This, that and the other

Dissolving?

2009-07-26T13:55:00.000+10:00

Dissolving?
============

Why doesn't Coke and Pepsi dissolve the cans?

Q: In your book The Straight Dope you state that Coca-Cola will
dissolve aluminum. My question is this: How is it that this
beverage is sold in aluminum cans without oxidizing them?

Cecil replies:
According to Coke, the cans are "coated with a very thin layer
of a type of light, food grade plastic material approved by the
FDA." This prevents the highly corrosive contents from dissolving
the containers. The unanswered question is, what keeps them from
dissolving you?

~Cecil Adams, from The Straight Dope~

Eight Gifts

2009-07-26T13:47:00.000+10:00

Eight Gifts
============

Below are eight gifts that don't cost a cent to give.

1) THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
But you must REALLY listen.
No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response.
Just listening.

2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and
handholds.
Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family
and friends.

3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Funny pictures. Share articles, funny stories and funny
greetings. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet.
A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and
may even change a life.

5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super
job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.
Helping elderly cross the road can be nice.

7) THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left
alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of
solitude to others.

8) THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to
someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

~Author Unknown~

TATERS

2009-07-23T22:17:00.001+10:00

Taters
=======

Taters are a colloquial pronunciation of potatoes and thus
these are the local varieties of taters.

Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are just
content to watch while others do the work.
~They are called "Spec Taters".

Some people never do anything to help,
but are gifted at finding fault with the way others do the work.
~They are called "Comment Taters".

Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what to do,
but don't want to soil their own hands.
~They are called "Dick Taters".

Some people are always looking to cause problems by asking
others to agree with them. It is too hot or too cold, too sour
or too sweet.
~They are called "Agie Taters".

There are those who say they will help, but somehow just never
get around to actually doing the promised help.
~They are called "Hezzie Taters".

Some people can put up a front and pretend to be someone they
are not.
~They are called "Emma Taters".

Then there are those who love others and do what they say they
will. They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing
and lend a helping hand. They bring real sunshine into the lives
of others.
~They are called "Sweet Taters".

If I Had My LIfe to LIve Over

2009-07-01T20:49:00.001+10:00

If I Had My LIfe to LIve Over
==============================

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet
was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "GOOD" living room and
worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a
fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble
about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a
summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before
it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried
about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television
and more while watching life.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending
the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for
the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was
practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a
lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have
cherished every moment realizing that the wonderment growing
inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a
miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said,
"Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more
"I love you" ...
more "I'm sorry"
... but mostly, given another shot at life,
I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it...
live it... and never give it back.

I would tell all my friends that I need and love and that my
life would be empty without them!

~by Erma Bombeck~

The top 5 lies women tell each other about childbirth.

2009-05-21T16:12:00.001+10:00

Here's an extract from a new book called "Backwards In High Heels: The Impossible Art of Being Female" written by two British journalists, Tania Kindersley and Sarah Vine.

Your friend announces she is pregnant. You are, of course, delighted. You meet, for coffee (yours is a double espresso, since the children have been up all night), to talk about it. She wants to know everything, or so she says. Here’s what you tell her:

1. It doesn’t matter if she gets fat, the weight will drop off afterwards, especially if she breastfeeds.

2. The birth itself isn’t that bad, and anyway your body is biologically programmed to forget the pain.

3. Breastfeeding can be a little tricky to start with, but in the end she’ll get the hang of it.

4. You get used to not having as much sleep as you used to.

5. The experience of looking after a newborn can really bring two people together.

Here’s what you actually mean:

1. Her stomach will never be the same again, not even if she goes to the gym every day (which she won’t be able to because she won’t have the time), breastfeeds until her child goes to university and observes a strict vegan diet.

2. The birth is quite terrifying, gas and air doesn’t work like they say it does, having stitches is horrible, midwives don’t always get it right, there will be more blood and bodily fluids than an episode of CSI Miami, and having half the world staring at your most intimate parts while you make noises like a demented pig is not, in any sense of the word, empowering.

3. Breastfeeding can be very hard indeed, you feel like a useless failure if you can’t do it, you will almost certainly get mastitis (which is like the worst toothache you can imagine, only in your breast), old ladies will give you horrid stares if you try to do it in public, breastfed babies do get colic, you may have curious and uncomfortable anxieties about being a prize heifer, you will leak in public, your nipples will feel like they’ve been sandpapered and your breasts, like your stomach, will never really recover.

4. You will go insane with sleep deprivation. You really will. Even the hardiest of military men were reduced to wrecks after three days of no sleep in Japanese prisoner of war camps, and you were not trained for this. There will be days when the very act of putting clothes on your shattered body will feel like a major achievement.

5. Once the initial euphoria has subsided, you and your partner will effectively become shift workers: when he’s awake you will be dropping off to sleep, and vice versa. You will become resentful of his ability to leave the house in the morning, bound for the comparatively stressless world of work. In the back of your mind will be the sneaking suspicion that he is spending longer and longer in the office because he would almost rather be anywhere than at home sterilising bottles and dealing with a frazzled you and a wailing babe. Sex will be implausible, not so much because of the physical changes wrought by giving birth, but because you will both be spectacularly exhausted, and no one feels like having much sex when they’re tired. And smelling slightly of sick.

That is one side of the story: the disruption and chaos. The other, often equally unexpected development is the degree to which you adore your baby. For many women, the love they feel for their child far and away surpasses anything they have ever experienced before. At first you don’t really notice it – sure, this small pink bundle is adorable and absorbing, but you are still getting used to each other. And then somewhere around week three, quite possibly when you are dozing off at 4am, with this little milky person asleep by your side and the soothing sounds of the BBC World Service drifting from the radio, it suddenly hits you, with the force of an oncoming train: you love this thing more than life itself.

This love is a new kind of love. It is, in the true sense of the word, unconditional. The media, society, other mothers with something to prove, like to hymn this great novel love as a tremendous nirvana, the deepest truth of the female heart. But paradoxically, it can be extremely frightening, not just for the mother, whose happiness now depends on this highly unstable bundle of new human flesh and blood, whose very sanity can feel as if it hinges on one tiny human continuing to breathe, but also for her partner. Adjusting from being the centre of a person’s universe to being a distant satellite is never easy, especially if the ego involved is male.

