Will Rogers' Secret

A magic way to win more friendships that no one can resist; even hardened criminals can be won over this way.
"I never met a man I did not like," said Will Rogers. Many people thought this was just another funny Rogers' remark, but one time when I met him with Amon Carter, of Fort Worth, I asked him, "Surely you can't like everybody?"
I knew he must meet bores, cheats, fourflushers just like the rest of us do. How can he possibly like even them?
Will was famous as a funnyman; but he was also a wise philosopher and he could be most serious when he wanted.
"Of course I don't approve of all the things that people do," he said, "but there is some goodness and some cussedness in all of us."
He continued, "If you know a man well enough you can always find something good in him and you can always find something interesting about him. It is just a matter of what you are looking for!"
"But what about the narrow-minded people? What about gossips? The people who do petty, mean little things? Do you like them, too?" I persisted.
"I once read somewhere," he said, "where someone asked Abe Lincoln that same question - why he refused to get mad at the people who abused him, ridiculed him and tried to discredit him."
"Lincoln replied that people's actions spring from their character and that many factors beyond their control went into making up their character - where they were born, the people they had associated with, and a lot of other things."
"Therefore,' said Lincoln, 'you shouldn't become angry with a person who blocks your path any more than you would with a tree which the wind blew across the road.'"
Will Rogers had no more reason for hating a person who happened to have been unfortunate enough to have acquired a habit of gossip than he did for hating a person who was foolish enough to neglect his teeth.
He didn't like gossip. Few people do; and he didn't like pettiness. He looked upon them as foolish behavior rather than evil behavior.
I am convinced that Will Rogers really did like every person he ever met.
There is an interesting thing about liking people, and that is they in turn like you. If you must start a rumor about somebody start it by saying, "I sure like that person."
This gets back to them and they say, "Well, I always liked him, too."
Another funny thing about gossip is that if they tell you things about others, you can just bet they will tell others things about you.
While there is always a temptation to listen to gossip, just remember while you are on the listening end this time with this gossiper, the next time you will be on the receiving end when the gossiper gets elsewhere.
Beware of the Gossip!
Avoid the company of the gossip. Don't give them a chance to be with you, find something out about you, then carry that story into another circle.
I am convinced that this trait of his character was largely responsible for Will Rogers being the most universally liked person I have ever heard about.
Will Rogers liked everybody and everybody liked Will Rogers!
Elmer Wheeler
From How to Sell Yourself to Others

Law of Compensation

Crowd out all inferior thoughts by superior thoughts, evil thoughts by good thoughts, ugly thoughts by beautiful thoughts, distressing thoughts by pleasant thoughts, and you will begin to overcome the growth of all negative and confused states of wrong and discord. In other words, learn to think constructively of all persons, all things, all events, and all circumstances. Appraise them from the ideal point of view. As you do this you will gradually transform your whole existence for the better. These are the means whereby you may steadily promote your welfare and advancement.
As you train yourself to mentally look for the good, you will move towards the good; and, as you form higher and larger conceptions of the good, these elements will begin to find expression in your words, acts, character, person, talents, powers, attainments, and achievements; that is, all things in your life will commence to improve as the direct result of your improved thinking.
This process does not imply, however, that you are to ignore the wrongs of life, the empty places, and the undeveloped states of being; but that you are to think right through and beyond them towards the hidden good or the principle within that is ever seeking a higher and fuller expression. You will, therefore, cease to condemn and to criticize in a destructive manner; instead you will seek to bring out the good in yourself and in others, and to discover and develop the greater possibilities everywhere.
Raymond Holliwell

Dinner with Pam and Max

Calvin didn't feel too perky so we stopped a little early today. Rested this afternoon then met Pam and Max for dinner. We celebrated a late fathers day. Ate at a cool Mexican food restaurant. Too good!!
Hopefully we will see Andrews by tomorrow night. It will be good to be home.
Charlie is ready for his back yard. Me too! It has been good seeing everyone but it is time to be home. Calvin hasn't felt well this trip and it has been so hot. We need to plan our southern trips for the cooler months.
I will be posting, hopefully, on a more regular basis. Not just when we are physically traveling. But as we are spiritually traveling.

