When I am an old woman I shall wear purple

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple

With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves

And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired

And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells

And run my stick along the public railings

And make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain

And pick flowers in other people's gardens

And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat

And eat three pounds of sausages at a go

Or only bread and pickle for a week

And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry

And pay our rent and not swear in the street

And set a good example for the children.

We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised

When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple. 

WARNING by Jenny Joseph

Bunny Cupcakes

Video

How to Make Bunny Face Cupcakes 

You will need:

• 1 12-oz. can vanilla frosting
• 12 cupcakes, any flavor 
• 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut, chopped in food processor 
• 1/4 cup pink decorating sugar 
• 12 marshmallows 
• 24 thin pretzel sticks 
• 12 mini marshmallows 
• 24 brown M&M's minis 
• 12 pink heart candies, such as Runts 
• 6 black licorice laces 

How to:

1. Spoon 2 Tbsp. vanilla frosting into a small ziplock bag. Frost cupcakes with remaining vanilla frosting. Roll tops of frosted cupcakes in coconut to cover.
2. Place pink sugar in a small bowl. Using scissors, cut large marshmallows in half crosswise. Press cut side of each marshmallow into pink sugar to make ears. Insert a pretzel stick into 1 short end of a marshmallow ear. Insert pretzel-stick end into cupcake to make ear stand up. Repeat with another pretzel and marshmallow ear; place second marshmallow ear next to first. Repeat with remaining marshmallows and pretzels, placing 2 ears on each cupcake.
3. Snip a small corner from ziplock bag with vanilla frosting. Using scissors, cut mini marshmallows in half crosswise to make cheeks. Pipe small dots of frosting and attach the mini M&M eyes, heart-candy nose and cheeks. Cut licorice into 1 1/2-inch pieces and insert as whiskers. Repeat with remaining cupcakes.

More bunny cupcake ideas...
Top them with a pair of our paper bunny ears and a cotton candy tail. . Please note, cotton candy starts to dissolve once it’s out of the package so put the bunny tail on right before serving.

Click on the image below to download these bunny ears.

New Day Dawning

The sun is rising, revealing a brand new day, 

My heart is singing in the most unusual way. 

This day that is dawning puts a smile upon my face, 

For whatever I do I must not bring disgrace. 

I will choose to do the best that I can, 

And with that I am already ahead in the race. 

This day I will shine like a star in the sky 

With God at my side every step of the way. 

New Beginnings are happening everyday, 

It is just a matter of how you choose your way. 

Now go and do the right thing, keep those 

virtues by your side, and hold tight 

to your morals don't let them get away, 

now go and have a "Great Day!"

Author:  Linda Rook

The Rose Within

A certain woman planted a rose

and watered it faithfully,

and before it blossomed,

she examined it.

She saw the bud that would soon

blossom and also the thorns.

And she thought,

“How can any beautiful flower

come from a plant burdened with

so many sharp thorns?”

Saddened by this thought,

she neglected to water the rose,

and before it was ready to

bloom, it died.

So it is with many people.

Within every soul there is a rose.

The God-like qualities planted in us

at birth grow amid the thorns of our faults.

Many of us look at ourselves and

see only the thorns, the defects.

We despair, thinking that nothing

good can possibly come from us.

We neglect to water the good within us,

and eventually it dies.

We never realize our potential.

Some people do not see

the rose within themselves;

someone else must show it to them.

One of the greatest gifts a person

can possess is to be able to

reach past the thorns

and find the rose within others.

This is the characteristic of love,

to look at a person, and knowing his faults,

recognize the nobility in his soul,

and help him realize that he can

overcome his faults.

If we show him the rose,

he will conquer the thorns.

Then will he blossom,

blooming forth thirty, sixty,

a hundred-fold as it is given to him.

Our duty in this world is to help others

by showing them their roses

and not their thorns.

Only then can we achieve

the love we should feel for each other;

only then can we bloom in our own garden.