All this is why you can’t really tell your pregnant friend the truth. She doesn’t yet understand the peculiar feeling of being hopelessly trapped and unspeakably elated at the same time – nor will she, until she’s given birth. You have to let her experience it for herself, in her own way. Far better – and easier – to toe the party line. Which is: my child is an angel/genius/source of endless joy, I am deliriously happy being a mother, my partner and I have as much – if not possibly more – sex than before and no, of course we do not miss the lie-ins/foreign holidays/expensive consumer durables/actual freedom.

I wish you enough!!

2009-01-24T19:46:00.001+11:00

I wish you enough!!

Recently I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure.

Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.'

The daughter replied, 'Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom.'

They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'

'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'.

'I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral,' she said.

'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?'

She began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.' She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

She then began to cry and walked away.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.

* Only if you wish send this to the people you will never forget and remember to send it back to the person who sent it to you. If you don't send it to anyone it may mean that you are in such a hurry that you have forgotten your friends.

TAKE TIME TO LIVE.....

To all my friends and loved ones, I WISH YOU ENOUGH.

10 Good Quotes

2009-01-24T16:44:00.001+11:00

10 Good Quotes
===============

An ounce of emotion is equal to a ton of facts.
~John Junor~

An undefined problem has an infinite number of solutions.
~Robert A. Humphrey~

Annual income twenty pounds,
annual expenditure nineteen point six,
result happiness.
~Charles Dickens (1812-1870)~

Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain
and most fools do.
~Dale Carnegie~

Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be
silly.
~Rose Franken~

As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.
~Proverbs 23:7~

Asking an incumbent member of Congress to vote for term limits
is a bit like asking a chicken to vote for Colonel Sanders.
~Bob Inglis~

Attempt the impossible in order to improve your work.
~Bette Davis~

Conversation would be vastly improved
by the constant use of four simple words:
" I do not know."
~Andre Maurois~

Constant dripping hollows out a stone.
~Lucretius~

Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves,
for they shall never cease to be amused.
~Anonymous~

Boredom is the feeling that everything is a waste of time;
serenity, that nothing is.
~Thomas Szasz~

Boys will be boys, and so will a lot of middle-aged men.
~Kin Hubbard~

Books, like friends, should be few and well chosen.
~Samuel Paterson~

Count your blessings, they are more than you think,
and more than you are told.

The Movie Encyclopedia

2009-01-24T16:40:00.001+11:00

The Movie Encyclopedia
=======================

There are some things in life that you would never know if it
weren't for Hollywood.

A great movie – "The Family Man"
Every married man with kids should see this.

Without The Movies you wouldn't know this:

** During all police investigations, it will be necessary to
visit a strip club at least once.

** When they are alone, all foreigners prefer to speak
English to each other.

** If being chased through town, you can usually take cover
in a passing St. Patrick's Day parade - at any time of year.

** All beds have special L-shaped cover sheets which reach
up to the armpit level on a woman but only to the waist level
on the man lying beside her.

** The Chief of Police will almost always suspend his star
detective - or give him 48 hours to finish the job.

** All grocery bags contain at least one stick of French
Bread.

** It's easy for anyone to land a plane providing there is
someone to talk you down.

** The ventilation system of any building is the perfect
hiding place - no one will ever think of looking for you in
there and you can travel to any other part of the building
undetected.

** Police departments give their officers personality tests to
make sure they are deliberately assigned to a partner who is
their polar opposite.

** The Eiffel Tower can be seen from any window in Paris.

** All bombs are fitted with electronic timing devices with
large red readouts so you know exactly when they are going
to go off.

** If you need to reload your gun, you will always have
more ammunition, even if you haven't been carrying any
before now.

** You are very likely to survive any battle in any war
unless you make the mistake of showing someone a picture
of your sweetheart back home.

** Should you wish to pass yourself off as a German officer,
it will not be necessary to speak the language - a German
accent will do.

** If your town is threatened by an imminent natural disaster
or killer beast, the mayor's first concern will be the tourist
trade or his forthcoming art exhibition.

** A man will show no pain while taking the most ferocious
beating but will wince when a woman tries to clean his
wounds.

** When paying for a taxi, don't look at your wallet as you
take out a bill - just grab one at random and hand it over. It
will always be the exact fare.

** Kitchens don't have light switches. When entering a
kitchen at night, you should open the fridge door and use that
light instead.

Baby Pigeons?

2009-01-24T16:36:00.001+11:00

Baby Pigeons?
==============

Have you ever wondered why you don't see baby pigeons?

Have you ever wondered why pigeons spend so much time walking
when they could be flying?

Some of US spend so much time walking when we could be flying.

This is why you don't see Baby pigeons -

First of all, unlike other birds, pigeons hide their nests.
When they emerged in Asia, pigeons were cliff-dwellers. Now
they build their messy nests of sticks inside the guts of
bridges, or atop tall buildings, or on top of your air
conditioner.

Also, pigeons are very protective and babying parents. They lay
only two eggs at a time, and spoil those babies shamefully. By
the time they leave the nest, the babies are almost the same
size as their parents.

That's why you don't see baby pigeons.

The parents spoil the kids by keeping them sheltered and inside
away from the world until they are almost grown.

Is it any wonder why they fly as little as possible?
Think about that the next time you see a pigeon,
a big one walking.

~A MountainWings Original~

CLOSET SPACE

2009-01-24T16:34:00.000+11:00

CLOSET SPACE
=============

Is your closet too crowded?

Perhaps the single greatest indicator of the overload that we
have in life are closets.

They are packed.

It doesn't matter how big our closets are.

Sooner or later we fill them up.

Why?

There is a closet rule of life that states:

1. Clothes expand to fill all available closet space
2. Sooner or later if you keep getting more clothes
you either have to:
A. Get more closet space
B. Get rid of some clothes

2B is what we hate to do.

But if we are TO BE what we are TO BE,
we need to learn the rule of 2B and get rid of some clothes.

Time is like closet space. We have a limited amount of it.

We keep putting more and more things in until our time is
cluttered.

The more cluttered it gets, the more things are out of place.

The time that we should be sleeping, we've got something else in
that space.

The time that we should be spending with family, we've got
something else in that space.

The time that we should have to ourselves to do whatever we do
to help our spirit, we've got something else in that space.

