Saturday Morning

One of the rare photographs I have with my Father..........
He died a virtual stranger to me when I was
expecting my Son

I am glad I met up with two dear long time friends and we had a much
needed Hungarian Giggle Fest.
Treasure every blessing you have in your life.
Life is very fast, and very fleeting.
Hold tenderly that which you cherish.
Embrace the Joys!

"Happiness is a butterfly, which,

when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which,

if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."

- Nathaniel Hawthorne

Cha Cha Cha the weekend is here!

Treasures from our home
See the rainbow on our living room sofa
Mom usually sends me at least one rainbow a day!
Pennies from Heaven
Me I get lovely rainbows!

The sky this morning outside our front door
taken at 5:30 AM
My husband and I always get up at 4:30 AM
Usually

We had a lovely summer evening with friends at their home
to celebrate his wife's retirement.
What a lovley way to spend a June evening.
We had so much fun.
Good food good wine, great friends
We had so much fun.
Today I am meeting two dear friends for lunch.
I plan on getting together with many friends this summer.
You have to hold tenderly that which you cherish
and share the love!
Happy Friday
Weekend, Weekend,
Cha Cha Cha!

People are flocking to the USA today to purchase their Iphones
$500.00 US to start.
I'll pass darlings!
Giggles

Romantic homes and Dance Event

My lovely niece will be in a local dancing of the stars (our home style version here in our City)
August 24 and 25th
We are buying tickets for the event
Here she is with her lovely partner in life

As read here on Inspireco.......this lovely lady will be featured
Inspireco
and so will this lovely friend of mine
in an upcoming issue of Romantic Homes!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love you Corey and am so proud of you both!
Will you still talk to me Corey when you are on Oprah
and P.S. can I have your autograph.
Giggles...........
Babeeee You ARE a STAR!!!!!!!!
So proud of you

Tongue in Cheek

Fabulous friend I am truly blessed
Corey
Friend I thank God for every time I think of you!
I love you
I am very proud of you!
Love Jeanne

Fabulous Beautiful People

My son's fabulous friend Juliana has a superb design
shop in Brazil

She sends me special invitations always
I am there in spirit dear Juliana
Her designs are absolutely gorgeous
I am just in awe of all these bright fabulous young people
that add so much to our world.
My son has fabulous friends
as do I
We are truly blessed!

I am off to get a much needed massage
darlings
What are you up to today?
Blessings!

Golden Moments of My Grandmother

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

My beloved Grandmother
Every moment with her is most precious

Schools out for summer

My Grandmother far left with her two Sisters and her Mother
newly arrived in Canada after they arrived from
Europe............
My Grandmother taught herself to read and write English
when she arrived in Canada!
She is one smart cookie!

Schools out for summer soon for our Grade School level children here in Canada................

Alice Cooper's "Schools Out" took about two hours to write

The five most hazardous summer jobs for teens:

1. Agriculture (Field work)
2. Construction Work
3. OUtside help (landscaping, groundskeeping and lawn service)
4. Driver/Operator forklifts and tractors
5. Travelling young crews

Buckle those you love close to your heart

My beloved Grandmother on her wedding day

Sent to me by a friend just now......
How true:


I grew up in the 50s/60's with practical parents. A mother, God love her,
who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was
the original recycle queen, before they had a Name for it... A father who
was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.



Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived
barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat
and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, and dish-towel in the
other. It was the time for fixing things. A curtain rod, the kitchen radio,
screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress Things we keep.





It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing,
eating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence.
Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more.





But then my mother died, and on that clear summer's night, in the warmth of
the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes
there isn't any more.



Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away...never to
return. So... While we have it.. it's best we love it.. And care for it...
And fix it when it's broken.... And heal it when it's sick.





This is true... For marriage.... And old cars... And children with bad
report cards..... Dogs and cats with bad hips.... And aging parents.... And
grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth
it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a classmate
we grew up with.



There are just some things that make life important, like people we know
who are special.... And so, we keep them close!



I received this from someone who thinks I am a 'keeper', so I've sent it to
the people I think of in the same way... Now it's your turn to send this to
those people that are "keepers" in your life. Good friends are like
stars.... You don't always see them, but you know they

are always there.



Keep them close

Music to share

The music of El Perro Del Mar
You've Got to Give to Get Back

Family it all begins and ends with family

My Two beautiful nieces
I am so very proud to be their Aunt

My beautiful niece and her partner..........

We are one big family of people, trying to make our way through the unfolding puzzle of life. We are all connected to one another in the heart. Connecting with the ultimate source of love is possible through discovering the hidden power in your heart."

-Sara Paddison,
Hidden Power of the Heart

I am blessed with a most beautiful family indeed!

A song in my heart

An old family photograph
circa 1954

The birds so sweetly serenade me each morning.
What a lovely way to start my day with a song in my heart.........