Author unknown

No-Bake Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Cookies

GET MORE:  Subscribe to Martha Stewart Living  Sign Up for Our Newsletters

INGREDIENTS:  (Makes 16 squares)

• 1 cup light corn syrup 
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups salted peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 
• 4 cups Rice Krispies 

DIRECTIONS:
STEP 1
Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with wax paper or baking parchment. Place the corn syrup and sugars in a large saucepan over medium heat and stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat.
IN THIS STEP:  Buttering and Lining Cake Pans
STEP 2
Stir in the peanut butter and mix well to combine. Quickly stir in the vanilla and Rice Krispies. Spread into the lined baking pan. Cool and sliceinto squares.

A Golden Day

The subtle beauty of this day 

Hangs o'er me like a fairy spell, 

And care and grief have flown away, 

And every breeze sings, "all is well." 

I ask, "Holds earth or sin, or woe?" 

My heart replies, "I do not know."

Nay! all we know, or feel, my heart, 

Today is joy undimmed, complete; 

In tears or pain we have no part; 

The act of breathing is so sweet, 

We care no higher joy to name. 

What reck we now of wealth or fame?

The past--what matters it to me? 

The pain it gave has passed away. 

The future--that I cannot see! 

I care for nothing save today-- 

This is a respite from all care, 

And trouble flies--I know not where.

Go on, oh noisy, restless life! 

Pass by, oh, feet that seek for heights! 

I have no part in aught of strife; 

I do not want your vain delights. 

The day wraps round me like a spell 

And every breeze sings, "All is well." 

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Have a Wonderful Weekend Friends...

You GO, GURL!

Rockin' and Rollin' cause

Its da Week-end!

Mice Cookies

These cute critters will delight children of all ages -- try inviting the kids into the kitchen to lend a helping hand during baking.

This recipe was prepared on "The Martha Stewart Show" and appears on the Martha Stewart Makes Cookies App for iPad.

Ingredients:  (Makes about 3 dozen)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 large egg 
• 1/4 cup sliced natural almonds 
• 4 30-inch black licorice laces, cut into 3 inch lengths (see Helpful Hint) 
• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 

COOK'S NOTE:
To make the eyes and noses, pipe tiny dots of melted chocolate with a parchment cone. Use a curved length of black licorice lace to form the tail.

Directions: 

STEP 1
Whisk to combine flour and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add sugar gradually, beating until mixture is pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in extract, then egg. Reduce speed to low, and add one-third flour mixture. Gradually add remaining flour mixture, beating just until blended. Halve dough and shape into disks; wrap each in plastic, and chill 2 hours or up to 1 day.
STEP 2
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll about 1 tablespoon of chilled dough between your palms to form 1 1/4-inch- to 1 1/2-inch-long oval shapes. Slightly elongate one side to form face. Gently pinch bridge of nose to form eye sockets. With a paring knife, make 2 small slits at top of each shape, for placement of ears. Place 2 sliced almonds into slits. Place shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
STEP 3
Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies are light golden brown on bottom and around edges, and tips of ears are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer sheets to wire racks, and immediately insert a wooden skewer about 1/2 inch into mouse's rounded end. Remove skewer and insert curved length of licorice for tail. It should adhere to the still-warm cookie. Let cookies cool completely on wire racks.
STEP 4
Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over (not in) a pan of simmering water. Turn off heat; keep chocolate warm until ready to use, stirring occasionally. Place melted chocolate in aparchment cone or a resealable plastic bag with a tiny hole cut in one corner. Pipe chocolate in tiny dots to form eyes and nose. Chill until chocolate is set, about 20 minutes.

SOURCE:

Holiday Cookies

The beautiful Colour of Love – Colour of God

What colour is God,

Asked the child with skin so fair

Is he white like me,

Does he have light hair?

Is God dark like me,

Asked the child with skin of golden hue,

Has he hair that’s dark and curly,

Are his eyes black or blue?