A short travel day and memories of my dad

We had a good day today. Short trip (about 200 miles). Arrived in time for a leisurely day. Went to the casinos for a couple hours. Came home. Calvin grilled some steaks and chicken, I made mashed potaotes and a salad. Then a walk around the park. Now settling in for the evening. On to Dallas tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be the anniversary of my fathers birth in 1921. He left his earthly body nearly as many years ago as the years he spent in it. One thing about traveling - you get plenty of thinking time.
I remember when I was very young. We lived on a ranch several miles from town and it was very quiet at night. And very dark at night. After the lights were out (and I believe it was oil lamps) and we were all in bed the goodnights started. First dad said - good night Connie I love you -Good night daddy I love you, Good night JayL I love you - good night daddy I love you and on it went. Everyone got a turn so by the time the last one went thru their good nights everyone had told everyone else good night twice. It was comforting in the dark to hear the voices. I missed this in later years.
Sometimes we went the movies in town. At the time it cost 5 cents for children and 40 cents for any one over 12 yrs of age. I was treated to a family night at the movies on my 12th birthday. I told my parents they would have to pay 40 cents for me now that I was 12. Dad said no we would just pay the 5 cents. I said "but I am 12 years old now". When dad went to the window to pay admission, he said there was 3 children and 3 adults.
Funny how it works. You forgive and get rid of the resentment in your heart and there is suddenly room for the good to shine through. Sometimes we only think about the times we were offended or hurt and forget that there is good in there somewhere. We must remember everyone is doing the best they can with what they have learned from their life experiences. We do the best we know to do. As we know better, we do better. Whatever we were sent here to learn, I sure hope we get it right.

Only good RV parks in Louisiana

Made it to Lafayette La around 4:00 pm. Found a great RV park. Almost as nice as the one yesterday. There is a 10 acre lake in the center of the park. Fishing is allowed and no lic required. Limit 4 fish a day. How neat is that. Calvin has his fishing rod with him but we didn't find out about the fishing until it was too late. Guess he can fish tomorrow morning...EARLY. The heat is really getting to Charlie. When we finish walking he comes in the trailer and plops down on the floor with his tongue hanging out. Don't know why it would bother him that much. Of course I am right there beside him. Any guesses on who has the longest tongue?
We may make it to Dallas tomorrow night. However, Calvin is talking of spending some time in Shreaveport. Hmm. Wonder what in the world could be of interest there. Slots anyone?
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You cannot help the world by focusing on the negative things. As you focus on the world's negative events, you not only add to them; but you also bring more negative things into your own life.
Praise and bless everything in the world, and you will dissolve negativity and discord and align yourself with the highest frequency - LOVE. RBryne

Last day in Florida and heading home

We spent our last day in Fl getting the awning off the trailer. Terri and the girls brought us lunch which was very welcome. Then did some shopping for shoes and then picked up Brian and went to Randall's storage unit. A very busy day. We finished up at the Morrisons for chinese take out which was out of this world. Yummy!!

Madeleine cut off her hair for "Locks of Love" and looks as cute as a bug. Madeleine and Emily are such kind hearted girls. They are so different in their talents and personalities and both are such kind and loving people. I was thinking about all the wonderfully kind and generous members of my family and extended family today while driving down I-10. The world is indeed a better place because of them. I know this kindness will come back to them many times. Not because of the acts/deeds themselves but because the kindness and loving caring is just who they are. I am indeed one fortunate person.

Speaking of love :-).... I was talking to my granddaughters this week, don't even remember where the conversation had been or was going, just chitty chatting and commented about sending love to people and I said, 'well, they say love is what makes the world go round' and then added, 'and we sure want it to keep turning'. After I said it I remembered one day when I was very young, riding in the car with my aunt Sadie. We had the radio on and there was a song with words about love in it. I asked her why all the songs were about love. She said, "Well because that is what makes the world go round, or so they say". Hmmmmm

I am currently reading Meditations to Heal Your Life. The idea is to open the book and just read whatever is there for the day. Well today it was as follows:
(affirmation to say) Love Makes My World Go Round - My love is Powerful
(explanation) I treat myself as someone who is deeply loved. All kinds of events come and go; yet, through it all, the love for myself is constant. This is not being vain or conceited. People who are vain and conceited have a lot of self hatred covered over by a layer of "I am better than you." Self love is simply appreciating the miracle of my own Being. When I really love myself, I cannot hurt myself and I cannot hurt another person. To me, the answer to world peace is unconditional love. It begins with self acceptance and self love. I no longer wait to be perfect in order to love mself. I accept myself exactly as I am right here and now. L.L. Hay
Oh MY!!!!

Well here we are in Milton Florida. We are staying at a wonderful campground. Big swimming pool, game room, minature golf etc. There is also a doggie play ground with an agility course. First one I've seen. We went for a little walk earlier. Here is my Charlies taking a break.

Fathers Day

Chefs at work. Lucy enjoyed the movie too!



