Be Happy

"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored."

Earl Nightingale1921-1989,
Radio Announcer, Author and Speaker

Merry Christmas

Charlie wishes everyone a merry Christmas!

Be blessed

May you be peaceful as you feel God's love wrapped around you. May you know you are a miracle and feel the wonder and value of you. May your cares and stress melt away as peace washes over you.
http://www.andiesisle.com/Blessings.html

Ruidoso - arriving

We arrived in Ruidoso about 2:30, found our place after driving on a treacherous road. Randall even got out and looked on foot. Anyway, it has a hugh living area with three recliners. How cool is that. Everyone gets their very own. Charlie takes his pick of the two couches. Plus there is plenty of room for him to run and play. We stocked up on wood for the fireplace. There is a deck going down one side of the house. The owners have a dog so there is a dog run nearly all the way around the house, plus the deck can be shut off. So now the only problem is Randall being bored. The pictures were taken from our deck. Plus one of Charlie racing in the snow. Two deer came up near the fence. Sorry not pics of them.

Fearlessness

"Fearlessness is not the absence of fear. It's the mastery of fear. It's about getting up one more time than we fall down."

Arianna Huffington
Author of On Becoming Fearless...In Love, Work, and Life

Power of Words

Power of Words

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me!"
We all heard that saying when we were children, and, like so many other childlike chants, it was a great myth. Words do have power, immense power, and they can cause much pain, because when they are repeated in negative fashion, people, especially children, may end up believing them. "You're a bad boy," "You'll never amount to anything." "You're a loser," "Does your face hurt? It's killing me." These are only slight examples of the negative language we often hear. We have all heard them, and unfortunately have been guilty of dishing them out as well.
During the 1980's there was a big push for building self-esteem, and workshops were available everywhere teaching us how to make people 'feel good about themselves.' This 180 degree turn seemed valid in theory, but what happened in many cases was positive feedback became the new mantra, and yet the effect didn't always achieve the desired results. Why? Because recipients only benefited from the praise if they believed it was genuine. This brings us to an important point. Self-talk and self-belief are the keys. No one can ruin our day without our permission, and always feeling good about ourselves is impossible. I hold this to be true - that self-esteem and self-worth are not synonymous. Self-esteem is having pride in oneself and generally feeling good about who we are. I don't know about you, but I certainly have had moments in my life when I wasn't too proud of my actions, and without question I have had times when I didn't feel good about me. This moment of "lack of self-esteem" would indicate that something is terribly wrong. Contrary to the education of self-esteem, nothing is wrong - we are simply human. Self-worth, on the other hand, is acceptance of who we are - all of our strengths and weaknesses, all of our abilities (or lack thereof), all of our joyful moments as well as those times of sorrow; our contributions and our refusals, etc. See a pattern? We are worthy simply because we are His creation, and we are loved for every part of us. Whether we are in a good place or a bad one, whether we are contributing or contaminating, whether we have done something to be proud of or something to be embarrassed or ashamed of, nothing diminishes our worthiness. The negative actions and the ensuing consequences may affect our self-esteem, but it has no impact on our self-worth!
Chris Snook with Chet Snook

From Wealth Matters

Arrived home

Arrived in Andrews about 4:30 this afternoon.

Speak kindly. It doesn't hurt or blister the tongue and it does raise spirits and comes back to you many times over.