I think God is red like me,

The Indian boy is heard to say –

He wears a crown of feathers,

And turns our nights to day

Each one of us knows that God is there

In ALL the colours above

But be sure of this, the one colour he is,

Is the beautiful colour of love

So when your soul goes to Heaven,

When your life comes to its end –

He will be waiting, and his hand to you

Will he extend.

There will be no colours in Heaven,

Everyone will be the same.

You will only be judged by your earthly deeds,

Not your colour or your name

So when your time comes,

And you see God in his Heaven above,

Then you will see the only colour that counts,

The beautiful colour of LOVE.

A Friend's Greeting

A Friend's Greeting

by

Edgar Guest

"I'd like to be the sort of friend

that you have been to me;

I'd like to be the help that you've been 

always glad to be;

I'd like to mean as much to you

each minute of the day

As you have meant, old friend of mine,

to me along the way. 

I'd like to do the big things

and the splendid things for you,

To brush the gray out of your skies

and leave them only blue;

I'd like to say the kindly things

that I so oft have heard,

And feel that I could rouse your soul

the way that mine you've stirred. 

I'd like to give back the joy

that you have given me,

Yet that were wishing you a need

I hope will never be;

I'd like to make you feel

as rich as I, who travel on

Undaunted in the darkest hours

with you to lean upon. 

I'm wishing at this Christmas time

that I could but repay

A portion of the gladness

that you've strewn along the way;

And could I have one wish this year,

this only would it be:

I'd like to be the sort of friend

that you have been to me."

Coffeeology 101

Puppy Cupcakes

Puppy Cupcakes

Kids will fall head over "paw" for these adorable puppy cupcakes from Cake Power founder Kate Sullivan. Download and print the dog-ear template for a handy decorating guide. 

Ingredients:  (Makes 24)

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 
• 2 1/4 cups sugar, plus 1/4 cup for sprinkling 
• 3 large eggs 
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 
• 1 cup sour cream

For Decorating you will need:

• Meringue Buttercream
• 3 to 4 pounds white chocolate fondant
• Brown gel-paste food coloring 
• Cornstarch, for rolling fondant
• Dark Brown Candy Melts, melted according to package directions 
• Sugar Babies candies or small black jelly beans, halved 
• Black edible-ink marker 

DIRECTIONS:
STEP 1
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line two 12-cup standard-size muffin pans with cupcake liners; set aside.
STEP 2
Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and 2 1/4 cups sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition; stir in vanilla.
STEP 3
Add flour mixture to egg mixture in three additions, alternating with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Fill prepared muffin cups with 1/4 cup batter each. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup sugar evenly over tops of cupcakes. Transfer to oven and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
STEP 4
Let cupcakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack before cooling completely.
STEP 5
Transfer cooled cupcakes to refrigerator; let chill for 10 minutes. Place 2 tablespoons frosting on each cupcake; smooth into a dome-shape on top of each cupcake.
STEP 6
Knead enough gel-paste food coloring into 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of fondant to create desired shade of brown. Lightly dust work surface with cornstarch and roll out fondant. Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out 24 circles and transfer to a baking sheet; transfer baking sheet to refrigerator and let chill for 5 minutes.
STEP 7
Lightly dust work surface with cornstarch and roll out remaining 1 1/2 to 2 pounds fondant. Using a 1 3/4-inch round cutter, cut out 24 circles and transfer to a baking sheet; transfer baking sheet to refrigerator and let chill for 5 minutes.
STEP 8
Place a 3-inch brown circle of fondant over the top of each cupcake, smoothing with hands. Brush 1 1/2-inch white circles with water; place on top of brown circles, moistened-side down, near the bottom of each cupcake to create the muzzle. Set cupcakes aside.
STEP 9
Place dog ear template on a baking sheet and cover with a sheet of waxpaper. Place melted chocolate melts in a resealable plastic bag; snip corner of bag to create a small (about 1/8-inch) hole. Trace ear shapes from template onto wax paper with melted chocolate; fill in ears with melted chocolate to cover. Transfer to refrigerator until hardened, about 5 minutes.
STEP 10
Using remaining melted chocolate, pipe dots onto each cupcake to create eyes. Use melted chocolate to adhere Sugar Babies or jelly beans to cupcakes to create a nose. Remove chocolate ears from wax paper; use melted chocolate to adhere to cupcakes. Using edible-ink marker, draw a mouth onto each puppy cupcake. Serve.

