Be Kind- You May Need It Returned Someday!

Imagine if every time you did something cruel, unkind or thoughtless, that you knew the exact same thing would happen to you ,or someone that you love.  You would think very carefully about how you act. But in the same sense, if you did something beautiful, kind or thoughtful, it would actually happen to you,  or someone you love but twofold. Boy, the world would be such a different place....

Queenersmom 

Veterans Day thanks!

Thank you so much to all the men & women who have served in our military.

Thanks is never enough, for the sacrifices 

that you have made for all of us, but 

thank you, you're appreciated!

My son is a US Marine who is in Kuwait, I miss him every day, and pray constantly for his safe return, and all the others that are missed and loved, so that they all come home safe. God bless our Veterans, our military, and America!

Words are life's magical GPS

I couldn't tell you where I first read this poem, but it moved me.This life, filled with its daily lessons, some good, some great, and some that completely change you, poems like this are just brilliant to me. The fact that someone writes words that move others so much, I think, is a precious gift, and wanted to share one of the millions of works I've read, so hopefully you are moved as well. 

BABYSKIN: NOTES FOR A GRANDCHILD    Barbara Adams 

At first, you will get all that you want— milk, sleep, softness, warmth, and love for nothing. 

Then, gradually, you will get to know  pain, fear, disgust, loneliness through your soft babyskin. 

For a long time, if you are a lucky one,  you will enjoy timeless fun—      

running, throwing, singing, skipping, and giggling in the dark 

games of hide and seek. For a long time, if you are a lucky one,

the worst you will suffer is broken  skin or bone, the fever of a cold and happy goosebumps. Then, precious heir, suddenly one day           

Time begins and you will want what you can’t always get—  lobster, French wine, down bed, cradling arms,  love for nothing. 

You will try to keep what can’t be saved—  joy, peace, content, and soft  babyskin. 

You will come down

the chronic fever, incurable, the weariness and chill of a broken promise, a frozen dream,            

and the thrill of a breakable heart.

Finally, my innocent descendant, you will learn to sing (if you’re an heir of mine) of pain, disgust, hate, and loneliness.

But you will not be afraid if you know all this and love someone—or two—for nothing. 

You will live, then, as well as can be expected  till your babyskin is tough as mine.

Zoey, You Are My Sunshine......

L@:]My beautiful granddaughter, Zoey, was born in April. I am so thankful for this amazing, bundle of sunshine,  that has stolen my heart from the moment she started moving in her mommys
belly. Then, I got to be there when Zoey took her first breath, and made her grand entrance, the day she was born. Holding her, rocking her, and just watching her sleep, made my heart want to burst. Its hard to believe that almost 26 years ago, I was blessed with my son, who is her daddy. That he was actually, smaller than her, and now he has his own baby girl. And he is no little guy any more. He is a 6' tall, almost 200 lb., man, that started as a little bundle, and stole my heart. Now, as I see him with her, I see the love shining through, and he understands when I talk about how precious he was, and is to me. These moments are what makes life so amazing. 

I will always hold your place!

My son, who is a US Marine, was deployed, in August. There are not words to describe what a mother, a family, goes through when their son, daughter, husband, father, loved one, is deployed.

To me and my family, it is like a piece of of hearts have been ripped from our chest, I know that he is among awesome, brilliant, loyal and trained people, who live to watch each others' backs, have a bond forged in every thing they do, and have done together. Their loyalty to our country, belief in the fact that, their job has an intimate goal of keeping us safe here at home, as we go on in our day to day lives. But as the mother of a Marine, I pray everyday for his safety, strength and safe return home to our family. I am so blessed to say that I have a son who is, not only my heart, but he is a wonderful husband to my daughter in law, a best friend to his sister, a loving son to his father and loving member of our whole family. He is one of the most loyal, honest, and caring people I know, as are all my kids. I could not have asked for better kids. I wrote a post earlier and I have edited and revised, but this is the new updated version, inspired by my son, that I sent to him to read and have when he needs to be reminded of how much he is loved. It is how I feel for my kids, but this one was written when I was missing him so much that I felt heart sick. This says in words, the best way I can, how they hold my heart in the palm of their hands.

I will always hold your place-

As long as I breathe-

The place in my heart and soul ,that is yours,

the moment I saw your sweet face and knew, without a shadow of a doubt ,that,every step I took, every lesson I learned, every happy day, every tear, every victory and loss,

Every life changing horror that I survived, brought you to me.