Song for June Summer is not the golden blaze of sun,
Nor lilac dark along the country lane,
Nor opal morning where the cool brooks run,
Nor velvet midnight laced with sudden rain.
Neither is summer the unfolding rose,
The frosty blue of berries ripening,
Nor tawny silken tassels down the rows
Where the tall corn makes dusty whispering.

These are but part of summer, not her heart,
Not the deep marrow that sustains the bone,
Investiture, yet from the whole apart,
For more than these is summer's self alone.

Summer is in your eyes that look on me
With sweet fulfillment of spring ecstasy.
*~Gladys Taber~*

I love you

One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the
warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that
sometimes there isn't anymore. No more hugs, no more special moments to
celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one
minute." Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes
away, never to return before we can say good-bye, or say "I love you."

So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's
broken and heal it when it's sick. This is true for relationships... and
old cars...children with bad report cards, dogs with bad hips, and aging
parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because
we are worth it.

Some things we keep---like a best friend who moved away or a classmate we
grew up with. They just make us happy, no matter what.

Life is important, like people we know who are special. And so, we keep
them close. Do all your friends know you love them?

Let every one of your friends, and loved ones know.
You would be amazed at what those three little words and a smile can
do.

I LOVE YOU!!!!
Love is the strongest force in the Universe!

Go Greek

My husband and I love Greek food
We went with our friends to some enthic festivals last night.
We tried out the Italian one and the Greek one.
Both Fabulous
We had lovely food and went to an Italian bakery
purchased some gourmet goodies and came back to our place to have
them with coffee.
Fabulous friends and food and a gorgeous June night.
Today we are having my Sister and her husband over for a lovely meal.
Summer is for sharing all of its joys.
What are you darlings up to today?
Love Jeanne

In a Manner of Speaking by Nouvelle Vague

I love love love love this song byt Nouvelle Vague from the Movie
A Mighty Heart....................
We enjoyed the movie and I adore this song!

On January 23, 2002, Mariane Pearl’s world changed forever. Her husband Daniel, South Asia bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal, was researching a story on shoe bomber Richard Reid. The story drew them to Karachi where a go-between had promised access to an elusive source. As Danny left for the meeting, he told Mariane he might be late for dinner. He never returned. In the face of death, Danny’s spirit of defiance and his unflinching belief in the power of journalism led Mariane to write about his disappearance, the intense effort to find him and his eventual murder in her memoir A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of My Husband Danny Pearl. Six months pregnant when the ordeal began, she was carrying a son that Danny hoped to name Adam. She wrote the book to introduce Adam to the father he would never meet. Transcending religion, race and nationality, Mariane’s courageous desire to rise above the bitterness and hatred that continues to plague this post 9/11 world, serves as the purest expression of the joy of life she and Danny shared.

The Summer Wind Came Blowing In From across the Sea

I love this song The Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra
Also When I Was Seventeen

Two sweethearts and the summer wind........
Like painted kites those days and nights they went flying by
The world was new beneath the blue umbrella sky
Then softer than a piper man.........
One day it called to you!

Weekend, Weekend Cha Cha Cha

More carats in your diet:
Forget the Cremora. Japan's Tsukioka Co. wants you to put edible pure gold messages in your coffee. According to the company, eating gold helps refresh the body
(the floating Japanese character reads "longevity").

(From the Newspaper)

Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work.

Hard work is the price we must pay for success.

I think you an accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price. "

- Vince Lombardi

Summertime and the living is easy

Summer is calling
Go ahead and answer the door!

One of my favorite readings on summer from
A Tale of Acadie
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
1807-1882


Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light;
and the landscapelLay as if new-created in all the freshness of childhood.
Peace seemed to reign upon earth, and the restless heart of the ocean was for a moment consoled.
All sounds were in harmony blended.
Voices of children at play, the crowing of cocks in the farm-yards,
Whir of wings in the drowsy air,
and the cooing of pigeons,
All were subdued and low as the murmurs of love,
and the great sun looked with the eye of love through the golden vapors around him;
While arrayed in its robes of russet and scarlet and yellow,
Bright with the sheen of the dew,
each glittering tree of the forest
flashed like the plane-tree the Persian adorned with mantles and jewels.

Summer's Song

written by me.....Jeanne Victoria
The days of summer are a cherished delight to my heart
The long walks in sun filled days surrounded by sun and flowers
The barbecued summer dinners, casually enjoyed upon the deck
That unhurried feeling with routines amiss
The sweet blissful feelings......it can wait until tomorrow
All the glory of the sunsets
And God's hand painted masterpieces
And serenades at night from the crickets orchestra
and our eyes delight upon the fireflies
Little tinker bells fluttering through the night breezes
We define our destinies under the stars
Gazing upon the moon and reflecting upon the blessings of the day
The wind chimes with their magical melodies,
Fill our hearts with peace
Again we will soon welcome the glory of summer
Embrace it and cherish it.......for the delight that it is!

Wear Sunscreen

My Beloved Mother was one of my most beautiful teachers in life
as is my Grandmother
I cherish everything I learned from them!