Frozen By Fear

The Little Engine That Could was a story that inspired many of us as children. The story tells of a small train that was faced with a steep climb up a very large hill. Half way up the hill the little engine started to feel as though it was an impossible task. Fear set in.
"Will I make it?" the train wondered. "What if I don't? What if I run out of steam before I make it? What if I'm not equipped with a strong enough engine to handle this?"
The fear grew inside as his speed slowed with the climb. Soon he crawled to a stop. "I can't make it," he thought.
He was gripped with fear, paralyzed by it. Then things got even worse. He was now slipping backwards. His fear was now his reality. The top of the hill was out of his reach and he would never make it. As he slid backwards he yelled out, "I don't want to fail!"
Then something inside him changed. In truth he really did want to be on the top of the hill, not forever stuck at the bottom to live in its shadow. Fear was replaced with determination, drive, and a desire to make it to the top. With all he had in him he focused on summoning the power he needed to stop the backward slide.
And he did it! He was now holding his ground on the hill. His excitement deepened his determination. Up the hill he began moving, ever so slowly, pulling the weight of the entire train behind him. He looked up toward the top of the hill and held clear in his mind the vision of making it. He became even more determined and that made him feel stronger. His confidence grew and he picked up more speed. The train didn't feel so hard to pull now. He felt great strength within himself that he hadn't known before; strength he had never needed before now. As he neared the top of the hill he felt unstoppable. He knew he was going to make it!
He did it! The little ol'train made it to the top of the hill and congratulated himself. It felt great to be at the top. Filled with joy, confidence and a passion for life he looked down the tracks eager to continue his journey. He saw another hill - bigger than the last! A big smile came over his face; for he truly understood there is no end to the hills! This filled him with a deep sense of peace and humility. He then further realized that the journey and the destination are one and the same.
He wondered how was it that at the half-way point he felt so overcome with the task and yet it was in him to make it. He was strong enough. Could it have been that as his fears grew, his thoughts were consumed with the vision of not making it? Failure almost became his reality. It was when he changed his focus - alerted his perspective - that he felt powerful. In fact, it seemed the more he believed in himself the stronger he felt, and the easier the climb became. His new focus became his new reality!
He admired just how powerful his thoughts are and he never took them for granted again. He became aware of his thoughts and he used them to go places he always wanted to go!
Remember: You are the conductor of your own train on the tracks of life and you are strong enough to go places you want to go. Don't let a little hill stop you - choose the reality you wish to create, not the one you're afraid might occur. Soon enough you'll be able to say just like the little engine, "I know I can!"

Heather Walter

Dallas

We are staying in a KOA campground in the middle of Arlington. All around is busy traffic but somehow you can't tell. It is like an oasis.
We met up with Pamela last night for another delish Dallas dinner. This city has the best places to eat and Pam and Max know the best of the best. I had chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese, fresh aspargas, spinach (fresh) and wild mushroom risotto. Yummy. Pam brought my dishes that she has been storing for me plus an extra dish. Now on to home and cleaning out cabinets so I can use them. Yuk! Home and cleaning out cabinets. What is wrong with this picture.
It has been a good trip. Sure doesn't seem like we have been traveling nearly a month.

Vicksburg Ms - Wednesday Nov 28

Left Birmingham after a good walk in the park. This should have been a short travel day but turned out to be an adventure. We broke the back window of the pickup when we stopped for lunch. Long story short, Terri told me I could call 411 on my cell phone and get help finding someone to replace the window. News to me, but it worked. Then the park where I thought I had reserved a space called and said they didn't have room for us. As it turned out, the park we found was close to the auto repair shop. The window was replaced for less dollars and less time than we expected. The RV park is nicer and has better security.
To all our loved ones, just so you know, you are in our prayers, good thoughts, good energy every day and we are so grateful for you. May this day be the beginning of better and better lives for you all. Know you are loved beyond measure.

on down the road towards Texas

We left Savannah this morning. We are south of Birmingham this evening. We had a long day on the road. Problems with some info I purchased sent us on a goose chase for RV parks. Anyway, we finally just drove a bit more than we had planned to stay in a nice park we found earlier this month. Plan on being home the end of the week.

Sunday night while still near Savannah we caught a fantastic sight of hundreds of birds comingin to roost. Randall got some video so maybe we (he) can post it later. Here are some still shots.

BTW I was told we were a dismal looking lot in the pictures I posted. So....no more intense puzzling and no more poker faces.

Poker night

Our last day in Hilton Head. The girls all shopped. The guys did whatever guys do while girls shop. Final night is always poker night. Randall and Cozt were the big winners again this year. Makes you wonder what he does in his spare time. George was runner up.

Sunday morning after loading up, Calvin and I picked up Charlie. He was ready to be rescued and was especially happy to see Emily and Madeleine. We caravaned to Savannah and all stopped for lunch at Cracker Barrel. Then Terri and family headed for Jacksonville, Pamela and Max came by the RV for a bit. Randall and Charlie caught a few zzz's.