Madeleine, Papa and Emily. Dad and his girls.

Got a leisurely start. I went to yoga at Terri's studio while Calvin hung out at the Morrisons. We had a delish Fathers Day lunch. Followed that with "Hairspray" and then pie. Yummo.
George and Calvin opened gifts and cards then we played Uno. A good day!!
We had a surprise when we got back to the RV. Apparently a storm hit and our canopy was broke in two places. We won't be able to move the trailer until the canopy is fixed. Unless we can get it fixed tomorrow we won't be leaving Tuesday.

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Q: What would you call a world where each challenge bears gifts, your enemies are ancient friends in disguise, and by simply pretending your dreams have already come true mountains are moved?
A: Earth.
Too easy?
The Universe
http://www.tut.com/

Brian, Barbara, Wendy

Brian, Barbara and Wendy came out to the RV and spent some time with us. We had dinner and played cards. Was so good spending time with them. The lighting in the RV wasn't great for picture taking but this is what I ended up with.

Thursday in Jax

Went to Emily's work place. Here are some pictures. You can tell Charlie is starved for attention. He is a real people magnet.

I went to another yoga class. Terri is a great instructor. Her gentle and caring nature is very evident. Emily and Madeleine spent the night. They really like 'camping out'.

A Fathers Day Story

We all have defining moments which forever alter our lives by shifting our thoughts, feelings and actions in a new direction. Sometimes those moments look like natural disasters! Eventually, though, we see that everything took place in perfect harmony with the Law of Attraction.
My life was on a pretty comfortable track in my early and mid-20's. I was cruising along in that in-between world of no longer being the high school jock or college kid, but not yet ready to be a full-fledged grown up, either. That's not to say I didn't have an idea of what I wanted. I had a nice, neat little plan to first earn a sizable amount of money with a business from home, then get married, then have kids. More than anything, I always wanted to be a stay-at-home, entrepreneurial dad so I could be an active part of the lives of my children. but I was in no hurry. I mean - after all - why rush?
And then. Ka-pow! In January 2005 I got a wake-up call . my girlfriend, Jen, was pregnant. I couldn't believe it was happening. I was stunned and reacted, in a word, badly. I just wasn't ready and there was nothing I could do about it. I felt totally powerless.
The months progressed quickly and, in the early morning hours of August 22, 2005, I drove Jen to the hospital and had the privilege of watching my son, Dylan, enter the world. I kept thinking, "Wow - I'm a Dad!" And yet, I was still scared and worried. "I need more time to prepare for this!" I thought. It wasn't going according to plan. Or was it?
During the first year of being a father I built a very special bond with my son, but the relationship between Jen and I ended and I began asking myself what was I going to do so I could be fully involved in my son's life? For the next few months, we worked it out . making decisions and sharing caregiver roles on a pretty friendly basis.
Then the time came to formalize our co-parenting agreement through a court of law and that was the next big wake-up call as I was drawn into a legal system that dictates how much time aparent can or cannot spend time with his or her child. In a case like ours, in which the mother and father were never married, there were huge hurdles to jump over in order to establish my rights as a Dad.
It became painfully evident that the legal system is not overly friendly to single dads. Rather than engage in the legal rhetoric and offense/defense games, I followed some very good advice and quietly affirmed over and over again gratitude that my son has such a good and loving mother. Being grateful was the key.
I soon discovered how perfectly - and quickly - the Law of Attraction responds to what we put out. Whenever I found myself focusing on the negative aspects of the situation, I would attract more of it. When I focused on the good, I attracted more of it.
In the midst of it all, a huge life-defining moment occurred when Bob Proctor invited me to drive him to the airport for his return flight from Phoenix to Toronto. During the next two hours, Bob challenged me from every angle . he questioned my goals and aspirations and what I said I wanted. Most of all, he challenged me to be honest with myself about what I'm willing to do in order to have the life I want as an entrepreneurial stay-at-home dad fully engaged in the day-to-day raising of my son.
His powerful advice that day helped me to crystallize and hold the image of what I really wanted and to think truth despite present circumstances or events.
Today, with all that behind us, we share 50/50 custody in a true spirit of harmony. I enjoy quality "daddy time" with my little guy - and, what's more, I can feel great knowing that my time with him doesn't limit or violate Jen's rights in any way. It truly is a win-win scenario for all of us - and most especially for our son.
We learned that even when the most unexpected events rock our world, none of us need be a victim of circumstance. We have the ability to choose our thoughts, words and actions in every situation. And that is what ultimately determines the outcome - so long as we hold true to the image of what we want without violating the rights of others.
I know very well how blessed I am to be an entrepreneur, working from home and spending time with my son, just as I had visualized from the start. The Law of Attraction brought all this about with one stroke - with the "untimely" conception of a beautiful boy between two young people who each had much to learn and much to gain - from an experience that might otherwise appear on the surface to have been a disaster.
By embracing it as a gift of love and of learning - we are all growing and enjoying life with this beautiful little boy we call The Love Man - Dylan Paul Gates.
Happy Father's Day to everyone - Dads and Moms alike!