I print this out for every GRAD no matter how old this piece gets it is still one of my favorites............

Wear Sunscreen (Corey and I had the same Idea today)
Love you Corey!

Everybody's Free (to wear sunscreen)

Mary Schmich Chicago Tribune

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of '97... wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be IT. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now. Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are NOT as fat as you imagine. Don't worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday. Do one thing every day that scares you. Sing. Don't be reckless with other people's hearts, don't put up with people who are reckless with yours. Floss. Don't waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself. Remember compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how. Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements. Stretch. Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don't. Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees, you'll miss them when they're gone. Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't, maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't, maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself, either. Your choices are half chance, so are everybody else's. Enjoy your body, use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it's the greatest instrument you'll ever own. Dance. Even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room. Read the directions, even if you don't follow them. Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly. Get to know your parents, you never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings; they are your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future. Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography in lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young. Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel. Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you'll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders. Respect your elders. Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out. Don't mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85. Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth. But trust me on the sunscreen.

"Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."

- Nathaniel Hawthorne

A Princess for Certain

How lovely it was to see her two sons on TV the other night
and to hear them speak with so much love of their late Mother

The Curse of the Golden Flower

Enchanted am I by anything from the Orient
Have I ever mentioned that darlings?

An Enchanting Film

The Curse of the Golden Flower
Oh how I was reminded of many things on our Asian Adventure......
Fabulous in spite of sub titles............
Exquisite clothing and scenes from Asia!
A gorgeous way to spend a June evening

Things that made me smile today a turtle crossing the road.
Goldfish in the small creek near our home
Baby ducks
and all the joys of this glorious June day and all of you!

I would also recommend
"Miss Potter"

"I remember I used to half believe and wholly play with fairies when I was a child.
What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit-world of childhood,
tempered and balanced by knowledge and common-sense..."
From the Journal of Beatrix Potter

Legacy

Oooh, 'Hot New Summer Hairstyles'!
Gypsy, an orang at Tokyo's Tama Zoo, really likes People. And Cosmo.
(From the newspaper)

Billie Bird who sings so sweetly and is the happiest bird
in spite of living in a cage and in a nursing home where my Grandmother lives.
Even after their darkest hour birds still continue to sing in the morning.
Love you all

LEGACY

When you're in your 90s and looking back, it's not going to be how much money you made or how many awards you've won. It's really "What did you stand for? Did you make a positive difference for people?"

Elizabeth Dole
Politician


A man's true wealth is the good he does in this world.

Muslim Hadith

Life

Embrace your bliss
It is the key to happiness!

"How you choose to respond each moment to the movie of life determines

how you see the next frame,

and the next, and eventually how you feel when the movie ends."

- Doc Childre

LIFE

Life isn't about keeping score.
It's not about how many friends you have
Or how accepted you are.
Not about if you have plans this weekend or if you're alone.
It isn't about who you're dating, who you used to date, how many people
you've dated, orif you haven't been with anyone at all.

It isn't about who you have kissed,
It's not about sex.
It isn't about who your family is or how much money they have
Or what kind of car you drive.
Or where you are sent to school.
It's not about how beautiful or ugly you are.
Or what clothes you wear, what shoes you have on, or what kind of music
you  listen to.
It's not about if your hair is blonde, red, black, or brown
Or if your skin is too light or too dark.
Not about what grades you get, how smart you are, how smart everybody
else thinks you are, or how smart standardized tests say you are.

It's not about what clubs you're in or how good you are at "your" sport.

It's not about representing your whole being on a piece of paper and
seeing  who will "accept the written you."

LIFE JUST ISN'T.

But, life is about who you love and who you hurt.
It's about who you make happy or unhappy purposefully.
It's about keeping or betraying trust.
It's about friendship, used as a sanctity or a weapon.
It's about what you say and mean, maybe hurtful, maybe heartening.
About starting rumors and contributing to petty gossip.
It's about what judgments you pass and why.  And who your judgments are
spread to. It's about who you've ignored with full control and
intention.

It's about jealousy, fear, ignorance, and revenge.
It's about carrying inner hate and love, letting it grow, and spreading
it.
But most of all, it's about using your life to touch or poison other
people's hearts in such a way that could have never occurred alone.
Only you choose the way those hearts are affected, and those choices are
what life's all about.

A Loving Tribute to a Lovely Lady

In loving memory of Ruth Bell Graham

A lovely tribute to a lovely lady

If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be

a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.”

A. A. Milne creator of Winnie-the-Pooh

The Spiritual Life
I have been asked the question, “Who do you go to for counsel, for spiritual guidance?” My answer: my wife, Ruth. She is a great student of the Bible. Her life is ruled by the Bible more than any person I’ve ever known. That’s her rule book, her compass. Her disposition is the same all the time—very sweet and very gracious and charming.

When it comes to spiritual things, my wife has had the greatest influence on my ministry.
—Billy Graham

Loved ones in Seoul

Our loved ones in Asia!