The day after Thanksgiving

Everyone slept in this morning. Pam, Randall, Terri, Emily and me did a little shopping this morning. Madeleine and Emily went with Calvin and I to take Charlie out of the spa for a couple of hours.

Spent a while on the beach, watching football, working puzzles, more eating and just hanging out.

Thanksgiving and two days prior

Tuesday night we parked the trailer in So. Savannah KOA. Our site is near the lake which supposedly has gators swimming around. The pics are of Charlie checking out the ducks and geese.

Wednesday we went to the house in Hilton Head. Wow!! This house is perfect for us. In fact this year we have one bedroom and bath that is not being used. Wish Christopher and Brian were here.

Thanksgiving was a typical Thanksgiving day for this bunch. Much cooking, much eating and much walking.

Visit with Brian

Spent some time with Brian today. He is a special person. It was so good to see him. Barbara and Wendy came home a little while before we left. Wish we had more time with them all. Hopefully we will be back in a few months.

Had a delish dinner with Terri and family and watched Dancing with the Stars.

We will head out for Hilton Head this morning.

Jax days 2 and 3

Friday was spent getting Em ready for her show and Saturday was the show. She did well. Two fourth places. We were all pooped Saturday evening. So after eating dinner out, Calvin and I came back to the trailer and went to bed early. The pics are from Friday and Saturday.

Jacksonville day 1

Arrived in Jax. We are staying at a park near the ocean. Very nice and very resonable in price. We got turned around coming into town and had to take the ferry across the St Johns river. I was really wishing for the flat lands of west Texas after so many bridges. Yikes!! The pictures are of shrimp boats viewed from the ferry. The other is our campsite.

Arrived in Florida

We had a full day on the road yesterday. We unexpectedly found a KOA nestled in a forest. It seems very isolated, even tho the interstate isn't that far away. Charlie is afraid to go outside which makes me a little uneasy. The only thing missing is the Bates house. I guess I've been in the wide open spaces so long I have tree-phobia.

Thought for the day.
"Whether or not we realize it each of us has within us the ability to set some kind of example for people. Knowing this would you rather be the one known for being the one who encouraged others, or the one who inadvertently discouraged those around you?"

Josh Hinds
Syndicated Columnist and Author

Crossing those state lines

We left Little Rock about 10:00 yesterday morning. Made a few stops during the day. The first picture is of Charlie on the Arkansas/Tennessee line. The next ones are where we stayed near Tupelo, Mississippi last night. It was on the Natchez Trace. Just a beautiful park. In fact I believe it may be part of a National park as the manager said something about Forest Rangers being around.My travel agent, Sister Jane, found the park for us. When I am on the road and can't connect to the internet I call on her. Her charges are very reasonable if anyone is in need. I give her phone number out to everyone I meet along the way. We had a good long walk yesterday about dusk and another one this morning early. The trees are just amazing. All shades of yellow, orange and red. Some even look burgundy. Just can't beat nature for beauty.
We continue to meet helpful people with good info. I am still amazed how many full timers we come across.

We are near Birmingham, Alabama this afternoon. We stopped early today. Put some ribs in the slow cooker and need to do a little catching up with the few housekeeping chores. Should take at least 30 mins. We are finally in a camp that has cable TV. Calvin was about to go into witdrawal.

"Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you."

Zig Ziglar

Author and Speaker

Arkansas

On the road once more. Left this morning after going by and telling Jane and Jim goodbye. We got to Little Rock late afternoon. Drove to Malvern and visited several hours with Calvin's uncle Paul. They are good people.

We met some fellow travelers who gave us some info/tips on being full time RVers. We really like RV traveling but if we full time it we probably need something larger. It is so good to have your bed and coffee pot whereever you go. We have met a lot of interesting people in our travels.

Nov. 10, another day in Oklahoma

Calvin didn't feel great so we spent another day with the Weidemans. Jim went to work and Calvin slept most of the day. Jane and I had some good time together, ran errands, shopped a bit and tried out her new slow cooker. Good eating for dinner. Charlie will hate to leave. He has been getting mega attention. This is pretty country and the weather has been perfect.

Birthday celebration

We spent most of the day celebrating Jane's birthday. She seemed to have a good birthday.

