Celebration of Life

Moving beyond my pain and celebrating life.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Sunday Silly...



Remember...if you haven't got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just one sour old fart!

Friday, March 28, 2008

Another sunrise....



Every morning I wake up and make coffee and watch the sunrise. I am thankful for each sunrise and the promise of new possibilities and new blessings that the new day will bring.

Many years ago, I decided to face each day with the attitude that "the glass is half full not half empty". I have strived to do that daily. Somedays, it is really hard to stay in that state of mind and it is a real struggle to stay positive.

I think my chronic pain has something to do with my depression. Therefore, it is very important to maintain my regime of exercise and eating healthy. I also find it helpful to stay surrounded by loving and supporting people. Thank you family and friends for your words of encouragement and love!
Jo

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Sweet Surprises.....



Last evening, I received a phone call from my lovely niece, Lynetta. Her family is moving to Tennessee and they were on their way through Wyoming. I was in Laramie and they were in Evanston... almost total opposite parts of the State on I80. We met up in Rawlins today and had lunch.

You can see by this picture that it was still very windy!

Safe travels!
Love,
Jo

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Another one bites the dust.....



I have had several inquiries about Mike. I am sorry to say, that relationship is now history. I thought about giving a list of reasons why I had to breakup with him but I decided that somethings are better left unsaid. I am going to take a break from dating for awhile and just enjoy my freedom in a peaceful manner without complications.

Spring has sprung, the highways have thawed (for the most part) and the temperatures are warming up! What is there not to celebrate?

Jo

Saturday, March 22, 2008

What is Your Heart Feeling?




Your Heart is Feeling Passionate



Your heart is brimming with passion, intensity, and extreme lust.

You definitely have desire for one particular person, and it seems like nothing can squelch your craving.

You are ready to walk across fire for the one you love.



Deep down, your heart is susceptible to: Distrust and aggression . You're determined to get what you want.



Your current outlook on love: Love equals obsession. Love equals mania. Love equals thirst.



Your love life will improve if you: Follow your passion far, but not so far as to ruin your life.



Watch out for: False feelings. Your emotions are intense, but they could easily mislead you.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Gateway Discovery Day....

This past weekend, Mike and I met his son Mickey and Mickey's daughter Jessica in Salt Lake City. We took my two grand daughters, Kaylee and Lizzy with us to Gateway Discovery downtown SLC. This is an educational and hands on learning center. All three girls had a great time and so did we adults. Here are some pictures of our day:


This is Kaylee outside of the birdhouse. She put on her feathers and was going to fly. I asked her what kind of bird she was and she told me that she was an owl.


Here is Lizzy being the teacher in the playhouse.


Here are Kaylee and Lizzy going into the pool. This came later after we left Gateway Discovery Center.


Here I am on the swan. I was trying to sing the swan song but nobody was listening!


Here is a picture of Mike.


This is Mickey, Mike's youngest son. He is married and has two children. His baby son, Joey, stayed home with Mom this trip.


Here is a picture of Jessica in the Police car.


Lizzy and Kaylee


Here is Jessica in the birdhouse. She was hard to chase down for a picture.

The pictures did not download in the order I wanted them to so please overlook my "duh" moment!

I hope everyone has a great week!
Jo

Thursday, March 13, 2008

I Left My Heart...

I have been promising pictures of my trip to San Francisco. I left home without my camera and had to purchase a disposable camera and I am disappointed that the photos were not as clear as my digital would have been.

One thing on my list to do was to ride a trolley car so Wednesday night after the conference we sat out to explore a little while. These pictures are a little out of order but it doesn't matter as the story is the same!


This heart is at Union Square. I loved the painting of the Golden Gate Bridge and had to have my picture taken with it.



We ate at Joe's Crab Shack. Being a Wyoming girl, I had to experience wearing a bib while I ate. This is Judy from Montana. We became fast friends as she does the same job in Montana that I do in Wyoming.


This is the trolley that we rode, I am not sure if we started on Hyde Street and ended on Powell Street or if it went the opposite direction. Since the open part of the trolley was full when we boarded, I told everyone who boarded the car part that whoever sits there had to sing when we topped Nob Hill. I know this sounds strange and I was not drunk or on drugs but being from Wyoming and living a wish, I was a little more forward than I usually am. Needless to say, everyone complied, well, eventually. I had to sing the song three times before I got everyone to join in and I was happy when even the ones who didn't speak English sang along with me. Here are the words:

I left my heart in San Francisco
High on a hill, it calls to me.
To be where little cable cars
Climb halfway to the stars!
The morning fog may chill the air
I don't care!
My love waits there in San Francisco
Above the blue and windy sea
When I come home to you, San Francisco,
Your golden sun will shine for me!

Once we topped Nob Hill, I didn't make anyone sing any longer. I was in awe of the lights and the city.


This is Danny from Cincinatti. We had a lot of fun singing together. I am sure he thought I was nuts but he went along with the fun.


I took this picture for my sister and brother-in-law.

I am planning on going back to San Francisco someday. It is a great city to visit.
I hope you enjoyed my journey!
Jo

Monday, March 10, 2008

My Life Path Number is 4!