SOURCE:  The Martha Stewart Show

I LOVE IT...

I love it!!!

Here's my version on the same thought . . .

I want to walk hand in hand with you

barefoot in the park,

sharing each others experiences.

I want to go to the store

buy a box of chocolates

and eat them all at once,

while in each others arms. 

Sometimes I want to be alone,

but never without you in my thoughts.

I want our only fights to be snowball fights.

I want to share with you a piece of cheesecake

with only one fork.

I want to buy you flowers

for no special occasion.

I want to throw stones at the campfire

where each stone will be a bad memory

never to come back again.

I want us To be continued . . . . . 

Forever!

mdandree

Good Morning

Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people 

before meeting the right one so that when we finally

meet the right person, we know how to be grateful 

for that gift.         -unknown

I Love you, Grandma

"I love you, Grandma," said the child,

Grandma said, "I love you, too."

"I love you more," said the little child,

"I love you more than you."

"Well, that's an awful lot of love,"

Said Grandma then, and smiled.

"I love you, Grandma, most of all,"

More loudly said the child.

"Well, I love you back as much and more,"

Grandma smiled again.

"No, Grandma, you don't understand,

I can't love you the 'mostest' then."

Two tiny arms reached out to squeeze,

Grandma had no further words.

Such love directly akin to God's,

Unconditional and unreserved.

Virginia (Ginny) Ellis

copyright 7/26/00 

Good morning, Sunshine

Good morning, sunshine

a good morning to you.

Good morning, sunshine

and a good day too.

Keep a smile upon your face

for all the human race 

and a good morning, sunshine 

and a good day too.

Don't let the earthly burdens 

bring you down

keep a smile and not a frown

Good morning, sunshine 

and a good day too 

and know I love you.

All through the day 

keep your chin up, your head 

held high 

and you'll have a good 

morning, sunshine 

and your day will be just fine.

by: Sheri Emily Avery

20 LOVE DARES to Improve Your Marriage

Let's Dare to Love

In the day and age of Selfies and social media, we can sometimes forget to love each and instead give in to self-indulgence. Love comes from God and is modeled in the life of Jesus Christ. Dare to love your spouse in a whole new way. Try these 20 dares inspired by Alex and Stephen Kendrick's book The Love Dare.

Dare 1
Love is Thoughtful – James 1:19
Love can be communicated in various ways, but for this dare use words to show love. Resolve to say only positive words to your spouse. The Bible tells us that patience can persuade a ruler and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Dare 2
Love is Kind – Proverbs 19:22
Do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness. One small random act of benevolence can mean a great deal to your loved one.

Dare 3
Love Believes the Best – Romans 12:15
Become your spouse’s biggest fan! When your spouse wins, you win. Don’t let bitterness and jealousy rise up and create thorn bushes in your marriage. Also, keep cheering your spouse on even if it’s a season of promotion for you.

Dare 4
Love Is A Verb – Psalm 32:10
Do something for your spouse to tangibly demonstrate your love. Load the dishwasher. Wash the car. Prepare dinner. Do this for the sheer joy of being their life partner.

Dare 5
Love is Selfless – Romans 12:18
Show love by choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse. Tell them you are putting their preference first.

Dare 6
Love Seeks to Understand – Ecclesiastes 10:12
Find out from your spouse if there is anything that makes them uncomfortable or irritable. Do they have any requests for change? Try to understand their perspective and whatever you do don’t get defensive.

Dare 7
Love Promotes Intimacy - Proverbs 23:26
Just be together. Put some things on your schedule aside and carve out uninterruptible time for just the two of you.

