into a burning building.
4. People call at 9 p.m. and ask, "Did I wake you?"
5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
6. There's nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won't wear out.
8. You can eat dinner at 4:00 p.m.
9. You enjoy hearing about other people's operations.
10. You get into a heated argument about pension claims.
11. You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
12. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
13. You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
14. You sing along with the elevator music.
15. Your eyes won't get much worse.
16. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
17. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the National Weather Service.
18. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
19. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.
20. You can't remember who sent you this list.

Thanks everyone! Have a heavenly day.

Maya Angelou's Christian Heart

Christians
By Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'.

I'm whispering "I was lost,

Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble

and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak

And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed

And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are far too visible

But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I still feel the sting of pain.

I have my share of heartaches

So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not holier than thou,

I'm just a simple sinner

Who received God's good grace, somehow.

Christians do not think they are perfect or better than others.

They know they are not.

What's Your Theme Song?

Your Theme Song is Back in Black by AC/DC

"Back in black, I hit the sack,I've been too long, I'm glad to be back" Things sometimes get really crazy for you, and sometimes you have to get away from all the chaos.But each time you stage your comeback, it's even better than the last!

What's" Your Theme Song?

I came across this blog quiz on Laurie's Blog and decided to play along and find out what my theme song is. Thanks Tubby for the referral!

As a bit of blog trivia on the band AC/DC, this is a band of Australian origin which apparently had it's train derailed when lead singer Bon Scott died on February 20, 1980. The official coroner's report stated he had "drunk himself to death." In March, the band replaced him with Brian Johnson. The following month, the band recorded the Back in Black album, which would prove to be their biggest album yet selling over ten million copies in the U.S. alone. For the next few years, the band was one of the largest rock bands in the world topping the charts in the U.S.A.

To those who care -

It has been a crazy week starting on Monday when I was roped into (not unwillingly, I might add) an Infection Control Procedure Workshop at my workplace. Very informative and relevant information was imparted to all participants and we came away a little bit more aware and perhaps even on *high alert* at all the possible infections that are literally floating around out there waiting to get their little claws into our wilting immune systems.

For those of you who work in health facilities (germ houses), this is especially applicable as both the administrative and medical staff have to be equally careful in their hygienic routine when entering and leaving the work place. Bearing in mind the new viral infections such as the Bird Flu, this is the time to sit up and take notice. If you don't have an Infection Control Plan in place as yet, perhaps this is the time to start setting one into motion for your family and yourself.

Have a great week Everyone!!

God's Voicemail-Too funny not to share!

Most of us have now learned to live with voice mail as a necessary part of our lives. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if God decided to install voice mail?

Imagine praying and hearing the following:

Thank you for calling heaven.

For English, press 1
For Spanish, press 2
For all other languages, press 3

Please select one of the following options:

Press 1 for a prayer request
Press 2 for thanksgiving
Press 3 for complaints
Press 4 for all others

I am sorry, all our Angels and Saints are busy helping other sinners right now. However, your prayer is important to us and we will answer it in the order it was received. Please stay on the line.

If you would like to speak to:

God, press 1
Jesus, press 2
Holy spirit, press 3

To find a loved one that has been assigned to heaven press 5, then enter his social security # followed by the pound sign. If you receive a negative response, please hang up and dial area code 666.

For reservations to Heaven, please enter JOHN followed by the numbers, 3:16.

For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, Adolf Hitler, life and other planets, please wait until you arrive in heaven for the specifics.

Our computers show that you have already been prayed for today, please hang up and call again tomorrow.The office is now closed for the weekend to observe a religious holiday.

If you are calling after hours and need emergency assistance, please contact your local pastor.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Looking for the perfect pair of Jeans

It’s been awhile since I last bought a pair of jeans. So my mission this week is to find and purchase the perfect pair of jeans. Actually two jeans, one for use with high heeled shoes and one for use with flat shoes. Therefore, I have done some research on this subject:

Petite size: choose straight leg, no boot cut, no cuffs

Tummy Troubles: choose a mid-rise that hits across the belly, not above or below it.

Large Hips: mid-rise, straight or trouser leg which falls from the hips to create a longer-looking leg line

Big Booties (Derrière): Stay away from back flap pockets or back pockets with heavy embellishment or embroidery and find a rise that fits properly in the crotch. Flare leg openings helps to slenderize your body.

Here is what Oprah had to say on her show entitled Genius Jean Makeovers….

The most important thing to look for when trying on jeans is the "rise" or crotch area. You don't want any pulling, puckering or extra fabric up front. Also, you will want to make sure your new jeans flatter your booty, hips and thighs—if they're too big in the waist, a simple alteration can make them look custom-made for your figure. After only seven attempts, Oprah found her perfect fit in a pair of AG "Club" jeans! "I love these jeans because the crease helps to lengthen," Oprah says. "And even with the cut it's not so low that when you sit, it rises down and you see your crack—that's very important to me."