Even as our closet hinges strain to keep from bursting, we still
try to put more stuff in.

Take a look around your closet of time right now.

How much has accumulated
that you should have gotten rid of long ago.

They still may be good clothes, but your closet is just too full.

We have habits that we formed in our teenage years
that should have long ago been removed from our closets.

Some even have friends that should have long ago been removed,
for they no longer fit our style or destination.

As you change and grow, you should change what's in your closet.

Maybe we don't need more stuff in the closet.

Maybe we don't need a bigger closet.

Maybe we just need to clean out some stuff
and not with the purpose to make room for more stuff.

We may just need some space,

In a lot of areas,

For a lot of reasons.

There is a spiritual saying
that tells you to go into your closet to pray.

For many of us, there's simply no room.

Go look at your bedroom closet right now.
Chances are, it will reflect your closet of time.

~A MountainWings Original~

Thank you for inviting MountainWings in your mailbox.
See you tomorrow.

Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below:
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/1038.htm

Judge Gently

2008-12-31T23:31:00.001+11:00

Judge Gently
Author Unknown

Pray don't find fault with the man who limps
or stumbles along the road,
unless you have worn the shoes he wears
or struggled beneath his load.
There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt,
though hidden away from view,
or the burden he bears, placed on your back
might cause you to stumble too.
Don't sneer at the man who's down today
unless you have felt the blow
that caused his fall or felt the shame
that only the fallen know.
You may be strong, but still the blows
that were his if dealt to you,
in the selfsame way, at the selfsame time,
might cause you to stagger too.
Don't be too harsh with the man who sins
or pelt him with word or stone,
unless you are sure, yea, doubly sure,
that you have no sins of your own -
for you know perhaps if the tempter's voice
should whisper as softly to you
as it did to him when he went astray,
it might cause you to stumble too.

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T23:19:00.002+11:00

May peace fill all the empty spaces around you
And in you, may contentment answer all your wishes.

May comfort be yours, warm and soft like a sigh.
And may the coming year show you that every day
is really a first day, a new year.

Let abundance be your constant companion,
so that you have much to share.

May mirth be near you always,
like a lamp shining brightly
on the many paths you travel.

May you be true love.

Author Unknown
But Very Much Appreciated!
Five Beautiful Poems To Read On New Years Day

Look between the sights, ....

2008-12-31T23:18:00.001+11:00

Look between the sights, hear between the words, feel between your heart and mind... and there you'll find the Universe, conspiring, on your behalf, with magic, miracles and more.

Moment of Love

2008-10-02T21:38:00.001+10:00

Moment of Love
Inviting More Love into Our Hearts

The brief statement below is designed to remind us of the common humanity we share with all people in our world. Take a moment to read these words slowly and really feel the beautiful message here. By choosing to focus less on what divides us, and more on what unites us, we can more effectively build a brighter future for us all.

Every person in the world has a heart

Every heart has a place within
that wants only to love and be loved

Let us connect with that
place of love in our own heart
and in the hearts of all around us

Let us take a moment now
to open to the heart connection
we share with all people through love

The Cab Ride I'll Never Forget

2008-10-02T21:31:00.002+10:00

The Cab Ride I'll Never Forget
by Kent Nerburn

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. One time I arrived in the middle of the night for a pick up at a building that was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself.

So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute," answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.

"It's nothing," I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated."

"Oh, you're such a good boy," she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?"

"It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly.

"Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice."

I looked in the rear view mirror. Her eyes were glistening.

"I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long."

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route would you like me to take?" I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now."

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

"How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse.

"Nothing," I said.

"You have to make a living," she answered.

"There are other passengers."

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

"You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you."

I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware—beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

See our collection of inspiring resources at http://www.weboflove.org/inspiringresources

Nature's Pharmacy!

2008-08-18T22:01:00.003+10:00

Nature left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!

Nature's Pharmacy!
Amazing!

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones.
These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak.
These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months
to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

Remember your sisters

2008-08-11T21:40:00.000+10:00

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother.
As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter:

'Don't forget your Sisters,' she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass.
'They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.'

'Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do.'

What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!'

But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life.

After more than 50 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:

THIS SAYS IT ALL:

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.
BUT.........
Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.
Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Every day, we need each other still.
Pass this on to all the women who help make your life meaningful.
I just did. Short and very sweet:

There are more than twenty angels in this world.
Ten are peacefully sleeping on clouds. Nine are
playing. And one is reading her email at this moment.

2008-07-22T22:10:00.002+10:00

Ok - so here's the deal. I've been tagged by Laine - over at IckleKids to do 6 Things Meme. I've been updating my blog these last few weeks, and she seemed to like one of my posts about this amazing love story out of china, and tagged me there! So here we are....

The rules of 6 Things Meme - I have to answer 6 questions about myself. At the end of the post, I then tag 6 people and post their names, then go to their blogs and leave them a comment, letting them know they've been tagged and ask them to read my blog. Then, I must let the person who tagged me know when I've posted my answers.

6 Places I have lived
1) Massachusetts USA - I was born there and lived there until I was 16. It's such a beautiful part of the USA, and if you ever get a chance you must visit it. It's hard to pick a season to visit because they're all beautiful, but if you want to see outstanding autumn colour, then go in the Northern Hemisphere Autumn.
2) Orlando Florida USA - We lived there for about 12 months when I was 11. Whilst living in Florida we travelled to Mexico where my younger brother was born.
3) Broke, Hunter Valley, NSW - Australia - I was 16 when we moved to Australia. I hated it, but grew to love it over time. The Hunter Valley is a truly beautiful part of NSW.
4) North Ryde, NSW , Australia - I moved to Sydney to live with my brother who was attending Macquarie University.
5) Glenfield, NSW, Australia - moved in with my long term boyfriend, now husband, into our first home.
6) Georges Hall NSW - Settled into our current home. We now have 2 gorgeous kids.

What I was doing 10 years ago
Ten years ago I was working for Qantas at Sydney International Airport. I was a Customer Service Agent, and duties included working in the Qantas Club & First Class Lounge, First Class Check-in as well as check-in for other classes, assisting with arrivals and departures. Not just for Qantas but for the 26 other customer airlines that Qantas did the ground handling for. Whilst at Qantas I became pregnant with my first child and after she was born I went back to work for 18 months, but eventually left because conflicting schedules with daycare and shift work!