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever..it's loveliness increases,
it will never pass into nothingness."
~John Keats

Ah these two faces make me miss them so much my heart just is aching for them so much already.
How loved they are.
How missed they are but you can see how happy they are so I must be too!
It is a difficult path in life to have those who love so dearly live
on the other side of the world!
Treasure those you love!
Hug them if they are near
as often as you can!

Be the Change you Want to See in the World

“In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”
Paul McCartney
A Photo a friend took for me while we were at his concert
My friend was in the front row we were not............
Baby's I'm Amazed!

"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

- Charles Darwin

Paul McCartney turns 65 today!

Happy Birthday to a man that I have always had a crush on

since I first layed eyes on him on the Ed Sullivan show

in February 1964

During their appearance, the Beatles sang five songs in the following order: All My Loving, Till There Was You, She Loves You, I Saw Her Standing There, and I Want To Hold Your Hand. On this night, 73 million people watched The Beatles. Their appearance had such an impact that most normal activities in America came to a standstill watching their performance.

I know I for one was enchanted!

Imagine and the CD I spoke of Last week

Photo courtesy of my Son
of their friends baby.....
So precious is life
It is God's gift to you
what you do with that life
is your Gift to God!

I was sent a gift the CD I wanted........
Instant Karma The Campaign to Save Darfur



I love this You Tube Video



I also love the United States Postal Service Playing
Grow Old with me......by John Lennon

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!

Close your eyes,
Have no fear,
The monsters gone,
He's on the run and your daddy's here,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,

Before you go to sleep,
Say a little prayer,
Every day in every way,
It's getting better and better,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,

Out on the ocean sailing away,
I can hardly wait,
To see you to come of age,
But I guess we'll both,
Just have to be patient,
Yes it's a long way to go,
But in the meantime,

Before you cross the street,
Take my hand,
Life is just what happens to you,
While your busy making other plans,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,
Darling,
Darling,
Darling Sean.
~Johnn Lennon
Beautiful Boy

Beautiful artwork~
Above photo is from this page

Please visit my lovely friends journal

We went to a lovely graduation party for my cousin's lovely daughter
Alex in Michigan last night.
I am amazed at all of these bright beautiful people in our world.
The future is theirs to embrace

Please visit my darling friend Dani's Journal
Artful Thoughts in the Side bar.........
She is so talented and a beautiful friend.

This was Amazing!

I never watch this show but I seen this on TV this morning.
This man's voice was incredible and moved me to tears.
I love this Aria!

Amazing

"Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slow eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures."

- John F. Kennedy

---

Summertime and the Living is Easy

Go Ahead Darlings and Step Into Summer~

Summer Time and Living is Easy

Summer's Song

written by me.....Jeanne Victoria
The days of summer are a cherished delight to my heart
The long walks in sun filled days surrounded by sun and flowers
The barbecued summer dinners, casually enjoyed upon the deck
That unhurried feeling with routines amiss
The sweet blissful feelings......it can wait until tomorrow
All the glory of the sunsets
And God's hand painted masterpieces
And serenades at night from the crickets orchestra
and our eyes delight upon the fireflies
Little tinker bells fluttering through the night breezes
We define our destinies under the stars
Gazing upon the moon and reflecting upon the blessings of the day
The wind chimes with their magical melodies,
Fill our hearts with peace
Again we will soon welcome the glory of summer
Embrace it and cherish it.......for the delight that it is!

Happy Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day~




To my Husband On Father's Day and Always!

My Husband is a man of character
who understands commitment
and does more than his share
to make his family comfortable,
safe, and secure.
I adore him...............
My partner is a man who is patient,
optimistic, caring and wise.
His sense of humor and support
hold me up when I cannot do it myself.
I am always grateful for him.
My friend
is the only man with whom I can share my
deepest secrets and know they are always safe.
Time with is always good and I cherish him.
(I spend lots of time trying to find the perfect card for my loved ones)
This is part of the Father's day card I bought for my husband.
One of the three I will give him
Giggles
Too much of a good thing is wonderful darlings!
Muuuuuuah!~

Chocolate Sings

Ahhhh summer, the sounds the smells the sights~*Giggles*

Chocolate Sings


June the months for celebrating Grads, and Dads and new brides
and all of our many blessings!
Remember darlings for some money may talk
but chocolate sings............
It has been a week of catching up with friends
with belated birthday celebrations from my April 8th birthday.
I devoted much time before our trip to Asia for rest for the long journey.

I had lots of fun this week with 3 different friends on 3 different days.
My husband had another fabulous seminar and returned home last night happy
and we were all glad things went so well again as I knew they would.
Now we have a graduation party on Friday night for my cousin's daughter in Michigan
and celebrating to do for Father's Day!
I must pace pace pace pace so very carefully so today and Friday day time will be quiet
time and rejuvination time.
Love you all
Jeanne

Choose a Life that Matters

Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end. There will be no more
sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether
treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and
temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you
owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and
jealousies will finally disappear. So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans,
and to-do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so
important will fade away. It won't matter whether you were beautiful or
brilliant. Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you
got, but what you gave. What will matter is not your success, but your
significance. What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice
that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence, but your character. What will
matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting
loss when you're gone. What will matter is not your memories, but the
memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you
will be remembered, by whom and for what.

Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of
circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters.

Can Never Listen to Sade Enough

She is absolutely beautiful........
Her voice like Heaven.........

This is one of my favorite songs by her!



You wrap me up in the colour of love...............
The kiss of life............
I have been listening to her all day.............
Fabulous!

Happy Fathers Day

My late Uncle Ed holding my little Sister Debbie
on his lap was my beloved Mom's brother
He was the closest thing to a Father I ever had........
I adored him as I did my Mother
Pictured here my late Sister Sharon, me Uncle Ed, holding Debbie
and my late Uncle John

With Fathers being honored this weekend.
Remember be not so busy making a living
that you are too busy to make a life
especially with your loved ones................
It all begins and ends with family.
To be in your childrens memories tomorrow
you must be in their lives today!

Happy Father's Day

God loves it when we have fun and are Happy

Nature is divine I took this near our home on Sunday morning.
God, please protect all the little fur angels especially the new ones born this Spring!

Have Fun Be Happy

A dear friend sent me this link today in email!

God loves it when we sing and dance and are happy!
Smile darlings it inceases your face value!

Life Explained

Life is short~!
Make FUN of it

On the first day God created the dog.

God said, "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. I will give you a life span of twenty years."

The dog said, "That's too long to be barking. Give me ten years - you can keep the other ten." So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey.

God said, "Entertain people, do monkey tricks, make them laugh. I'll give you a twenty-year life span."

The monkey said, "How boring, monkey tricks for twenty years? I don't think so. Dog gave ten years back to you, so that's what I'll do too, okay?" And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow.

God said, "You must go to the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer. I will give you a life span of sixty years."

The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. Let me have twenty and you can keep the other forty." And God agreed again.

On the forth day God created man. God said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. I'll give you twenty years."

Man said, "What? Only twenty years! Tell you what, I'll take my twenty, and the forty the cow gave back and the ten the monkey gave back and the ten the dog gave back, that makes eighty, okay?"

"Okay," said God, "You've got a deal."

So that is why the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play, and enjoy ourselves; for the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family; for the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren; and for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.

The Bathing Suit

Smile darlings!

When I was a child in the 1960s, the bathing suit for the mature figure was boned,

trussed and reinforced, not so much sewn as engineered. They were built to hold

back and uplift and they did a good job.

Today's stretch fabrics are designed for the prepubescent girl with a figure

carved from a potato chip.

The mature woman has a choice - she can either go up front to the maternity department and try on a floral suit with a skirt, coming away looking like a hippopotamus who escaped from Disney's Fantasia or she can wander around every run of the mill department store trying to make a sensible choice from what amounts to a designer range of florescent rubber bands.

What choice did I have? I wandered around, made my sensible choice and entered

the chamber of horrors known as the fitting room. The first thing I noticed was

the extraordinary tensile strength of the stretch material.

The Lycra used in bathing costumes was developed, I believe, by NASA to launch

small rockets from a slingshot, which give the added bonus that if you manage to

actually lever yourself into one, you are protected from shark attacks as any shark

taking a swipe at your passing midriff would immediately suffer whiplash.

I fought my way into the bathing suit, but as I twanged the shoulder strap in place,

I gasped in horror - my boobs had disappeared!

Eventually, I found one boob cowering under my left armpit. It took a while to find the other. At last I located it flattened beside my seventh rib. The problem is that modern bathing suits have no bra cups. The mature woman is meant to wear her boobs spread across her chest like a speed bump.

I realigned my speed bump and lurched toward the mirror to take a full view assessment. The bathing suit fit all right, but unfortunately it only fit those bits of me willing to stay inside it. The rest of me oozed out rebelliously from top, bottom, and sides. I looked like a lump of play dough wearing undersized cling wrap.

As I tried to work out where all those extra bits had come from, the prepubescent

sales girl popped her head through the curtain, "Oh, there you are!" she said,

admiring the bathing suit.

I replied that I wasn't so sure and asked what else she had to show me.

I tried on a cream crinkled one that made me look like a lump of masking tape,

and a floral two-piece which gave the appearance of an oversized napkin in a

serving ring.

I struggled into a pair of leopard skin bathers with ragged frills and came out looking like Tarzan's Jane, pregnant with triplets and having a rough day.

I tried on a black number with a midriff and looked like a jellyfish in mourning.

I tried on a bright pink pair with such a high cut leg I thought I would have to wax

my eyebrows to wear them. Finally, I found a suit that fit ... a two-piece affair with

a shorts style bottom and a loose blouse-type top.