Your Life Path Number is 4



Your purpose in life is to build your vision.



You are practical and responsible. You work hard, knowing that there are no shortcuts in life.

You work for a better life for yourself and those you love, but you are not an idealist.

Trustworthy and honest, you also demonstrate great courage. People can count on you.



In love, you are a loyal and committed partner. You are the ideal spouse.



You don't give up easily, and sometimes you can be too stubborn and unwilling to change.

You also can be too conservative at times. You sometime miss out on good opportunities.

Also remember that not everyone can work as hard as you, as disappointing as that is!

Sunday, March 9, 2008

What Does Your Favorite Color Say About You?




What Your Favorite Color Purple Says About You:



Intuitive --- Seeking --- Creative

Kind --- Self-Sacrificing --- Growth Oriented

Strong --- Very Wise --- Rare

Sunday Fog...


This morning it is foggy outside and inside. My mind is full of thoughts and emotions but they are foggy; I can't quite focus on one thing. I need the sun to come out and burn away the fog. I need the robins to return; I need spring to shine through my window again.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Post of the Day!



I was voted Post of the Day by David Mcmahon on his Authorblog for "Blast from the Past." Thank you David for seeing value in my life's experiences. I would like to invite everyone over to David's place, I am hoping he will have the biscuits (cookies for us yankees) and tea ready! ;o)

http://www.blogger.com/profile/18009095220051075552

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Spring Cleaning...




Last Week I threw out WORRYING, it was getting old and in the way.

It kept me from being me; I couldn't do things God's way.

I threw out a book on MY PAST (Didn't have time to read it anyway).

Replaced it with NEW GOALS, started reading it today.

I threw out HATE and BAD MEMORIES, (Remember how I treasured them so)?

Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too, threw out the one from long ago.

Brought in some new books too, called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST.

Threw out I MIGHT, I THINK, and I OUGHT. WOW, you should've seen the dust.

I ran across an OLD FRIEND, I hadn't talked to in a while.

His name is GOD THE FATHER, and I really like HIS style.

He helped me to do some cleaning and added some things HIMSELF.

Like PRAYER, HOPE, FAITH, and LOVE, Yes... I placed them right on the shelf.

I picked up this special thing and placed it at the front door.

I FOUND IT- its called PEACE. Nothing gets me down anymore.

Yes, I've got my house looking nice.

Looks good around the place.

For things like Worry and Trouble there just isn't any space.

It's good to do a little house cleaning, Get rid of the things on the shelf.

It sure makes things brighter; maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF.

A Blast from the Past.....

This morning when I went for my chiropractor's appointment, I did not expect anything unusual. I chatted with the different patients I have become acquainted with over the last year since my auto accident. Then when I least expected it a guy came in that looked strangely familiar to me but I wasn't sure where I met him. Because I am so friendly and visit with everyone, he joined in the conversation.

Then it hit me, my memory cells from 30 years ago jogged lose and I was sure that I knew him when they called his name and took him back to therapy. I didn't know if I should say anything or just let it be. I decided to just revel in the memories and not say anything.

When we were back in the therapy room and I was on the hydrobed, he was sitting there waiting for the stretch table and he started chatting with me again. He asked me common questions about how long I have lived in Rock Springs and what I do for a living. I politely answered his questions and I thought that he might have recognized me too! Then I asked him how old his dog, Whiskey, grew to be. The look of shock and amazement on his face was almost laughable. I blurted out, "we knew each other in 1978." I could see the lightbulb come on in his eyes. We chatted for another five minutes or so then he left the therapy room.

People come and go in and out of our lives for a reason. Back then, I was going through a painful divorce and was very vulnerable. I dated Larry for just a few months but my memory of him never went away. Larry taught me many things but in the end I wasn't wild enough or savvy enough for him and he moved on. I knew that someday I would see him again and know that I am a stronger and better person for having met him and grown beyond him.

Last September after my mother passed away, I was going through my trunk of old pictures and came across these. For some reason I could not give myself permission to toss them; maybe because they are a part of what I used to be and still am to some extent. I tossed them back into the trunk until this morning when I felt the need to blog about my chance encounter.

Just in case you are curious, Larry has been married for 26 years and has four grown children. He and his wife are happily married and have had a good life together. I am happy for him and wish them well. He doesn't look like he used to; he's 30 years older with a lot less hair on his head and none on his face. I didn't think it would be appropriate to take a picture of him with my cell phone for comparison! LOL

People come in and out of our lives for a reason; this time it is for me to measure my life's growth and it has been good.


Larry at Fremont Lake, 1978.


Me in 1978.


Larry in 1978.

The picture on my blog is me now. I like me, now.

Jo

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

What Planet Should You Rule?




You Should Rule Mars



Mars is a planet that shines brightly and loops wildly around the solar system.



You are perfect to rule Mars, because you are both energetic and independent.

Like Mars, you seems attractive and bright to others - but you're difficult to pin down.



You are a great thinker, but you only think in the present and ignore the future.

Full of enthusiasm and inspiration, you are into your own thing... and rather insensitive to others.