We went for a walk this morning, then made the cake. Went out to eat lunch then came back to the house to open presents. Jane and I walked to Karola's for a chat then back to the house for cake and coffee. Jim cooked hamburgers for supper then we watched a little TV. Charlie is being demanding and constantly hounds Jane and Jim. Of course they are spoiling him even more if that is possible. He really likes it here. So do we.

Blessings to you today and always

A Prosperity Blessing

May you be blessed with an amazingly abundant day today!
May the clouds break and the heavens pour down upon you more joy, more love, more laughter and more money than you could have ever dreamed of.
May the sun shine its golden light of prosperity through every cell of your extraordinary body.
May you be cleansed today of any resistance or feelings of unworthiness that you may still be holding onto.
May your false illusions of doubt, fear and scarcity gently fall away like soft white feathers on a gentle breeze.
May you be willing, simply willing, to allow the Universe to shower you with miracles today.
May the Angels wrap you in their shining wings of opulence.
May the fairies deliver you to their pot of gold at the end of a majestic rainbow.
May your eyes shine with the glorious truth of who you really are and may that truth uplift others in your presence to their own inner knowing.
May your ears hear the sound of perfection ringing in your soul.
May you taste the deliciousness of every precious bite of life as your day unfolds moment by moment with amazing grace, heartfelt love and a bounty of magnificent money.
As this day ends, may you slumber wrapped in an exquisite blanket of enduring peace and profound gratitude.
And may the last words you speak today be Thank You!

Veronica M. HayCopyright 2004
Veronica Hay is the author of "In a Dream, You Can Do Anything, A Collection of Words" An extraordinary collection of writings that will uplift you, motivate you, inspire you and gently guide you along the inner path of your life. You can visit her website at: www.insightsandinspirations.com or email her at: veronicahay@telus.net

Good day with Sis

We had a super day. Jane, Charlie and I took a good long walk while Calvin and Jim went window shopping. We decided to have Jane's birthday dinner today in Ft Smith at Red Lobster. Had a good evening at home. Lots of laughs and good conversaiton. I really believe we could leave Charlie here and he would never miss us. The picture is him and Jane bonding. What a dog. What a rotten spoiled dog.

Poteau USA Nov. 7

Had a good day. A walk in the park early then off to Pam's. We had breakfast at Chubby's then did a little shopping, of course. After all we were in Dallas.

Then on to Poteau. Arrived around 6:00. Spent the evening with Jane and Jim. The picture is of Charlie and his new friend the funky chicken.

Remember you are loved by the highest and the One that knows you best

Did you know that whenever you whisper, "I'm sorry..." to someone quietly in your mind, someone over here sheds a tear and healing begins?
Did you know that whenever you whisper, "Can I help you..." to someone quietly in your mind, someone over here sheds a tear and an army of angels are sent?
And, did you know that whenever you whisper, "I love you..." to someone quietly in your mind, someone over here sheds a tear, healing begins, an army of angels are sent, and 10,000 bells are rung?
Actually, you even have your own marching band that follows you everywhere....
I love you,
God

On the road again

What a way to start the trip. Left Andrews about 3 hrs later than planned. When we stopped at a roadside park for Charlie to get some much needed fresh air, we discovered we had lost a window in the trailer. Upon arriving in McKinney the GPS system kept telling us to camp in the middle of Interstate 75. We had intended to have dinner with Pam and Max but finally called them and said we wouldn't make it. Pam ordered a pizza and told us it wouldn't be delivered for awhile. Anyway, after getting parked and set up we started out the door to the Guests and Calvin decided to fall out the door rather than walk down the steps. After much writhing and moaning in the driveway (just kidding) he got up and is OK. At that point we decided we needed to stay in for the evening. Supped on greasy sausage and eggs rather than greasy pizza. To bed early and a better day tomorrow.
I am reminded of where I was and what I was doing at this time in 1961. Happy birthday tomorrow, Brian. What a fine man you are!!!

What a trip

Cindy and Connie. and Charlie and Calvin

At Uncle Howard's. Can you tell which one is 92 yrs old? He is so proud of this wagon.

Calvin at Mt. Rushmore and Animals auditioning as Charlies replacement.