It was cheap, comfortable, and bulge-friendly, so I bought it. My ridiculous search

had a successful outcome, I figured. When I got home, I found a label, which read - "Material might become transparent in water."

So, if you happen to be on the beach or near any other body of water this year and

I'm there too .. I'll be the one in cut off jeans and a T-shirt.

Love you

100 Things

I have had this request a lot lately so today will be the day I too list.......... 100 things about me.........


100 Things About Jeanne!

*My Beloved Mother passed away August 12, 2006
To say I am in profound grief is quite an understatement.
Will I ever get used to her new address being Heaven?
Treasure those you love and never take a moment in life for granted!

1. I was born during holy week, April 8th, in the 1950's, on a Tuesday.
2. I am still quite shy at times........with those I do not know well.
3. I would rather be a first rate version of myself rather than a carbon copy of someone else!
4. Our travels to Asia lately were a trip of a lifetime and so beautiful........
5. I'm a sensitive soul. I miss our two fur angels that went to Heaven in 2007 immensely!
Mom must have needed my fur angel companions..........
6. I was born and raised in Ontario Canada and I don't like change............
7. I've been married 13 years to a fantastic husband I have nicknamed Handsome Guy!
8. Doing what I love best each and every day........Domestic Goddess!
9. I love all music pretty well and listen to it constantly
10. I'm terrible at good-byes
11. I love to embrace my bliss, I am very good at this!
12. I love beautiful people with genuine kind loving souls.
13. I have a favorite latte.....hazelnut.
14. I loved the Beatles
15. I love Japanese and oriental things.
16. I love children and animals.
17. I'm a talkative person and make friends easily.
18. I am an older sister.
19. My greatest job is being a Mother and wife!
In the career of female fame, there are few prizes to be attained which can vie
with the obscure state of a beloved wife, or a happy Mother
~Jane Porter!
20. I Love Siamsese cats and adored all of ours especially Sir Spencer,
and a pampered pooch Princess Abbey both now in Heaven!
21. I use to be an executive assistant!
22. Many things are sentimental to me, and I collect many things,
and love books and CD's and just about everything!
23. I have postcards and gifts from many parts of the world!
24. I love the colour pink.
25. I love my family so dearly!
26. I love to garden.
27. I have never had an inkling to sew,
or knit or do things like that!
28. I love to cook, especially for my husband and family!
29. I don't have a mean spirit, and don't like people who do.
30. I love to do laundry!
31. I giggle when I see plastic on lamp shades or furniture.
32. I don't like politics or war movies.
33. I receive great joy from the simple things in life.
34. My favorite movie is .........Far too many to choose one,
but I love Suspense Thrillers!
35. I love old romantic love stories.
36. My first car was a gift from my former husband Robbie.
37. I love a mail box brimming.
38. I love to make people smile and happy!
39. I get homesick and am not a very good being away from home for long periods of time.
40. I sleep with 4 pillows, but rarely sleep well!
41. I love having a life I share with those I love!
42. I love French perfumes, and Italian baked goods and cappucino's.
43. I love the smell of fresh cut roses from my garden
and a mowed lawn.
44. I enjoy watching children play.
45. I love flowers, just about every kind!
46. I miss my son dearly living so far away and my inherited daughter!
47. I don't like people all wrapped
up in themselves and in everything material!
48. I Love Spring!
49. I squeeze and hug a lot and tell
my loved ones I love them constantly!
50. I love to wear lipstick,
perfume and earrings every day no matter what I am doing! (and clothes too *Giggles*)
51. I love divine Swiss chocolate.
52. I love mashed potatoes, and comfort foods.
53. I love the simple things in life that bring me great joy!
54. I love living near the water, but never go in it!
Except to bath and shower of course *Giggles*
55. I love Tinkerbell and Fairies..
56. I don't like gossip and avoid gossipers and trouble makers!
57. I love hot chocolate by a cozy fire!
58. I love looking through my photograph albums and cherish every memory.
59. I love the smell of linen fresh from the clothes line.
I still wish I had a clothes line!
60. I was Valedictorian both in Grade school
and high school and yes was the teachers pets!
61. Everyday I focus on my many blessings!
62. I love romance in my life!
63. I took great pride in raising my son,
and am so proud to be his Mother!
64. I can't play any musical instrument or read music.
65. I don't like winter, except for my son's birthday
and of course Christmas!
66. I love fireflies in the summer night sky and picnics.
67. I do not like to be dirty or feel all sweaty in summer heat!
68. I embrace all God's gifts with love!
69. I cried in the 2nd grade in front of the class
because someone was mean to another student!
70. I'm very loyal and trustworthy!
71. I love old fashioned values.
72. I am looking forward to the celebrations of each day!
73. I love my Grandmother and and miss my Mother so much each moment since she has died!
Now I have my own Personal Guardian Angel in Heaven!
74. I went to Florida Winter of 2004, and that was my first time there!
75. I love beautiful picture frames.....I take lots of pictures!
76. In the 70's I was a new bride at the age of 21.............
My first husband Justin's Father died very suddenly in 1992
and it has left me breathless still.
77. I am not artistic, but am creative with my words.
78. I love tea!
79. I buy too many food condiments, and gourmet items.
80. I still like to send handwritten letters, and receive them as well.
81. I'm not athletic.
82. I collect children's books, The Giving Tree has been and always will be a favorite
as well as The Velveteen Rabbit.
83. I love each and every one of my friends dearly!
84. I'm ever thankful for technology!
85. I don't like negative people.
86. I don't watch soap operas.
87. I like to send lots of greeting cards!
88. I have a thing for cashmere, especially handsome men in black Cashmere dress coats!
89. I love Target stores and wish we had them here in Canada.
90. After 13 years at my current job,
domestic Goddess, I love it more each day!
91. I'm starting to feel the time passes far tooooooo quickly!
92. I love Oprah!
93. I love peace and contentment.
94. I wish at times I was not so sensitive.
95. I was in the the hospital January 2006 and never want to go again forever if possible!
96. I want to buy a set of beautiful french linens.
97. I laugh a lot.
98. I like to write with a delicious colour of bright and beautiful pens.
99. I love to spoil those I love.
100. I want to see my son live a long healthy happy life,
and someday I hope to hold his children in my arms!

