Invictus

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley

Hope

Good Morning Everyone,

 

Every once in a while a quote reaches my inbox that I just need to share with all of you.  The quote I share with you this morning touches my heart.

 

I try to live my life with a positive attitude each and every day.  However, there are times when I feel defeated and wonder where I will gain the strength to carry on another day.  

 

That is when “hope” and “faith” come in to play.   I learned a long time ago that when the darkness embraces me, it is “hope” and “faith” within me that bring me through to the light.

 

As we all struggle with our own personal demons, crises, difficulties and burdens, maybe this quote will remind you that there is always hope.

 

Hope is the sun which, as we journey towards it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.—Samuel Smiles

 

Namaste’

Sherry

 

 

 

Sending Healing Thoughts and Prayers

I am sending healing thoughts and prayers to those affected by the large layoff in our  community.  Sixty to seventy positions were laid off yesterday at a large corporation in our community.  It has been described as “brutal” and “the worst in 25 years.”  It didn’t seem to matter the position, length of service or contribution to the company.

 

My heart always goes out to anyone who experiences a sudden life changing event.  It is difficult to suddenly have your life in an upheaval, with control out of your hands.  Though the State’s economy is doing well, things are tight in this city.  The “good” jobs are far and few between and it makes job hunting difficult. What is worse, is a person may have to swallow pride and take a job of lesser status in order to put food on the table and provide for the family.  Unfortunately it is something that is being done all over the country.

 

However, if a person can look through the clouds, a silver lining may be visible.  It may be a time for new beginnings, renewal, relocation, or re-inventing oneself. I know, it is easier said by someone that isn’t affected. But,I have been at the bottom of the barrel myself - a couple of times - and when life seems the bleakest that is usually when a door – an opportunity – presents itself; one that you normally wouldn’t have thought of - much less considered.

 

It is my hope and prayer that doors open for each and every one of those affected by this layoff.  Have faith that something better is on the horizon and that you all possess the strength to get through this difficult time. 

 

Namaste’

Sherry

 

The Indispensable Man

This poem came across in an email sent throughout my workplace a few weeks ago.  During these times of uncertainty and economic woes, many of us are facing job challenges that we thought we’d never have to face in our lives.  

As much as we’d like to think that the workplace couldn’t get along without us, none of us is indispensable.    

THE INDISPENSABLE MAN

Sometimes, when you’re feeling important,

Sometimes, when your ego is in a bloom,

Sometimes, when you take it for granted,
You’re the best qualified in the room.

Sometimes when you feel that you going,

Would leave an un-fillable hole,

Just follow this simple instruction,

And see how it humbles your soul.

Take a bucket and fill it with water,

Put your hand in it, up to the wrist;

Pull it out and the hole that is remaining,

Is a measure of how you’ll be missed.

You may splash all you please when you enter,

You can stir up the water galore,

But stop, and you’ll find a minute,

That it looks quite the same as before.

The moral in this quaint example,

Is do just the best you can,

Be proud of yourself, but remember,

There is no indispensable man.

Saxon white

What a Wonderful Time!!

I'm home from vacation and basking in the glow of a wonderful weekend spent with family!  I cannot even begin to explain how it felt to be spending time with Keith, Valerie and her daughter JoAnne. 

Our trip started on Thursday morning driving to Fargo to catch a plane.  Thankfully we had good weather and everything was in our favor.  We had a bit of a problem getting off the ground in Minneapolis but other than that the flights went well. 

Valerie was already waiting for us at the resort.  It was actually quite funny.  We (Peggy and me) had just gotten in to our room when we heard knocking on the door to the connecting room.  I immediately said, "I'm not going to answer that...we don't know anyone here...we're from North Dakota."  Peggy said, "just tell them we're not with their party."  ~LOL~  The knocking kept on for a few minutes then stopped, at which point knocking began on our door to the room.  I looked through the peephole (yes, I work in a prison and I'm cautious!) only to see the beautiful smiling face of Val!  Oh my gosh!!  ~LOL~ 

Keith and Diane didn't arrive until Friday but by then all of us were in full chatty mode - catching up on what was going on with each other and getting to know JoAnne better.  It was heaven!  And when Keith arrived, the party began in earnest!  He cracks me up.  And Diane, what a lovely soul - such a sweetheart!