Dare 8
Love Intercedes – John 9:31
Begin praying for your spouse’s heart. Pray for those areas that you desire God to work in most.

Dare 9
Love Forgives –Luke 23:34
It’s time to hit the reset button. Forgive your spouse today and let go of anything holding back your heart from them. Say willfully, “I choose to forgive.”

Dare 10
Love Always Protects – Romans 12:16
Establish a mutual set of rules that you both will abide by when you’re having “heated discussion.” When the next disagreement occurs have these rules handy to work from.

Dare 11
Love is Responsible - Galatians 5:6
Take responsibility for your actions. Don’t play the blame game. Own up and make things right. This requires a great deal of transparency and sincerity.

Dare 12
Love Encourages – Philippians 1:3
Contact your spouse today while they’re at work to just give them an encouraging word. Make it special, see if there’s anything they need you to do.

Dare 13
Love Is A Commitment – Mark 10:9
The covenant of marriage is one not to be taken likely. You make a vow to God to love this person…even when you don’t feel like it. Affirm that love is a choice and love your spouse even when sometimes you feel they don’t love you in return.

Dare 14
Love is God’s Word – Romans 15:4
Have personal devotional time where you commit to read God’s Word. Begin submitting each area of your life to the will of God.

Dare 15
Love Celebrates Godliness – Psalm 101:2
Verbally affirm when your spouse demonstrates Christ-like character. Encourage “the God in them” to continue to come forth.

Dare 16
Love Brings Unity – Amos 3:3
Remove any barrier of division that it causing separation between you and your spouse. Pray and ask the Lord to move any obstructions from your heart.

Dare 17
Love Meets Physical Needs – Song of Solomon 7:6
Bedroom intimacy is a vital component to growing together in marriage and love. Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as pave the way to greater intimacy.

Dare 18
Love Agrees in Prayer – Psalm 145:16
Become intentional about praying and reading your Bible together. Guard and protect this devotional time to pour more of God into your marriage.

Dare 19
Love is Accountable – Proverbs 11:14
Find a marriage mentor to come alongside you in your marriage walk. If you feel that counseling is needed, pray and ask God to direct the process.

Dare 20
Love is Satisfied in God – Psalm 1
Blessed and full of joy is the person who relies fully on God. Our spouse are our life companion but they are not our source of life. God is. Keep Him first and invite Him into your marriage daily.

Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Love-Family/Galleries/20-Love-Dares-to-Improve-Your-Marriage.aspx?p=21#AdHkt3zkhtiwyCWi.99

Ladybird Cupcakes

Ingredients:  (makes 12)

• 12 cupcakes (use our basic cupcakes recipe)
• 1 lb 2 oz of black icing for the cupcakes and dots
• 1 3/4 oz of black icing for the eyes
• 1 lb 2 oz of red icing for the wings
• Uncooked vermicelli noodles for the antennae
• 1 3/4 oz of white icing for the eyes
• Cornflour
• 9 oz of ganache (3 lb of white chocolate and 450ml of cream)

Method:
To make the ganache: 

Add the cream to a pan and bring to the boil. Then add in your chopped white chocolate and whisk together until smooth. Leave to cool and set overnight and then spread on top of your cupcakes with a palette knife. Leave to set for one hour. Then hot knife for a smooth finish.
To cover the cakes: Knead the black icing to a pliable dough and roll out to 3mm thick. Use the cornflour on your work tops to stop the icing sticking. Using the circle cutter the same size as the cupcake, cut out 12 circles and stick them onto the cup cake.
For the wings: Set aside a small amount of red icing for the antennae, then roll out the rest until 3mm thick. Cut out discs using a round cutter the same size as the cupcake. Use the same cutter to cut out one-quarter of the discs. Cut the remaining portion of the icing disc in half. Stick the two wing cases on the cupcake with a little brush of water (I use a small paint brush), moving them slightly apart.
For the dots: Knead the remaining black icing and roll into baby pea-sized balls. Flatten the balls between your fingers and stick them on the wing cases.
For the antennae: Roll two tiny balls of red icing and stick the on top of two short sticks of vermicelli. Poke the vermicelli onto the cupcakes just behind where the eyes will be.
For the face: With a frilling tool indent two holes for the eyes. Use a drinking straw cut in half to mark the mouth. Roll out tiny balls of white icing and stick them into the indents. Using a tiny amount of black icing, roll out even smaller balls and stick them on the top of the white balls to finish the eyes.
Now your cakes are ready to serve.