Thank you for taking the time to read this!



My tastes are simple darlings I only love the best!
My family, faith and friends are
what tug at my heart strings.
I love children, animals, kind and caring and genuine people.
Embrace your bliss
It is the key to happiness

Friday Cha Cha Cha

Happy Friday Darlings.................
The weeks are zooming by at an accelerated pace as they always do especially in summer.

Did you know that those who appear to be very strong in heart, are real weak
and most susceptible?
Did you know that those who spend their time protecting others are the ones
that really need someone to protect them?
Did you know that the three most difficult things to say are:
I love you, Sorry, and Help me.

Did you know that those who dress in red are more confident in themselves?
Did you know that those who dress in yellow are those that enjoy their
beauty?
Did you know that those who dress in black, are those who want to be
unnoticed and need your help and understanding?
Did you know that when you help someone, the help is returned in two-fold?


Did you know that if you ask for something in faith, your wishes are
granted at least this has happened to me for the most part.

Did you know I think you are fabulous?
Love and kisses and the very best of wishes!

Lessons in Life

A photo I took in Seoul
Spring 2007
of some beautiful flowers
outside a shop.

Lessons in Life

By Regina Brett

The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

To celebrate growing older,
I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

;

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Enjoy it!

My husband talked to his daughter (via instant message)
They had a day off this week for Veteran's day in Seoul)
About thirty of them had a picnic on an island and enjoyed
their day as they do everyday.
They make the most of life.
How beautiful a way to spend a day!

Seoulful Strut

Beautiful childrens shops and Ladies shops I loved to visit each day

There was a mecca of superb shopping havens all over Seoul.
I am getting so many compliments on the things our children bought me to wear
jewellery, hair accessories and all.........
I find the trip almost seems surreal to me now in many ways..............
Soul to Seoul

Persons thankful for little things

are certain to be the ones

with much to be thankful for

~Frank Clark

A father carries pictures where
his money used to be.

The World is Yours

I am still in awe of our children in Asia and the lives they lead

Fabulous and we are so very proud of them............

Keep your eyes, ears and mind open......
the world is your classroom
Always be generous in patience, gratitude and forgiveness
Be grateful for the role models in your life and be one for everyone else
Learn from other generations
from the wisdom of elders
and the imagination of children
Keep a childlike sense of wonder
Believe in the beauty, the goodness and the wisdom
that are uniquely yours
There is only one you and the world needs you
just as you are.

A Summer Place

I love Peter Pan and this song called "A Summer Place"
Come fly with me.....enjoy

The crow, when traveling abroad, came back just as black.
-- English Proverb

A man travels the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.
-- George Moore



Remember darlings there is no place like home~

Happiness

"There is only one way to happiness

and that is to cease worrying about things which are

beyond the power of our will. "

-Epictetus

I miss my beloved Mother

My late beloved Mother was so beautiful inside and out.
Every one thought she was a lady of class and elegance
and grace and beauty.
She lives on forever in all of our hearts.

Ever since I got back from Asia I am missing my beloved Mother more than ever and almost went through the profound grief all over again. It is so easy to get all wrapped up in another part of the world and momentarily forget all the sadness that has happened since last summer.................and the deaths since then. None of us are any strangers to pain and loss.

My husband and I went to visit my Mom's grave and my late Sister Sharon's yesterday. It will soon be a year August 12th, 2007 that Mom will have been in Heaven one year on that date.

It has been a long long long difficult time this jagged journey of grief.

I miss my beloved Mother more than words can ever say!

“In our society, we give motherhood plenty of lip service,” says Oprah Winfrey, another champion of motherhood. “We pat moms on the head, bring them flowers on Mother’s Day, and honor them before crowds. But at the end of the day, we don’t extend them the same respect we would a professor, a dentist, an accountant, or a judge.