Friday found us heading downtown to check out the other casinos while Terry and Marna went to the George Jones concert.  (Nope, I didn't go - if it would've been Keith Urban I'd have been there in a heartbeat!) ~L~  The rest of us went back to the Grand Sierra and started drinking...or shall I say -continued! (hehehehe)  I had to keep assuring JoAnne that her ND cousins were NOT alcoholics.  Right JoAnne?! 

I lose track of my days but I think Saturday was spent indoors at the casino.  We adopted this little corner of a lounge and just hung out - talking about family history, memories and how we got to be where we are.  A lot of laughter, memories, and some tears too.  If only our parents (brothers Eddy and Vern) could have seen us...they'd have been proud of us I know.   I think Saturday night was also the night that they had the Fur Ball.  We started seeing all these younger people walking around in fur....some rather scantily clad I might add.  Terry and Keith were enjoying the eye candy, but there were a few guys with nice six-packs walking around too.  (Peggy noticed them, of course.....I kept my eyes discreetly averted)  (hehehehehe).

Keith and Diane had to leave Sunday morning to head back so he could get on the road. It was hard saying goodbye to them and I admit that I shed a tear watching them drive away. I hate saying goodbye!I tried to give them both an extra super long hug so that they knew how much I loved them.  I am grateful that we could spend as much time with them as we did.

The rest of Sunday can be summed up in two words....  Bloody Mary's! I started at 10am and didn't quit until that we ate supper (pizza) around 7pm.  Yes, I was a little toasted - but hey!  It was my last full day in Reno and I was going to enjoy it to the hilt!.  And I did....right up until the time we had to say goodbye to Val and JoAnne that night (we were leaving at 5am in order to catch a flight out of Reno).  I cried....just like I used to do when we were kids and she had to leave to go back to California. I am vowing - right here and now- to keep in touch via text messages, blogs, Facebook, phone calls, emails (I'm horrible at writing letters!).   I am NOT going to lose touch with her and Keith ever again.  Plus, we have the bonus of getting to know the 2nd cousins: Tanner, Ryan, Chyna and JoAnne.  I hope that when we have our next reunion (in a year and a half), that they will be able to make it. (JoAnne, it's up to you to fill them in on how wacky their cousins from ND are so they'll want to come check it out for themselves!) :-)

So, that is our trip to Reno in a nutshell.  There was lots more that happened of course, but we're under an oath.......what happens in Reno...STAYS in Reno!  (grin). 

Away....

Yes...I'm going away on a vacation!  Holy cow, can you believe it??  My sister, brother, and sister-in-law are flying to Reno to meet with our California cousins for a fun filled weekend!  I cannot wait.  I'm excited to be there, but nervous to fly, it's been a while since I've flown or even graced an airport.  Think they still push the plane donw the runway to get the propellars to work???  (grin).

Anywho, I'll be away from the blog until Tuesday - when I promise to relay all the fun details of the trip to you anxious peeps!! 

Be well and have a early Happy Valentines Day!

Namaste'

Sherry

I think I've lost it...

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to have lunch with three of my fellow yogini’s – Terri, Jackie, and Linda.  Ok, it was more like a gab fest and did we have fun!!!

It all started innocently enough talking about movies and songs, then we moved in to more serious topics – our memories, or lack thereof.  

I asked a simple question…..”have you ever put something away for safe keeping, only to never lay eyes on it again?”  Oh my gosh!  We were off and running on that topic.  We sat for 2 ½ hours relaying similar stories with each other.  None of us, of course, admit that we are suffering from age related memory loss.  Oh heck no!  Why, we are NOT old, we are just suffering from over usage!  “Brain overload” is what Linda called it.   (works for us!) 