This has been an absolutely great trip. The weather has been perfect. We are reluctantly on our way home. These are pics I wasn't able to add earlier. We have so many good pictures.

Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse

Made it to Rapid City Saturday, mid afternoon. Charlie is a super traveler. Wish he was this good at home. Everyone wants to pet him and of course he expects the attenetion. Hmmm Maybe that's why he gets it. He gets what he expects. I think there is a lesson here.
We drove out to the Mt Rushmore memorial. If you've seen the pictures you have pretty much seen it. However, the Crazy Horse monument was very interesting. Very impressive and I really liked the idea the government is not involved. Very insightful planning.

Nebraska

Leaving Uncle Howard was sad. He sincerely wanted us to stay. He gave us some momentos and made us promise to come back next year. He is amazing to be 92 years old. He works everyday. He was getting ready to do 'some welding' when we left.
The drive was good and arrived in Bridgeport about 5:00. The population is around 1500 but seems larger. Stayed in a remote park. Only one in this area for RV's. We saw at least 7 trains loaded with coal as we entered town. Around 150 cars on each. Apparently hauing coal from Wyoming.
There are a lot of old trails that intersected here. Mormon, Oregan - California and several others.
On to the Black Hills and my great grandmother's stomping ground. Oh yeah. Guess we'll see Mt Rushmore while in the neighborhood.

Back home in Kansas and no sign of Dorthy

We left Andrews Tuesday morning - late- and made it to Canadian Texas for the night. Dull and drab country until we reached Miami and it has been beautiful since. I forgot how pretty this country (Okla and mainly Kansas) is this time of year. The last part of harvest but still enough crops waiting in the fields to offer a good contrast. We went through Woodward and visited with Cindy for a few minutes, then on to Kansas. Arrived in Smith Center late Wednesday evening. Uncle Howard was knocking on the door shortly after we got set up. One thing I wanted to do when we got here was help Uncle Howard find his grandfathers grave. Success. We did it. Also ordered a tombstone. Visited some off beat places where some of the Ellis/Wall bunch lived and worked. I'll post pictures and descriptions of the places when we get better connections. I love this country. It is clean and the people are lovers of the land. Nuff said. One major regret for me is my children did not live in the country when they were growing up. I used to feel sorry for people that had to live in towns. I am reminded of why.......

Wishing you freedom, joy and peace!!

I hear more and more about people leaving stressful high paying jobs for less money and a more peaceful, better quality of life. When I read the following I realized these must be the more enlightened people.

In his excellent book, On Becoming a Person, Dr. Carl Rogers spelled out some of the characteristics of the new, powerful person who is emerging in our culture today...and the vital, different set of values he both maintains and lives. "I stressed," he writes, "his hatred of phoniness, his opposition to all rigidly structured institutions, his desire for intimacy, closeness and community, his willingness to live by new and relatively moral and ethical standards, his searching quality, his openness to his own and others' feelings, his spontaneity, his activism and his determination to translate his ideals into reality. I am talking," he wrote, "about a relatively small number of people. But I believe that these people constitute the change agents of the future. When some part of a culture is decayed at the core, a small group with new views, new convictions, and a willingness to live in new ways, is a ferment that cannot be stopped."

Let's take a look at that new person emerging in our culture and see if you and I qualify.
First - his hatred of phoniness. Our new powerful person sees through facades and tinsel...outmoded and ridiculous customs and beliefs. Free of the tyranny of things and the opinions of others, he and his family...she and her family...live in a kind of solid serenity where true values count; where the verities, things like truth and justice, the family and work, take on real meaning. It is in the avoidance of phoniness that real freedom may be found...and one can drop off the rat race with a great sigh of relief. There are no inner circles to which these people need apply for membership; they are the centers of their own circles.
This person is opposed to all rigidly structured, closed institutions. Such institutions are saying, by the fact that they are rigidly structured and closed, "We have the answers...we need look no further...this is it." The new, powerful person knows that at this early stage of our development, such thinking is infantile. We do not have all the answers...about anything. And just as the maturing person is in a stage of growth, of becoming - so is a vital institution. It uses what it has and what it knows as springboards into the future...and assiduously avoids becoming closed and rigidly structured. A good and viable institution, like a self-actualizing person, is always in a state of growth..of becoming.
He has a desire for intimacy...closeness and community, and a willingness to live by new and relatively moral and ethical standards. This person has a searching quality and an openness to his own and others' feelings. He is spontaneous, unafraid of what others will say of his enthusiasms and ideas...and is determined to translate his ideas and ideals into reality.
Of course these people must constitute a relatively small number of people...a true inner circle, the most important and influential club of human beings on earth. The qualifications for membership are tough: To meet them takes work, thought and study...a willingness to find oneself and be oneself. But the perquisites of membership are great indeed! One of them is freedom...another is joy.
Earl Nightingale