“I believe the choice to become a mother in the choice to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers there is. To create an environment that’s stimulating and nurturing, to pass on a sense of responsibility to another human being, to raise a child who understands that he or she is created from good and is capable of anything—I know for sure that few callings are more honorable. To play down mothering as small is to crack the very foundation on which greatness stands.

“The world can only value mothering to the extent that women everywhere stand and declare that it must be so. In our hands we hold the power to transform the perception of motherhood….We should no longer allow a mother to be defined as ‘just a mom.’ It is on her back that great nations are built” (“What I Know for Sure,” O, The Oprah Magazine, 66, emphasis added).

~Oprah

If you have your Mother and loved ones with you treasure them dearly.

You may not get the chance tomorrow!

Summer time garden party some years back at my Aunt and Uncle's in Michigan
Oh how these photo's tug at my heart strings........
How life changes........

Our Parish is joining with another Parish and we will build a new church close to our home.
Our new church will be called "The Good Shepherd" Roman Catholic Church.
We have excellent priests and are truly blessed. I have mixed emotions about St. Gregory's being
torn down in about a year. I am full of sentiment and all the things that have happened in my life
since I joined that Parish in 1978. A long long history is hard to build with this fast paced
transient society.
Life is a series of new beginnings.

I love Jean Michael Jarre

Soulful Sunday

We make a living by what we get,

but we make a life by what we give.

~ Winston Churchill

Gifts from the Orient
Spring 2007

We took our grand angels out this morning with their Dad and had a nice little visit with them all.
They are getting big and getting ready for summer...........
It has been raining most of today and everything looks lush and green and prosperous.
The sounds of nature are everywhere as are the sights.

On this day in 1953 Billy Joe McAllister jumped
off the Tallahatchie Bridge in Bobbie Gentry's
1967 hit "Ode to Billie Joe."

On Tuesday, 6 million Starbucks customers will be exposed to al or part of Paul McCartney's new album.
"Memory Almost Full"
will play around the clock in the company's 10,000 plus stores.

The word eleven comes from the Old English endleofan which meant 11, or more literally
one left over.......

Women own less than 15% of the land world wide.
Source of above information
Toronto Star of Today June 3, 2007

New Family Member

On my late husband's side of the family
Justin my son has a new little one to welcome into his Dad's side of the family

Mariah Sherree Coutinho

		COUTINHO (Windibank) Proud first time parents Ryan & Tanya are pleased to announce the safe arrival of their precious baby girl, Mariah Sherree. Born May 29, 2007 at 10:54 p.m., weighing 6lbs 5oz.. A bundle of joy for Grandparents Rui & Sherry Coutinho and Todd Windibank & Tracey. Excited Great Grandparents are Lyle & Dorreen Ouellette, Robert Hughes, Lorne Windibank. Smiling from Heaven is Grandma Sherry Windibank, Great Grandma's Shirly Hughes, Lorraine Windibank and Manual & Helena Coutinho. Mariah is also welcomed by many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. A special thank you to Dr. Bourke & Dr. Jasey and nursing staff at Met for a safe delivery. Published in the Windsor Star on 6/2/2007. Birth Announcement in today's paper. May your life be enchanted little Princess! Congratulations to you all.

June 2, 1967 Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band

1. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

2. With A Little Help From My Friends

3. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

4. Getting Better

5. Fixing A Hole

6. She's Leaving Home

7. Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!

8. Within You Without You

9. When I'm Sixty-Four

10. Lovely Rita

11. Good Morning Good Morning

12. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)

13. A Day In The Life

I still play it often

I love the song When I am Sixty Four..........

Life began in a garden

June our roses are blooming and so is our hearts as we spend time in our gardens.
Life began in a garden.

The kiss of the sun for pardon
The songs of the birds for mirth
There is no place closer to Heaven
Than a garden here on earth.

These are for the most parts our garden except two photo's are of my neighbors gardens

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy June First~! Rabbit Rabbit

Photo courtesy of my son
The lantern Festival in Seoul 2007

The greatest strength is gentleness."

- Iroquois Proverb

Rabbit Rabbit~

June 1st Darlings!

Good luck for this month!~

June the month we welcome roses to our garden and celebrate our grads and Dads

and the beauty and bliss of our lives.

Taken from the book Simple Abundance are the words below slightly altered from original post.

I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June

~L.M. Montgomery

June is generous with her authentic gifts. Once again the days are sunny and hot.

The roses and peonies are in bloom, and it is time to feast on strawberries and cream.

School will soon be over, for some summer camp begins, and visions of vacations dance in our heads. Our smiles deepen, our laughter increases, and our hearts open.

This month we rediscover that it is life's enrichments rather than the riches of life that bring

us true contentment.

Slightly altered words from my book

"A Simple Abundance"

Weekend Weekend Cha Cha Cha!!!!!!!!!!