It was a devine time and thoroughly enjoyed by this one!  I hated to see the time end, it was that much fun.  Thank you, ladies, for spending your morning with me doing yoga and then sharing friendship and laughter! (Warm hugs to all three of you!).   You made this yogini a happy one.

 

Namaste’

 

Sherry

 

 

 

 

Congratulations......

to my nephew Daniel and his wife Jennifer on the birth of their 1st child, Tillie Catherine (I chatted with Michael - Uncle - who revealed the name). 

My sister called me and said, "it's a girl and that's all I know.."  ~L~  What I know is that little Tillie is going to have everything she ever wants or desires.  If her parents don't give it to her, the Uncle's will.....and most certainly her grandparents! 

I'm a Great-Aunt once more, and I cannot wait to meet the little one. She'll join Abby, Brennan, Emil, and Brackston...... the next generation.  ~S~

Feeling My Age

Nope, not going to happen! In my mind, I’m 27 years old living in a 47 year old body.  (And guess what….my “life” age says that I’m actually 7 years younger than my calendar age!)  ROCK ON!!!!

 

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?  I consider it a good thing myself.  There was a time when 47 was considered old, but by today’s standards the 40’s are the new 30’s.  People are living longer and enjoying life to the “nth” degree.  

 

I had a conversation with a man named “Lee” the other night right before my yoga class.  A wonderful, insightful man in his later 70’s.   He said to me, “I’ve been active all my life, I don’t plan on stopping now.  I’m not one to sit in a rocking chair and watch life pass me by.”   Wow!  

 

My thoughts are that there will be plenty of time to be old later – when I can’t move out of a chair, I can’t feed myself, I can’t function without assistance.  And even then I plan on fighting age tooth and nail.  Never give up!  Because that is truly when age sets in.   I’ve heard of far too many people who retire at age 62, sit in a chair and relax, and then forget to get out of it. 

 

Not only is activity a key part of aging gracefully, learning and challenging the mind are an integral part as well.   Learn something new, meet new people, go somewhere you’ve never been before.  The phrase, “if you don’t use it, you lose it” really is appropriate. 

 

I’ve heard comments made, “she doesn’t act her age,” or “she thinks she’s young yet.”  Damn straight people!   If you don’t like it, tough!   Life can change in a heartbeat and tomorrow may never come.  So while I’m alive and kicking today, I’m going to live today as if I was 27 years old!  Life - It’s not a spectator sport people.  J

 

Have a thirst for life!  Live it!  Love it!  Experience it! 

 

OK, I’m off my soap box now! J

 

Namaste’

 

Sherry

 

 

 

 

 

 

A wonderful weekend...

Yes, I packed up my bag, picked up my sister, and headed south for a weekend getaway.....all the way to Adrian!  We spent the weekend at my brother and sister-in-law's and had the most enjoyable time.

Nothing grand at all - just good food, conversation, lots of reminiscing about the good ole days, and of course...beer and wine. 

I can't even begin to tell you how relaxed I felt just hanging out and listening to Terry, Marna and Peggy as they spoke about the views on certain subjects, or their laughter when an embarrasing moment from our youth was brought up.  And the food! We had comfort food which resulted in me showing Terry how to make pigs-in-a-blanket (or stuffed cabbage rolls) and creamed cabbage.  Mouth watering!!

Then I came home and woke up sick in the middle of the night.   I'm pretty sure it was the cabbage!  (Overload on the system).  I attempted to get ready for work at noon, but the body wasn't having any part of it.  Kind of a wrotten ending to the perfect weekend.  Oh well.    We all vowed that we were going to do this again in the spring or summer where we could be outside and grill steaks or something.  I'm game!!

Of course, NEXT weekend is our big adventure to Reno!  Wooooooo Hooooooooo!   That is going to be awesome to see our California cousins and to spend time with them.  Exciting!