5 things on my to do list:
1) Go to work Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
2) Take my son to a birthday party on Sunday
3) Get some work for ID Your Child done
4) Place some orders for customers
5) Spend time with the kids

Snacks I like to eat
1) Chocolate - who doesn't like to eat chocolate!? Oh - I know - my niece's boyfriend doesn't like chocolate - he's allergic to milk.
2) Dips & crackers
3) Chocolate Chip Cookies - homemade of course
4) Home baked biscuits or bread - warm with butter
5) Mangoes, strawberries, apples

If I was a billionaire
1) I'd give a good portion to charity
2) Pay off my parents debts and buy them new cars and set them up so they wouldn't have to work again
3) Work for a charity
4) Set up trust accounts for my children, ensure they had enough money for their education and to set them up for when they leave home
5) Pay off our debts and build a new house and buy a new car
6) Travel the world
7) Pay for my friends to come and visit me

Now, I tag the following people:

http://rainbowdesigns.com.au/blog/
http://www.momentbymoment.com.au/cafeprem/momentbymoment/

We're past the 1/2 way mark - City2Surf

2008-07-22T20:27:00.003+10:00

WOW - overnight we've had $150 donated. That brings our total so far raised to $351 - we still need an extra $149 to reach our goal of $500.

If you can help us or if you know of someone who can help us reach that goal, please forward the information with a link to my fundraising page.

Every $$ is greatly appreciated, and it would be such a shame if we came so close to our goal, but didn't make it.

To all of you who have already so kindly donated/sponsored us, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I'm sure the children and the families of those children who will benefit from the funds raised thank you also!!!!!

Please follow the link to see how we're going and to make a donation!
http://city2surf.everydayhero.com.au/Jennifer_Kohen

Please also pass this info along, wouldn't it be great if we could surpass our goal of $500 before August 10!

Starlight Wishgranting

A dream come true

A Starlight Wish is like a dream come true for a seriously ill child. Sharing a special, once-in-a-lifetime wish brings a family together, and is an experience that stays with them forever. Starlight aims to grant more wishes each year for children with serious and chronic illness.

A Starlight Wish provides meaningful experiences, has life impacting benefits and is an opportunity to share in a dream come true. A Starlight Wish gives the whole family a break from the stress of their child's illness. Fulfilled wishes provide lasting memories for the child, and it's rare that a day goes by without the family mentioning their special experience.

Just last Christmas, the generosity of the Australian public meant that Starlight could grant more than 152 urgent wishes for seriously ill children, children just like Christian, who wanted a Rocket Ship Cubby House, so he could use it to escape and visit planet Starlight.
"The day we heard Starlight were able to grant Christian's wish was amazing - the best day since his illness was diagnosed. It has become something special for him to look forward to every day."
Mum of Christian, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour just before his fifth birthday

BEAUTIFUL PRAYER

2008-07-10T22:49:00.002+10:00

BEAUTIFUL PRAYER

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary

I asked God to grant me patience God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own!, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

If you love God, send this to ten people and back to the person that sent it.

THIS DAY IS YOURS DON'T THROW IT AWAY

May God Bless You,
'To the world you might be one person,but to one person you just might be the world'

An incredible love story has come out of China recently and managed to touch the world.

2008-07-10T22:26:00.005+10:00

An incredible love story has come out of China recently and managed to touch the world.

It is a story of a man and an older woman who ran off to live and love each other in peace for over half a century.

The 70-year-old Chinese man who hand-carved over 6,000 stairs up a mountain for his 80-year-old wife has passed away in the cave which has been the couple's home for the last 50 years.

Over 50 years ago, Liu Guojiang a 19 year-old boy, fell in love with a 29 year-old widowed mother named Xu Chaoqin..

In a twist worthy of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, friends and relatives criticized the relationship because of the age difference and the fact that Xu already had children.

At that time, it was unacceptable and immoral for a young man to love an older woman.. To avoid the market gossip and the scorn of their communities, the couple decided to elope and lived in a cave in Jiangjin County in Southern ChongQing Municipality.

In the beginning, life was harsh as hey had nothing, no electricity or even food. They had to eat grass and roots they found in the mountain, and Liu made a kerosene lamp that they used to light up their lives.

Xu felt that she had tied Liu down and repeatedly asked him, 'Are you regretful? Liu always replied, 'As long as we are industrious, life will improve.'

In the second year of living in the mountain, Liu began and continued for over 50 years, to hand-carve the steps so that his wife could get down the mountain easily.

Half a century later in 2001, a group of adventurers were exploring the forest and were surprised to find the elderly couple and the over 6,000 hand-carved steps. Liu MingSheng, one of their seven children said, 'My parents loved each other so much, they have lived in seclusion for over 50 years and never been apart a single day. He hand carved more than 6,000 steps over the years for my mother's convenience, although she doesn't go down the mountain that much.'

The couple had lived in peace for over 50 years until last week. Liu, now 72 years, returned from his daily farm work and collapsed. Xu sat and prayed with her husband as he passed away in her arms. So in love with Xu, was Liu, that no one was able to release the grip he had on his wife's hand even after he had passed away.

'You promised me you'll take care of me, you'll always be with me until the day I died, now you left before me, how am I going to live without you?'

Xu spent days softly repeating this sentence and touching her husband's black coffin with tears rolling down her cheeks.

In 2006, their story became one of the top 10 love stories from China , collected by the Chinese Women Weekly. The local government has decided to preserve the love ladder and the place they lived as a museum, so this love story can live forever.

Retail therapy is great isn't it?

2008-07-03T22:56:00.002+10:00

Retail therapy is great!

The only problem I have with shopping with the kids during the mid year school holidays is that K-Mart, Target & Big W all put their MASSIVE TOY SALES on at this time.

Who in their right mind wants to go toy shopping with the kids in tow???? I know I don't, hence I usually avoid the sales, for me it's sometimes worth paying the extra couple of dollars just to avoid the crowds.

I had to go to Big W today to exchange something that I bought yesterday (another story), and being the first day of the Big W toy sale there were, needless to say, A LOT OF PEOPLE THERE!!! The queue for the Lay-By desk (which is at the back of the store - oddly enough right next to the toy dept.) was almost to the front door where all the registers are!!!!!! OMG - is all I could say.