Pamela and Max

Pam and Max flew in Thursday Aug 16 with intentions of flying to Marfa on Friday and returning to Andrews on Sunday. As it turned out the weather changed their plans. They stayed in Andrews until Sunday morning. They flew and we drove to Marfa. The weather was great and the landscape was beautiful. We spent Sunday afternoon driving around. There wasn't many options for dinner but lucked out with the only cafe that was open having delish food. After dinner we drove out to see the Marfa lights. Apparently it was the best show in a while. Max said we would see them and sure nuff we did. Monday morning we went to the McDonald observatory. Had lunch in Ft Davis before the drive home. Pam and Max flew home Tuesday morning. Charlie dog had to stay home but successfully pestered Pam and Max for a couple of days. I think he wants to stay with Randall when we go to Mt Rushmore in a couple of weeks.

You have what it takes!!

It's not the dazzling voice that makes a singer. Nor clever stories that make a writer. And it's not piles of money that make a tycoon.
It's having a dream and wanting to live it so greatly, that one would rather move with it, and "fail," than succeed in another realm.
You so have what it takes -

Be kind to yourself and others

Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. None can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun. Care for those around you. Look past your differences. Their dreams are no less than yours, their choices in life no more easily made. And Give. Give in any way you can.... Care less for your harvest than for how it is shared and your life will have meaning and your heart will have peace.

Missing Christopher

We are all missing Christopher. He left yesterday and arrived home safely late last night. It was so good having him here. Charlie misses him a lot. Christopher and Charlie went for walks, played ball and just hung out. Charlie would sleep beside Christopher as Christopher surfed.

Madeleine and her turtle friend

Madeleine found a baby turtle and has took care of it for several weeks. Today she made the decision to let the turtle return to turtle land. She released it in the lake near where she found it. The little turtle was so happy to be home. It kicked up sand and swam very fast. It is now with other turtles and living happily. It was very difficult for Madeleine but she did what was best for her little turtle friend. Charlie is so proud of Madeleine and wishes he could give her a big slurpy puppy kiss.

Christopher and Anne

Christopher and Anne arrived yesterday, July 4th. Great to have them here. They flew into El Paso and stopped at Carlsbad caverns on the way to Andrews. Hot dogs and burgers and early to bed.








Today we toured the oil field and Petroleum museum. Calvin was a terrific guide. Lucked out and arrived at a Key pulling unit just as the guys were rigging down. Wonderful weather and a nice rain after we arrived home.




No travels for Charlie. He stayed home but had a good time in the mud after the rain.

What if.......

What if, happiness didn't have anything to do with what you had, where you've been, or who you were, and arose entirely from what you chose to think about, yet nobody knew this?
And that changing your thoughts, so that you could feel happier more often, would entirely change what you had, who you were, and where you're headed, yet nobody knew this either?
Do you think if we told them they'd choose to think differently?

Charlie's sad

Terri, Em and Maddy left yesterday. Charlie sure misses them. It was a great week. Before leaving they cleaned the yard and planted flowers in the back yard. Maddy helped mow the grass. Good job!!

Thinking small isn't hard. It's just a habit. A habit with consequences. Same for thinking big.

Charlie has company

Terri, Emily and Madeleine are visiting for a few days. Charlie is very happy to have so much attention. Charlie started to school yesterday. So far he is the smartest and most charming student.

Terri has been pulling weeds and working in the yard plus helping Calvin build a screened in patio. The girls are working hard in the pool. Check out Maddy's new friend.