D.P. Gates
D.P. Gates lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and enjoys working in a great business from home. Feel free to email him your comments on this story to: dp@dpgates.com

Wed. in Jax. Sleep over

I took a yoga class with Terri and then had pizza with the Morrison family. Emily and Madeleine spent the last night in the RV with us. We played games and had a good time. Here are some pics of some serious players. Fun was had by all.

Charlie is so excited. So many people and so many dogs. Sweetie and Lucy aren't nearly as excited.

Somewhere in Florida

Finally got to the sunshine state. It is so pretty here. We should get to Jacksonville sometime tomorrow afternoon.

BTW - regarding my mention of always staying in bad places in Louisiana.. Had an aha moment today. Years ago we stayed at a motel in Louisiana. Not so nice. so I said, "man I really don't like this place". Next time we stayed in Louisiana I said "I really don't like it here, every place we stay is....." and on and on. Over the years I repeated how everyplace we stay in Louisiana is bad. And everytime we stayed in bad places. Hmmmm I know you attract in your life what you think about so what is wrong with this picture. Works everytime.

So keep your thoughts on what you really want. If you want to stay in bad places I've shown you the way. Gee...sure slips up on ya! As Tut says, "Thoughts become things, choose the good ones".

I love west Texas

We made it to the east side of Baton Rouge. I will not complain about Louisiana but right now I really love West Texas. Ok......I am going to use my enlightened mind. The next time we are in Louisiana we will stay in a nice clean place that smells good. Good means anything that doesn't smell like swamp or rotting foliage. Or anything else rotting. I am positive thinking. I'll let you know how it works for me.
It was a good day. The wind wasn't too bad. Charlie met a lot of dogs this evening. He wasn't all that interested. He got pretty interested when he sniffed a bush and a cat popped up. He's a pretty fast dog.

Quote:
"When you follow your bliss you live in a constant space of joy. You open yourself to the abundance of the Universe. You're excited to share your life with those you love, and your excitement, your passion, your bliss become contagious."
Lisa Nichols

On the road again

On our way to Florida again. We had a pretty long day of travel. The wind was horrid so we are pooped. Charlie was ready to stop long before we did. Calvin caught this pic of him. I think he was hiding so he wouldn't have to get in the pickup again. The last few weeks I have been reading some interesting material regarding our attitudes causing illnesses. One author wrote that guilt, resentment and absence of self love are the main causes of all our problems (mental and physical). Makes sense to me. I'm going to try to add a few quotes and statistics as I go along. Just a warning...Retirement has given me the oppurtunity to become so enlightened. :-) . To all reading this...I hope you realize your value. One of a wonderful kind.

Be Calm

"My father used to say to me, 'Whenever you get into a jam, whenever you get into a crisis or an emergency...become the calmest person in the room and you'll be able to figure your way out of it.'"

Rudolph Giuliani
Former Mayor of New York City

From Bob Proctors daily message

Attraction

Have you ever spent time wondering why many good people continually attract negative situations into their lives while others seem to attract nothing but beautiful situations into theirs. This concept contains power, possibility, and promise if you will use it.

You are God's highest form of creation. You are a living breathing creative magnet. You have the ability to control what you attract into your life. There have always been small select groups of individuals who are aware of how to work in harmony with this natural law of the universe: The Law of Attraction.
This law clearly states you can only attract to you that which is in harmony with you. Everything in the universe vibrates. That is based on the Law of Vibration. That includes your mind and body. Look at your body through a microscope, it is a mass of energy that is moving and vibrating. Your mind controls the vibration you are in at any given moment. You control your mind by the thoughts you choose. No one can cause you to think something you do not want to think. This is where freedom comes in, this is also where the problem begins with most people. They permit what is happening around them to determine how they think. They have become the play-thing for outside forces.
Ninety percent of the population wish positive but think negative. Their negative thoughts puts them in a negative vibration which by law determines what is attracted into their lives. As a creative individual you will continually attract good things into your life by thinking positive thoughts and expecting the best life has to offer. You deserve it.