I was staggered at the amount of toys people had in their trolleys and queuing in the Lay-By queue. Now don't get me wrong, I love to buy my kids things, but this was bordering on ridiculous!!!!!!

It just got me thinking that we are such a consumer society, give it to me now, I want it, I need it, I will have it!!!!!! It made me think of how much we buy and all the packaging that is so unnecessary. I know at Christmas time, it takes me almost a month to get rid of all the packaging that gets tossed, because I put it in the recycling bin and that only gets collected fortnightly. Note to Council - at Christmas have weekly recycling pick-up!

Anyway, I walked out of Big W vowing to not go overboard on my Christmas shopping this year.

Strange & interesting shoppping bags

2008-06-23T14:20:00.002+10:00

Have you ever put much thought into the shopping bags that you carry around. Well these people sure have!!!

http://www.oddee.com/item_95373.aspx

Strange Letterboxes

2008-06-23T14:17:00.001+10:00

Do you think you have a strange letterbox? I bet it's not as strange as these ones!

Check them out here!

http://www.oddee.com/item_96200.aspx

Help me raise funds for The Starlight Foundation

2008-06-23T13:49:00.002+10:00

On Sunday, August 10, I am participating in The Sun-Herald City2Surf. I am trying to raise as much money as I can for a great cause by taking the 14km journey to Bondi. You can find out more about the charity I am raising money for, by clicking on the link below to visit my very own fundraising page. Please dig deep to sponsor me in this event, it only takes a few seconds.

You can also help my fundraising efforts, by sending this page onto as many people as possible. I'm fundraising for The Starlight Foundation!!

Thank you very much.

http://city2surf.everydayhero.com.au/Jennifer_Kohen

Snickerdoodles

2007-08-12T22:31:00.000+10:00

Another great recipe. I used to love making these as a kid and still love these cookies.

SNICKERDOODLES

Prep Tim: 8 min
Cook Time: 6 min

1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar

PREPARATION
In a shallow bowl, combine 1 tablespoon sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
Cream shortening; gradually add 1 1/2 cups sugar, beating well.
Add eggs; beat well. Stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, soda, salt and cream of tartar.
Add sifted ingredients to creamed mixutre; stir until well blended.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Place Snickerdoodles 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets.
Bake Snickerdoodles at 400f (200c) for 6 minute sor until lightly browned.
Remove to wire racks to cool.
Makes about 4 dozen Snickerdoodles.

Amazing Grace

2007-08-10T21:54:00.000+10:00

I think this is going to be a movie that everyone should see. I'm planning on seeing it next week. I was nearly in tears just watching the trailer.

I've been tagged - 1st time for everything I say!

2007-08-10T18:54:00.000+10:00

Donnamarie has tagged me!! The first time this has happened, so I'm not quite sure if this will work, but let's give it a go ...

First of all I need to tell you the rules of this tag:

a) Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves.

b) The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed.

c) At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

So here are 8 things about me:

1. I'm the only daughter in a family of 4 children. I have 2 older brothers and 1 younger brother.

2. I have 2 gorgeous kids, 1 daughter who's 9 and 1 son who's 3.

3. I was born in Monson, Massachusetts, USA.

4. I own my own fledgling business ... ID YOUR CHILD

5. I used to work in the Airline Industry for 12 years. 6.5 years for Continental Airlines and 6 years for Qantas.

6. I've been married happily for 16.5 years.

7. I LOVE Digital Scrapbooking, but rarely get time to do it these days.

8. I HATE housework, and think it should be banned!

Now I tag ... Kathie, Sophie, pigeonpairmum, Sydneybubs, MomentByMoment, CrimesOfFashion, Amanda, TraceyC

A family favourite recipe - Corn Chowder

2007-08-06T19:44:00.000+10:00

Corn Chowder

2 tbsp. butter or margarine
1 medium onion - chopped
2 cups (16 oz.) diced potatoes
2 cups (16 oz.) corn
1 1/2 cups water
1 can evaporated milk & enough milk to make 2 1/2 cups
1 1/2 tsp. salt

Cook butter & onion in kettle (deep pan) until onion is yellow.
Add potatoes, corn & water.
Cook until potatoes are tender.
Add milk & salt.

Cook 3 minutes.

Serves 6

(all cups 8 oz.)

It was only a matter of time ...

2007-08-06T16:06:00.001+10:00

Slam Sharp-end Cat Sharpener

It was only a matter of time before the folk at Slam would bring us a cat butt pencil sharpener. Stick a pencil in and the cat meows. Complete with 'litter' tray.

Product Information:

* Dimension: 11 x 16cm
* Meows when pencil is sharpened.

The tragedy of life ...

2007-08-06T16:03:00.000+10:00

Do something today ...

2007-08-06T16:00:00.001+10:00

I saw the funniest thing just now ...

2007-07-19T21:50:00.001+10:00

This is one of the funniest things I've seen in ages ... Apparently it's a towel holder - whoever thought of this has spent way too much time looking at the back side of their cat or dog!!!

Slam Dog End Towel Holder
An ultimate kitchen accessory, this Dog End Towel Holder can be attached to any surfaces such as walls, cupboards, tiles and fridges. Simply stick your finger in a flannels, hand towel or tea towel and jam it into the butt-hole shaped element on the towel holder. It’s ideal for all pet lovers or those who are just a bit anal, because at the end of the day you just want to keep your house tidy. You can keep it in your kitchen or bathroom, it’s clean, easy to look after and it won’t make a mess anywhere in your home. Woof!

Product Information:

Made from high grade plastic.
Stick-on or screw-on attachment.
Dimensions: 15cm x 34cm

If you're interested you can purchase from here ....

www.homecouture.com.au/index.cfm?event=product&idProduct=8892

What are we here for?

2007-07-18T13:32:00.001+10:00

What are we here for, if not to help one another?
Surely, we didn't come all this way to be comfortable
We didn't travel across so much time and space
To impress our neighbors with our fancy cars.
And we're certainly not here to sit on the sidelines
And watch the world go by on our big screen tv's...
So what are we here for, if not to help one another?

(May we always remember what we are here for. ;-)

Ron Atchison
The Mayor of Inspiration Peak

Thought for the day 18/07/07

2007-07-18T13:01:00.000+10:00

"We shall not be here forever. One day the kind old nurse will come
and rock us all to sleep. Let us help one another while we may."