By: Victoria Threader

Egg-cellent Breakfast

(Make-Ahead) Eggs Benedict Casserole
by AMY FLANIGAN

(Make-Ahead) Eggs Benedict Casserole (Serves 12)

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3/4 pound Canadian bacon, roughly diced
• 6 English muffins, split and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Easy Hollandaise Sauce:

• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions:

1. Coat a 9×13 pan with cooking spray. Combine the bacon and english muffin pieces and place in the pan, spreading them out evenly. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and onion powder; pour over the top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Sprinkle the paprika over the top.
3. Preheat oven to 375. Cover and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Just before it’s done cooking, make your hollandaise.
Heat butter in the microwave for about 1 minute, or until melted and hot, but not boiling. In a blender, add the egg yolks, cream, lemon juice, mustard, and cayenne to taste; cover and blend for about 10 seconds. Then turn it back on and slowly drizzle in the melted butter until fully incorporated and thickened. Taste and adjust flavor to your liking. (To heat up slightly, you can place it in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful..you don’t want it to curdle.)

Serve sauce immediately with the casserole. Garnish with chopped chives or scallions, optional.

A Good Morning to You

Good morning dear friends

To you my pals I send

Prayers for God to touch your soul

Each and every one of us has a goal

Put God first I recommend

God's words are simple to comprehend.

Start each day with a single prayer

God and His Angels are everywhere

Good morning Lord I love today

With your guidance I'll find the way

Before I leave for work or play

Your Spirit within me brightens my day

Thank you Lord for the sun and the sky

With all of natures beauty I deeply sigh

Lord you have created a beautiful Earth

Your wonders I see give me a spiritual rebirth

Thank you Lord at the end of each day

Please keep me safe I do pray.

author: Joyce Ann Geyer

Goodnight my friend prayer

Goodnight Friend Prayer

May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears.

May God manifest himself in ways you have never experienced before.

May your joys be fulfilled, our dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered.

I pray that faith enters a new height for you;

I pray that your territory is enlarged.

I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God.

Amen.

"I could see tomorrow in her eyes"

"Perks Pearl of Wisdom"

"If you are going to try something new dive into it head first. I mean commit to the plan and stick to it. Don't dance around the edge like a kid afraid the water is too cold. Go to the deep end and jump."                       

                                                                                                                                            Bob Perks


"I could see tomorrow in her eyes"
By Bob Perks

There is something about eyes that really grab my attention.

I mean eyes can take my breath away. I can begin a conversation with someone and get lost in their eyes.

The familiar, "Eyes are the windows to the soul" certainly comes to mind. I'm not exactly sure I feel that. I don't believe that your eyes permit me to see any further than what I can see. But what I can tell from them speaks volumes.

There are certainly all kinds of medical conditions that are revealed by looking closely at your eyes.

I was told about high cholesterol issues through an eye exam.

That's not what I am talking about here.

I met a elderly couple in a McDonald's a long time ago. I had the chance to comment to the man about how loving they appeared.

"I don't know what I'd do without her," he said as he turned toward me.

"You depend on her," I said.

"I live for her. I need her," he said as he struggled with his breathing.

"She has an incredible smile. It comes from loving you so intensely. I can see it in her gentle ways. She didn't just leave you there, she placed you there in the booth with care and compassion," I told him.

"We don't have a lot of time left together," he said. "So we don't just live our days..." He paused as he jolted back raising his head as if in pain. "We don't just live our days. We consume them like a banquet," he said.