The dream that I didn't know I dreamed,

 the wish and blessing that god saw fit to grant me, the gift of you, that fills my heart to overflowing , strengthening my faith in miracles, 

when I had been tested, beaten and almost broken by this life.

But because I have always had that place,

In my fathers' heart, that 

Kept me strong, helped me survive , and taught me true, real,unconditional love! That many, many people speak of, but never truly know.

That place is forever mine, a gift that is priceless,timeless and irreplaceable, that lives on daily, and was gifted to you, through me. 

That true, loyal, unconditional

Love,that is given freely with every kind word and action.

The look that says more than words,

 the swelling of our hearts when we walk away  from each other, because you will be missed so much that We feel like something is being ripped from our chest! 

The moments we have daily that remind us of each other, that make us heart -sick, to see each other, but ,knowing that you will be okay because, you are being missed and loved just as much.

Faith in that love, that place, that face, keeps the smile on your face and the tears from your eyes. 

Knowing that every day, on this earth, you are loved, you are being prayed for, you are blessed, you are being cheered on in all things you do, big and small,you are the reason and rhyme , that keeps hope alive when this world tries to wear you down and beat you.

This gift we have, that is ours alone, to carry within us , that makes us stronger, better, happier and unstoppable.

Our weapon against anything that we may face, our invisible armour that shields us ,and keeps us strong.

To do our best, be kind when we can, make a difference and give hope in a world that can be cold, lonely, cruel, hopeless.

Waiting to kick you when your down.

You carry a gift that can't be seen by all, only by some, but that gift makes you shine when others are dull, in all that you do, you will shine and leave your mark, and be unstoppable! 

Because we believe, that is all we need!

The safe place, 

where you are loved for who you are,

The place where you are not alone for one moment, because you share your life with the ones you love.

The place you go to when you feel that the world is full of strangers. 

You can close your eyes, and see a face that is home and love, and you are renewed in the knowledge that,  

when the ones you love close their eyes- they see your face- you are their home and love- and that one little moment-

makes  you stronger, happier, and unafraid to face the world!

Knowing that, in this world of broken promises, and unkind words, there is a place,

 there is a face, that holds your promises dear and true, and always has kind words for you, just because you are you...

The face that lights up just to see your face or speak your name.

The place that,no one else ,could ever take ,

because it is uniquely yours, 

in your heart and theirs.

To have that place, 

and have that face, is a gift and blessing,and when you have it, you can never imagine your life without it!

And when you see others that have never had this gift, it makes you sad for them, because everyone deserves to know true, real,unconditional love at least once in their life.

Knowing that you make the sunshine sweeter, the rainy days happier, the best days  better, the future brighter.

 It's  the smile that touches your face,every time you close your eyes, and you know that you are blessed with love that is yours,unending and unbreakable.

You carry it in your heart and soul, it's always there,

through the hard times and bad days. 

In this world that tries to hold you back, slow you down,  and break you,

you are blessed with that place and that face,  that  they are there, to give you strength, to take that step, dream that dream and do your best. 

Its there, when life feels too hard and others are trying to lead you from your path.

Hold it close, treasure it,

and know that, its Yours and No One can take it,or change it!

You take it with you wherever you go, 

and when you need it, 

when you are feeling sad, unsure, alone,or just need a little hope or love,  

close your eyes for a moment, and there, in a world of strangers, you have that place, that face, that holds you near and dear, loves you unconditionally, wants you happy, feels your pain,wants to make it all better somehow, and wants to make that moment, when you think of that place, that face,

 the moment that you know,

without the shadow of a doubt,that your irreplaceable,

and loved more than life. 

And know, you are that place, that face, that moment ,

to the ones that you love, that keeps us strong, loved, unafraid and able to face all that this world has to offer.

No matter the distance or passage of time,  you are never alone,

 just close your eyes for a moment,

 I'm there,as long as I breathe and even after that, I'm  that place, that face, your love and your home, as you are mine and ours, always.....Mom

(Queenersmom)