Author Unknown

Chocolate is good for you!

2007-07-16T18:50:00.000+10:00

Eating Chocolate To Help Prevent Depression?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alan_King]Alan King

Did you know that Chocolate can help prevent Depression?

We’ve all said it, “I feel so depressed!” Most of us have down days, but when those down days become weeks, months or even years that is when it becomes depression. Depression is defined as ‘an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts that affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself and the way one thinks about things.’ (medterms.com). For many years people have looked to chocolate to boost their moods on a blue day, but there are some studies that say that chocolate can actually worsen the original depression. Why would that be, when eating chocolate seems to make so many people so happy? Well the answer is confectionary chocolate that is so popular in America is high in sugar and appears to have a rebound effect, meaning it may boost your mood for a short time, but then makes your mood crash even faster and harder than before. The mood boosting effect from the chocolate is reversed by the high amounts of sugar. That’s why The Doctors Chocolate can actually help prevent and fight depression, because it uses the sugar alcohol zylotol instead of sugar.

Phenyl ethylamine (PEA) and Serotonin

Your body makes a compound called Phenyl ethylamine (PEA), known to elevate your mood by releasing dopamine in the pleasure center of your brain. One of the biggest anti-depressant medications Prozac and its natural counterpart St Johns Wart are intended to raise serotonin levels. PEA, serotonin and even the ecstasy molecule are a lot alike chemically, in the fact that they all calm down unpleasant feelings and boost your mood. That’s why one of the signs of depression is drug or alcohol abuse, because people turn to these for comfort from their bad feelings. That’s why it is so refreshing to hear that eating a couple of The Doctors Chocolates can give you the same feeling without being dangerous to your health. In fact you’ll be healthier for eating it!

Depression healed by Natural Remedies

Most health professionals will agree that most cases of diagnosed depression can be cured by natural remedies such as diet and exercise. Sometimes all it takes is eliminating something harmful from your diet that will get rid of the bad feelings and make you healthier in the mean time. Dark chocolate has so many health benefits, that helping with your depression is just a happy side effect. Try eating some of The Doctors Chocolate next time you are feeling blue to start feeling happy again.

Of course if you are having severe depression that does not respond to doctor recommended diet and exercise changes, than talk to your doctor about getting medical treatment. We all know that it is always better for your body and health to try to heal with natural remedies, but if your feelings of hopelessness have you turning to drugs, alcohol or thoughts of suicide, please seek medical help immediately.

Now that you know that target=new [http://www.doyoulovechocolate.com]eating chocolate is a good way to help prevent depression, I’m sure you want to share this information with your friends and family who also love chocolate! The Doctor’s Chocolate is not only a healthy and delicious treat; it is also an amazing opportunity for a home based business! Just think the more people you tell about The Doctor’s Chocolate, the more chocolate you get to eat for free! Visit http://www.moremonthlyincome.com right away!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Eating-Chocolate-To-Help-Prevent-Depression?&id=635211

Enjoy Your Day

2007-07-13T23:19:00.000+10:00

Can you cry under water?

How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

Why do you have to "put your two cents in".. but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?

Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?

If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

ENJOY YOUR DAY!

Coffee or Tea - What's your poison?

2007-07-13T22:12:00.000+10:00

"Photo courtesy PDPhoto.org"

How do you like to wake up in the morning? Do you wake up with a nice hot cup of coffee or do you prefer tea?

I used to drink Tea exclusively, but at one of my jobs everyone else was drinking coffee, or should I say Cappuccino's all the time, and having always LOVED the smell of coffee I thought I'd try it. Well, that was the beginning of the end for me. I'm totally hooked on coffee now.

I can go days without it, I'm not THAT ADDICTED to it, but I do love to have a nice cuppa!

Coffee History: Origins, Brewing, Cupping and Buying

According to a coffee legend, an Arabian shepherd named Kaldi found his goats dancing joyously around a dark green leafed shrub with bright red cherries in the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Kaldi soon determined that it was the bright red cherries on the shrub that were causing the peculiar euphoria and after trying the cherries himself, he learned of their powerful effect. The stimulating effect was then exploited by monks at a local monastery to stay awake during extended hours of prayer and distributed to other monasteries around the world. Coffee was born.
Despite the appeal of such a legend, recent botanical evidence suggests a different coffee bean origin. This evidence indicates that the history of the coffee bean beagan on the plateaus of central Ethiopia and somehow must have been brought to Yemen where it was cultivated since the 6th century. Upon introduction of the first coffee houses in Cairo and Mecca coffee became a passion rather than just a stimulant.
For more information about the history of coffee, view the timeline at http://www.KoffeeKorner.com.
For more coffee legends and details about the history of the coffee bean, visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com/coffee/ax/frame.html

The Legendary Origins of Tea
The story of tea began in ancient China over 5,000 years ago. According to legend, Shen Nung, an early emperor was a skilled ruler, creative scientist and patron of the arts. His far-sighted edicts required, among other things, that all drinking water be boiled as a hygienic precaution. One summer day while visiting a distant region of his realm, he and the court stopped to rest. In accordance with his ruling, the servants began to boil water for the court to drink. Dried leaves from the near by bush fell into the boiling water, and a brown liquid was infused into the water. As a scientist, the Emperor was interested in the new liquid, drank some, and found it very refreshing. And so, according to legend, tea was created. (This myth maintains such a practical narrative, that many mythologists believe it may relate closely to the actual events, now lost in ancient history.)

The Chinese Influence
Tea consumption spread throughout the Chinese culture reaching into every aspect of the society. In 800 A.D. Lu Yu wrote the first definitive book on tea, the Ch'a Ching. This amazing man was orphaned as a child and raised by scholarly Buddhist monks in one of China's finest monasteries. However, as a young man, he rebelled against the discipline of priestly training which had made him a skilled observer. His fame as a performer increased with each year, but he felt his life lacked meaning. Finally, in mid-life, he retired for five years into seclusion. Drawing from his vast memory of observed events and places, he codified the various methods of tea cultivation and preparation in ancient China. The vast definitive nature of his work, projected him into near sainthood within his own lifetime. Patronized by the Emperor himself, his work clearly showed the Zen Buddhist philosophy to which he was exposed as a child. It was this form of tea service that Zen Buddhist missionaries would later introduce to imperial Japan.  