"You seem to be in much pain. Yet, here you are out and about. Most people would succumb to these challenges. What's your secret?" I asked.

He shook his head and although the apparent stroke had distorted his otherwise handsome face, he smiled and in a whisper said, "Did you see her eyes? When we go to bed at night, she kisses me and says 'I'll love you forever.'

I see tomorrow in her eyes. It's all that it takes for me to go on."

When someone is speaking to you always look at them. Give them your full attention it's like honoring them, like saying I value what you have to say.

I see people who look up and away when they speak to others.

I see people who scan the room as they are "listening" to you.

I see hope in the eyes of a child.

I have watched families when they are clinging to the words of a doctor sharing an updated diagnosis on their loved one. Their eyes are locked on every word spoken as if they are floating in mid air. They watch to see the "truth" in what they are hearing or the sugar coating on an otherwise dismal report.

"Do you understand? the doctor asks.

"Yes, I see what you are saying."

There is beauty in the eyes of those in love for they sparkle and glimmer in celestial pools of God's own design.

In sad eyes there is pain, but I have often found God there looking out at me. He is saying, "I am cleansing the spirit. Let them cry until all the fear and doubt is washed away."

One last glance at the couple across from me confirmed it all.

"Her eyes tell me that everything is beautiful. I have nothing to fear. She is my angel sent by God," he said.

I smiled and finished my meal.

As I stood up to leave I he said, "I hope you have a great day."

I leaned over and looked into her eyes and said, "Tomorrow looks beautiful, too."

"I believe in you!"
J
Bob Perks

Make Your Home Happier

Our home is where we rest, recharge our batteries and create our happiest memories. Whether you’re renting, owning, hoping to sell or planning to renovate, there are simple things you can start doing today to make your home a happier place to be.

Fresh Flowers

Studies have long shown that fresh flowers in the home make us more cheerful. Feng Shui believes fresh flowers invite positive energy. Research proves flowers in our home create harmonious relationships, increase social interactions, and elevate our moods significantly.
Candles

When you’re at home, light a candle and consciously ask the light of the candle to lead your day, enlighten your path and illumine your home. According to Feng Shui, the color of the candle is important too. If you’re hoping to get a promotion, a raise or a new job, lighting a red candle will help get you noticed. If you’re working on increasing your wealth and general happiness, light an orange candle. Orange symbolizes the sun in Feng Shui and therefore brings in the joy of the rising sun. Placing two candles next to each other increases harmony between two people living together. When you light a candle in your home, say a prayer and ask for the light of this candle to enlighten and lift your energy.
Cluster Quartz

Placing cluster quartz in the main areas of your home - dining room, kitchen, family room - will clean, clear and uplift the energy so that everyone gets along. Cluster quartz are a variety of small quartz clustered together on one base, so it symbolizes everyone rooted in the same base (home) and getting along in a cohesive group (family). Place a clear quartz cluster on your dining room table to create harmonious family gatherings. Place a rose quartz cluster in your family room to bring in loving feelings. Rose quartz clusters in the children’s bedrooms help the kids to get along, share and compromise. Place an amethyst cluster in your kitchen to bring in an abundance of joy and happy emotions.
Clear the Clutter

The worst thing you can do to your home is to allow it to clutter up with stuff - papers, laundry baskets, shoes, coats, bills. Clutter weighs energy down and makes you feel upset and tired the minute you walk in the door. Make sure everything has a place. Clean your home every single day. When we fight, feel stressed or argue with people in our home, an energy - like a gray cloud - is created. This negative energy will literally stick to clutter in your home and hang around creating more fights and disharmony. When your home is clean and cleared of clutter, negativity moves right through the home and out the doors.
Let the Light In

It’s so important to raise your blinds, open your drapes and let the light in. When we keep our home closed up, we are sending a message to the universe that asks positive energy to just walk on by. We are literally saying to the world, “Don’t bother with me. Just keep on going.” This is also true of hedges, bushes and trees that block our windows. When we cover them up and block out the light, we block out all things good and positive. Make a point each morning of lifting your blinds and welcoming the day. As you literally let the light into your home, ask this light to fill you too. You will begin to feel so much more positive, healthy and happy.

Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Love-Family/Galleries/Five-Tips-to-Make-Your-Home-Happier.aspx?p=2#lU8wxi6fdvjlXIHA.99

Only a life lived FOR OTHERS Is a life worthwhile

The ABC's of Life

ONE word can spark a moment....

Tow Master Cupcakes

A mixture of good ole boy, daredevil and know-it-all, Lightning McQueen’s sidekick makes a welcome guest at any party. These cute cupcakes will pull twice their own weight at your next Cars-themed birthday bash.

You’ll Need:

• 1 box cake mix 
• 2 16 oz cans of milk chocolate frosting 
• 16 oz can of vanilla frosting 
• 6 cup large muffin baking pan
• 12 cup regular size cupcake baking pan
• 1 4 oz box of round fudge mint cookies
• Resealable plastic bag 
• 12 White hard shelled chocolate candies (headlights) 
• 12 Green hard shelled chocolate candies (eyes) 
• 6 White rectangular gum pieces (teeth) 
• 6 inch cardboard cake boards 
• Black edible ink pen 
• Toothpicks 

How To Make It :1.  

1. Coat both pans with non-stick spray. Prepare cake batter and fill both pans about 2/3 full. Bake as directed on the package and let cool. 
2.   Count out 60 cookies and set aside. Place the remaining cookies in a resealable plastic bag and finely crush them with a rolling pin or glass. 
3. Set aside 12 green and 12 white hard shelled chocolate candies. (Use yellow if you can't easily find the white ones.) 
4. For Mater's teeth, cut each piece of gum into two pieces so one piece is larger than the other.
5. Cut the tops off of 6 of the cupcakes so you can place them upside down for the truck bed. Before turning upside down, frost the sides and bottom (now top) with milk chocolate frosting and sprinkle with cookie crumbs 
6. Place the cupcakes, cut side down toward the back of a 6-inch cake board. Place a dollop of frosting on the board to help the cupcakes stay in place. 
7. Frost the sides of the larger muffin-size cupcakes. Sprinkle some of the crushed cookie pieces on the sides and then place on the cake board right in front of the other cupcake. Frost the top and sprinkle with more cookie crumbs. Attach one cookie to the front of each muffin-size cupcake for the mouth. 
8. For each tire, attach two cookies together using frosting and then attach two tires to the larger cupcake and two in back to the smaller cupcake. 
9. Place one more cookie on the top for the tire on Mater's hood. Attach the teeth to the cookie mouth with a small amount of frosting. 
10. For the top of the trucks, first frost about half of each of the remaining cupcakes with vanilla frosting. You can place these in the freezer for a few minutes for the frosting to harden and then it will be easier to frost over the vanilla edges with chocolate frosting to finish Mater's face. Frost the sides and top with chocolate and sprinkle with cookie crumbs. 
11.  Enjoy!

Summer, Childhood's Paradise

Image: Dorothy Wallace

Then followed that beautiful season, SUMMER...

Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light

And the landscape lay as if new created

In all the freshness of childhood.

Henry Wordsworth Longfellow

Hoola hoops, bike rides, push up orange ice cream bars, kickball, tether ball, books, hammock, lake breezes, picnics, fans, telephone talk, purple thrift, fresh mown grass, garden, fireflies, sweet tea, naps, playing tag, running through fields, lemonade, Mama's sewing machine, crop tops, line dried sheets AHHH...... 

Such were the sounds and sights of a vintage childhood! 

Have a Beautiful Day!

Good Morning

Happiness does not come from doing easy work

But from the afterglow of satisfaction

That comes after the achievement of

A difficult task that demanded our best,

Have a Beautiful Day!

Author: Theodore Isaac Rubin

A Friend Is...