Hiya Everyone

Birgie it's always great to hear about your creativity and enthusiasm for your work. That is the most valuable thing I think than even money can offer because the satisfaction that you are sharing part of yourself with others cannot be bought. I sense that from each one of us in our family that when we are passionate about what we do we are doing well and that's awesome.

I look forward to hearing about Janine's CD release as I believe that the process would very hard work to complete just as any work of art is. It's hard I imagine to finish it and say "Its done" with no more touch ups... just lay it out for all to enjoy. As Birgie has expressed with painting sometimes its hard to not go past a certain point. As life is all about learning and experience I can appreciate when the time comes to smile and say "Here it is" and let it be a product of all the time you have invested in it.

We have our 25th anniversary "do" this week so I went out and did some shopping today. I found myself a nice glittery top and some pants though they need hemming... :( . Thank goodness for alteration shops as I don't have that knack like my Mom to do these things (though God knows she did her best to teach me!). I also bought an awesome 4 in 1 winter coat and got 25% off. I'm glad that I have lost some weight as it is nicer to fit into a smaller size though it is still a big size better than what it was.

Jenny is quickly approaching her 11th birthday... I can't believe how time has flown!!!! Mom if you are reading I will call you so that we can come and visit next weekend since I will have her then and you can give her a birthday hug. We are going to see our new little Benjamin on the 29th in the evening so that will be a great birthday present for Jen to hold her little cousin once removed and see Josh and Jen (not to mention it will be nice for me too :)

Soon it will be little Sophie's first birthday too... though with all that gorgeous hair she looks much older. I am hoping that we will be able to get together at some point before Christmas to celebrate these Fall birthdays (Jenny T, Ham & Sophie & Ben) and Jason's as well since he always misses out on birthday hugs being at the end of August. Maybe we should have quarterly birthday parties according to season to celebrate everyone and no-one gets left out. (Winter) Me, Aiden and Jessie... (Spring) Janine, Al, Jenny P, Mom, Sue, Josh, Tania (Summer) Birgie and Jason (Fall) Jenny T, Ham, Ben, Sophie .... Hmmm that Spring team is still winning... hahaha. Just a thought as we were talking a bit about it at Thanksgiving. Any time is good to get together with everyone though and not sure when Mattie's birthday is... I think spring? Can't forget that cutie pie!

I am going to copy and paste something I read today and hope you will enjoy it. It brings a lot into perspective. Also... Janine had sent me a Youtube video about Climate Change that I thought was very interesting (sorry Mom we need to get you sound) It's a very intelligent analysis of where we are heading. Please take a look and think about it. The first step is always awareness and then you can start incorporating solutions into your daily life style. Its something to think about because it affects not only ourselves but the future of our planet. Thanks Janine for sending it and if you haven't seen it take a look. http://www.youtube.com/watchv=bDsIFspVzfI

"Bless you! That's what a lot of us will say when someone sneezes. But there's a good reason to get into the habit of "blessing" things and people as you go about your day. It draws the negative charge from an annoyance or frustrating incident or person and instead puts a positive spin on things. Saying "bless it" or "bless him/her" when something upsetting happens or someone bothers you helps you put things into perspective and return to a state of balance and calm.
I like to remember the words from the early 20th century metaphysician, Emmet Fox. People still read his books today. He said, "Bless a thing and it will bless you. Curse it and it will curse you. If you bless a situation, it has no power to hurt you, and even if it is troublesome for a time, it will gradually fade out, if you sincerely bless it."
Goodness knows, it's easy enough to start to obsess over the many little things that can go wrong in a day. Like a dripping faucet, being caught in traffic, breaking a heel on your shoe, or being subject to someone's else bad mood. And that's not to mention those larger problems or issues that we may have in our lives. Instead of trying to deny the problem or worrying over it, try "blessing" it. It will give you the space to react less emotionally and start to deal with it more constructively.
And don't forget, many of those things we at first view as problems turn out to be blessings in disguise!

Love you all

Angie