The Japanese Influence
The first tea seeds were brought to Japan by the returning Buddhist priest Yeisei, who had seen the value of tea in China in enhancing religious mediation. As a result, he is known as the "Father of Tea" in Japan. Because of this early association, tea in Japan has always been associated with Zen Buddhism. Tea received almost instant imperial sponsorship and spread rapidly from the royal court and monasteries to the other sections of Japanese society.
Tea was elevated to an art form resulting in the creation of the Japanese Tea Ceremony ("Cha-no-yu" or "the hot water for tea"). The best description of this complex art form was probably written by the Irish-Greek journalist-historian Lafcadio Hearn, one of the few foreigners ever to be granted Japanese citizenship during this era. He wrote from personal observation, "The Tea ceremony requires years of training and practice to graduate in art...yet the whole of this art, as to its detail, signifies no more than the making and serving of a cup of tea. The supremely important matter is that the act be performed in the most perfect, most polite, most graceful, most charming manner possible".
Such a purity of form, of expression prompted the creation of supportive arts and services. A special form of architecture (chaseki) developed for "tea houses", based on the duplication of the simplicity of a forest cottage. The cultural/artistic hostesses of Japan, the Geishi, began to specialize in the presentation of the tea ceremony. As more and more people became involved in the excitement surrounding tea, the purity of the original Zen concept was lost. The tea ceremony became corrupted, boisterous and highly embellished. "Tea Tournaments" were held among the wealthy where nobles competed among each other for rich prizes in naming various tea blends. Rewarding winners with gifts of silk, armor, and jewelry was totally alien to the original Zen attitude of the ceremony.
Three great Zen priests restored tea to its original place in Japanese society:
1. Ikkyu (1394-1481)-a prince who became a priest and was successful in guiding the nobles away from their corruption of the tea ceremony.
2. Murata Shuko (1422-1502)-the student of Ikkyu and very influential in re-introducing the Tea ceremony into Japanese society.
3. Sen-no Rikkyu (1521-1591)-priest who set the rigid standards for the ceremony, largely used intact today. Rikyo was successful in influencing the Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who became Japan's greatest patron of the "art of tea". A brilliant general, strategist, poet, and artist this unique leader facilitated the final and complete integration of tea into the pattern of Japanese life. So complete was this acceptance, that tea was viewed as the ultimate gift, and warlords paused for tea before battles.

Pyjamas

2007-07-11T17:09:00.000+10:00

pajamas

pajamas, or PJs for short, these are the clothes you wear to bed. They are often flannel and really comfy. Some silly girls wear them during the day because they think it’s cool. Pajamas are generally fun to wear.

Put your pajamas on and come outside and look at the stars with me.

pajammies

A cross reference between pajamas and jammies.

My new pajammies are very comfy.

What do you call them … In my house they’re called various things …

PJ’s
Jimmy Jams
Jimmies
Jammies
Pajamas
Pyjamas
I love my jammies and have been known to wear them all day (especially during these holidays when it’s been rainy and cold outside and we’ve not had to get up early!)

Thought for the day 24/6/07

2007-06-24T18:28:00.001+10:00

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.

- Robert McCloskey

Thought for the day 23/6/07

2007-06-23T09:34:00.000+10:00

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it may be necessary from time to time to give a stupid or misinformed beholder a black eye.
- Miss Piggy

Carpet Dents

2007-06-19T12:43:00.000+10:00

If you have been moving furniture and are left with a series of dents in your carpet, here's what to do.
Hold a steam iron about 15cm above the spot until the carpet is moist, then work the fibres back and forth with the edge of a large coin or the back of a comb.

Well there you go! :)

Bubble Mix

2007-06-19T12:42:00.000+10:00

It is easy to make a tough bubble mix to entertain the children.
Mix one part each of liquid detergent and glycerine, five parts of water and a pinch of sugar.
A more simple mix is two parts of warm water to one part of dishwashing liquid.

Green tips - Eyes

2007-06-18T22:14:00.001+10:00

Cold, weak tea makes a good eyebath for tired eyes. Just damp, lukewarm tea bags help to refresh tired eyes and reduce puffiness. Chamomile tea bags are especially good for soothing sore, irritated eyes. Don't leave any tea bags on longer than ten minutes as the tea can stain the skin. Swollen and puffy eyes can be relieved by smoothing warm olive oil around the eyes before relaxing for ten minutes with two cooled tea bags on the eyes. Dark rings can be reduced by using cooled peppermint tea bags on the dark eyey area for ten minutes. Other external treatments are half a fresh fig, grated raw apple or potato spread on a piece of gauze or thin cucumber slices.

Sunburn

2007-06-18T22:10:00.000+10:00

Repeated overexposure to the sun ages your skin and can cause skin cancer; avoid sunburn by using ahat, protective clothing and a sunscreen. If you do get burned, calamine lotion is an effective treatment. Bathirng in a tub of tepid water to which you have added 1 cup of apple cider is also soothing, or place a cold compress of milk over the burn. Aloe vera juice was often used on sunburn' interestingly, many sunburn creams contain this ingredient. Calendula or hypericum ointment smoothed over the burn will help to prevent scarring.

Tip for getting rid of cockroaches

2007-06-18T22:06:00.000+10:00

PYRETHRUM EXTRACT - To guard against infestations of cockroaches, block cracks with papier mache, wood filler or plaster. Spray pyrethrum extract liberally around the joins between the skirting board and the floor, and anywhere else that you supect the cockroaches emerge from.

Cockroaches are nocturnal, so it is best to carry out eradication treatments at night when the roaches emerge from their nests.

Thought for the day 18/6/07

2007-06-18T19:31:00.000+10:00

Nobody in the game of football should be called a genius. A genius is somebody like Norman Einstein.
- Joe Theismann

Cancel your credit cards before you die.

2007-06-18T16:39:00.001+10:00

Cancel your credit cards before you die.