Oprah's jeans (pictured above) are the perfect length for her as they go all the way down to the bottom of her high heel in the back. But if your aching feet are pleading for a flat shoe, don't you dare roll up your denim. Every woman should have a second pair of jeans that's ideal for flat shoes. So ... the next time you hear from me on this topic will be the day that I locate my perfect pair of jeans and you may even catch a glimpse of me in them if my new scanner helps out in this process.

With the help of my technically blessed daughter, I was able to add music to my blog yesterday. Hope y'all enjoy your visit here and have a good week everyone!!

Two Visible Moons!

I wish I could tell you that this is me relaxing. Unfortunately, it's been a busy weekend for me with little chance for relaxation. No doubt a hammock will be waiting and empty just when I most need it which should be real soon. lol

Wanted to share an e-mail sent to me by a friend which indicates that two Moons will be visible on 27 August '06. It says that Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky starting August 2006. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye.This will culminate on Aug. 27 when Mars comes within 34.65 M miles to Earth.

Be sure to watch the sky on Aug. 27 12:30 am. It will look like the Earth has two Moons. Don't Miss it.....The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287. Share this information with your friends as no one alive today will ever see it again. Have a great week and let me know whether you were able to view the two moons in your area.

Recommended Music Cd - Ricardo Arjona's Santo Pecado
The two songs I love listening to are El Problema and the title song Santo Pecado

Nothing is Worth More than This Day

I am International living

I am Positive - to combat the daily trials and tribulations which are not not uncommon to everyone else

I am Happy - to be able to blog with others from all over the world. As my friend Willemina says "Why limit ourselves to our own backyards". See the link to Willemina's blogsite in my sidebar.

I am Alive - always a good thing to be *LOL*

I am a Friend

"Nothing is Worth more than this day"
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Some funny Stuff

There is nothing more serious on my mind this very blessed Sunday than to pass along to you some funny stuff I lifted off a newsy e-mail from a friend...entitled

Some Funny Stuff!

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2006 when...

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing~lol~
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list
AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.

Something for us to Think About - the high cost of gas.

As my car is now back from the garage, it now hits me just how the cost of purchasing gas has become recently. A record high of approximately $12 per gallon. The car is such a convenience, but I may have to use it sparingly until school re-opens when it will be pressed full-time back into commission to ferry the children everywhere. Until then, however, I will continue my daily walk (which last about 15 mins. each way) from home to my workplace.

The Mouse

Hello bloggers, it is the beginnings of a busy Saturday morning and I am checking through some past e-mails before deleting them. Came across this story about a mouse who needed help. Thought y'all might enjoy this one......


THE MOUSE STORY

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered- he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap. Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning. There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers.

"The mouse turned to the cow and said "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital, andshe returned home with a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. The farmer's wife did not get well, she died. So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem, you should rem ember -- when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

REMEMBER: EACH OF US IS A VITAL THREAD IN ANOTHER PERSON'S TAPESTRY; OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER FOR A REASON.

A Sure Way To A Happy Day

HAPPINESS is something
we create in our mind.
It's not something
you search for
and so seldom find -
It's just waking up
and beginning the day
By counting our blessings
and kneeling to pray -
It's giving up thoughts
that breed discontent

And accepting what comes
as a "gift heaven-sent" -
It's giving up wishing
for things we have not
And making the best of
whatever we've got -
It's knowing that life
is determined for us,
And pursuing our tasks
without fret, fume or fuss -
For it's by completing
what God gives us to do
That we find
real contentment
and real happiness too.

Helen Steiner Rice

When in Doubt, what would Love do?

We all seem lost in an incredible world of negativity and fear. Yet through thought and word we find there is a commonality to all of us and that is our desire to be loved. Firstly, however, we must believe that we are worthy of that love.

In one of the “Conversations With God” books, a question was asked of God and the reply was “When in doubt, what would love do?” Be mindful of the fact that the only way to see the world each day is through the eyes of love.

Fear, anger and hate are illusions. Joy and love are real. The next time you feel like complaining remember 'we are the choices that we make'. Become fearless, replace your negativity with joy and love and you will find that you percieve life differently. The struggles will not go away. In fact the struggles keep us alive. The lessons learnt along the way becomes wisdom which forms the basis for our lifestyles.

Tomorrow is a new day. How about a fresh start? Make your choices with mindfulness, fearlessly and with love and your life's journey will become one that is filled with remarkable joy.