Cancel your credit cards before you die
“A lady died this past January, and Citibank billed her for February and
March for their annual service charges on her credit card, and then
added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been
$0.00, now is somewhere around $60.00. A family member placed a call to
Citibank:
Family Member: “I am calling to tell you that she died in January.”
Citibank: “The account was never closed and the late fees and charges
still apply.”
Family Member: “Maybe you should turn it over to collections.”
Citibank: “Since it is two months past due, it already has been.”
Family Member : “So what will they do when they find out she is dead?”
Citibank: “Either report her account to the frauds division or report
her to the credit bureau, maybe both!”
Family Member: “Do you think God will be mad at her?”
Citibank: “Excuse me?”
Family Member: “Did you just get what I was telling you — the part
about her being dead?”
Citibank: “Sir, you’ll have to speak to my supervisor.”
Supervisor gets on the phone:
Family Member: “I’m calling to tell you, she died in January.”
Citibank: “The account was never closed and the late fees and charges
still apply.”
Family Member: “You mean you want to collect from her estate?”
Citibank: (Stammer) “Are you her lawyer?”
Family Member: “No, I’m her great nephew.”
(Lawyer info given)
Citibank: ” Could you fax us a certificate of death?”
Family Member: “Sure.” (fax number is given)
After they get the fax:
Citibank: “Our system just isn’t set up for death. I don’t know what
more I can do to help.”
Family Member: “Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could
just keep billing her. I don’t think she will care.”
Citibank: “Well, the late fees and charges do still apply.”
Family Member: “Would you like her new billing address?”
Citibank: “That might help.”
Family Member: “Odessa Memorial Cemetery, Highway 129, Plot Number 69.”
Citibank: “Sir, that’s a cemetery!”
Family Member: “What do you do with dead people on your planet?”

1st Grade Proverbs!

2007-06-18T16:38:00.000+10:00

1st Grade Proverbs!

A first grade teacher presented each child in her classroom with
the first half of a well-known proverb and asked them to complete
the remainder.
1. Don’t change horses………………….until they stop running.
2. Strike while the………………………………bug is close.
3. It’s always darkest before………………Daylight Saving Time.
4. Never underestimate the power of……………………termites.
5. You can lead a horse to water but……………………….how?
6. Don’t bite the hand that………………………..looks dirty.
7. No news is……………………………………..impossible.
8. A miss is as good as a …………………………………..Mr.
9. You can’t teach an old dog new ………………………….math.
10. If you lie down with dogs, you’ll……….stink in the morning.
11. Love all, trust……………………………………….me.
12. The pen is mightier than the………………………….pigs.
13. An idle mind is………………………the best way to relax.
14. Where there’s smoke there’s………………………pollution.
15. Happy is the bride who………………..gets all the presents.
16. A penny saved is…………………………………not much.
17. Two’s company, three’s …………………….the Musketeers.
18. Don’t put off till tomorrow what……..you put on to go to bed.
19. Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and…..you have to
blow your nose.
20. There are none so blind as……………………Stevie Wonder.
21. Children should be seen and not………….spanked or grounded.
22. If at first you don’t succeed……………..get new batteries.
23. You get out of something only ! what you ……..see in the picture
on the box.
24. When the blind lead the blind…………….get out of the way.
And the WINNER:
25. Better late than……………………………….. pregnant!

The importance of a 5 point safety harness

2007-06-18T14:14:00.001+10:00

Believe in yourself.

2007-06-18T14:01:00.000+10:00

Angels Explained by Children

2007-06-15T22:11:00.000+10:00

Angels Explained by Children

I only know the names of two angels. Hark and Harold.
Gregory, 5

Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why, but scientists are working on it.
Olive, 9

It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to heaven, and then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes.
Matthew, 9

Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else Mitchell, 7

My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for science.
Henry, 8

Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from Holy Cows!!!
Jack, 6

Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The main subject is where you went wrong before you got dead.
Daniel, 9

When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath, somewhere there's a tornado.
Reagan, 10

Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go south for the winter.
Sara, 6

Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter.
Jared, 8

All angels are girls because they Gotta wear dresses and boys didn't go for it.
Antonio, 9

My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth.
Katelynn, 9

Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the child get over it.
Vicki, 8

What I don't get about angels is why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them.
Sarah, 7

1st Grade Proverbs

2007-06-15T09:35:00.000+10:00

A first grade teacher presented each child in her classroom with
the first half of a well-known proverb and asked them to complete
the remainder.
1. Don’t change horses………………….until they stop running.
2. Strike while the………………………………bug is close.
3. It’s always darkest before………………Daylight Saving Time.
4. Never underestimate the power of……………………termites.
5. You can lead a horse to water but……………………….how?
6. Don’t bite the hand that………………………..looks dirty.
7. No news is……………………………………..impossible.
8. A miss is as good as a …………………………………..Mr.
9. You can’t teach an old dog new ………………………….math.
10. If you lie down with dogs, you’ll……….stink in the morning.
11. Love all, trust……………………………………….me.
12. The pen is mightier than the………………………….pigs.
13. An idle mind is………………………the best way to relax.
14. Where there’s smoke there’s………………………pollution.
15. Happy is the bride who………………..gets all the presents.
16. A penny saved is…………………………………not much.
17. Two’s company, three’s …………………….the Musketeers.
18. Don’t put off till tomorrow what……..you put on to go to bed.
19. Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and…..you have to
blow your nose.
20. There are none so blind as……………………Stevie Wonder.
21. Children should be seen and not………….spanked or grounded.
22. If at first you don’t succeed……………..get new batteries.
23. You get out of something only ! what you ……..see in the picture
on the box.
24. When the blind lead the blind…………….get out of the way.
And the WINNER:
25. Better late than……………………………….. pregnant!

Favourite TV Shows

2007-06-14T22:47:00.000+10:00

What type of shows do you watch?

I like to watch documentaries, drama, the odd soap, at the moment though, most of the TV is being watched by my son who is 3. He loves to watch Hi5!, The Wiggles, Fifi, etc. anything on ABC for Kids!

Some of my favourite shows are...

House
24
The West Wing - sadly no longer
The Cutting Edge
Survivor - ridiculous time slot though - 10:30pm on Sunday night - what's with that?
Getaway
Sydney Weekender
Oprah
Dr Phil
The Bold & The Beautiful - ok I admit it, you should too!
RPA

Stumbled across this ..

2007-06-14T22:08:00.000+10:00

I found this blog today whilst setting mine up. There's some great pics here. Take a look.

http://tlltworld.blogspot.com/

Inspirational thoughts

2007-06-14T22:01:00.000+10:00