It's the little things..,,,

There is a picture of a father and son, dressed as super heroes, walking through a store, that I repinned on Pinterest. Then I wrote a few words about how awesome I think this is. I was raised by my father, and have a different take on life and the way I interact with my kids. My father was always completely honest and direct with my brothers and I. He didn't sugarcoat things, but considering what we had seen from our mom, before they divorced, her being schizophrenic, and chemically enhanced most of the time,was the best thing, we wouldnt have been as close if he wasnt the way he was. He was one of the few REAL people that i have known, just like the song, I did it my way! that was my Dad. He never let anyone change or interfere, with the way he loved us, he taught me about the real world,that life is never fair and when you love your kids, you listen to them, you are loyal and you are their shelter from the storm,but you teach them how to survive and thrive. My Dad was no saint by any means, but when i look back on my life, and think of him, my heart still hurts knowing that this man has left this earth. He was one of the best friends i ever had, he loved me unconditionally, and right this moment, as i think of him, tears are in my eyes because i miss him so deeply. He was always my biggest fan and his easy going way,kind heart, along with his love, i have given to my kids. I have to say,now that my kids are grown, they are two of the best,loyal, loving and kind hearted people I know,and as I light up when my Dad walked in a room, they, and I do the same. We talk all the time, we listen to each other.To me, they are sun and moon,and they love me right back.Theynare the first to let anyone in their lives know that, we are close, and that will never change because, just like my dad, I have always been their home & heart, their biggest fan , their truth, and their strength. I used to tell my Dad that I prayed my kids loved me as much as I loved him, and they are proof that prayers are answered. As the Maya Angelou poem says; People will forget what you said, they will forget what you did , but they will never forget how they made you feel. That is a real truth, remember that when dealing with the people you care about. Make things better than they were when you leave.Life  throws you around, kicks you when your down, and gives you tests when you have no eraser, and laughs... That's when you need love the most, that's when you need the baseball bat wielding ,smiling and determined love that, hands you a bat, shows you how to hold it, and a brand new eraser, as they tell you, as long as I breathe, I'll have your back ,your never alone, and right, wrong or in between, you've got my love & you've got me,always!! Queenersmom 

Lqueener

Close your eyes and I'm there...

The safe place, where home is where you are loved for who you are,

The place where you are not alone for one moment, because you share your life with the ones you love.

The place you go to when you feel that the world is full of strangers, and you can close your eyes, and see a face that is home and love, and you are renewed in the knowledge that,  when the ones you love close their eyes- they see your face- you are their home and love- and that little moment-

makes  you stronger, happier, and unafraid to face the world.

Knowing that, in this world of broken promises and unkind words, there is a place,

 there is a face, that holds your promises dear and true, and always has kind words for you, just because you are you. 

The face the lights ,just to see your face or speak your name.

The place that,not one other could ever take ,

because it is uniquely yours, 

in your heart and theirs.

To have that place, 

and have that face is a gift.

Knowing that you make the sunshine sweeter, the rainy days happier, the best days  better, the future brighter.

 It's  the smile that touches your face every time you close your eyes, and you know that you are blessed with love that is yours,unending and unbreakable.

You carry it in your heart and soul, it's always there,

through the hard times and bad days. 

In this world that tries to hold you back, slow you down,  and break you,

you are blessed with that place and that face,  that  are there, to give you strength, to take that step, dream that dream and do your best. 

Its there when life feels too hard and others are trying to lead you from your path.

Hold it close, treasure it,

and know that, its yours and no one can take it,or change it.

You take it with you wherever you go, 

and when you need it, 

when you are feeling sad, unsure, alone,or just need a little hope or love,  

close your eyes for a moment, and there, in a world of strangers, you have that place, that face, that holds you near and dear, loves you unconditionally, wants you happy, feels your pain, and wants to make that moment, when you think of that place, that face,

 the moment that you know,

without the shadow of a doubt,that your irreplaceable,

and loved more than life. 

And know, you are that place, that face, that moment ,

to the ones that you love, that keeps them strong, loved, unafraid and able to face all that this world has to offer.

No matter the distance or passage of time,  you are never alone,

 just close your eyes for a moment,

 I'm there, that place, that face, your love and your home, always.....

The BEST online shopping sites!

L@:] There are many, many, online shopping sites. That is an understatement, but, 
I have found quite a few that go above and beyond the others. Not only with their 
quality products, but with excellent service ,and outstanding deals. With much 
time, trail and error, I am giving you some that will amaze you. 
My favorite, by far, is
 (1)www.1saleaday.com. The deals change every day, 
there is a flash deals page, that offers free shipping on all the deals 
on that page.
(2)www.bensoutlet.com , they have free shipping every day and 
great deals. 
(3) www.bradsdeals.com , there are lots of deals, and 
a wide selection for everyone. 
(4)www.zulily.com , there are tons of great 
deals for baby clothes, kids clothes, adults and
moms and dads. 
(5)ideeli.com , there are great name brand
deals for everyone,and for the home.
(6) www.zappos.com , I have to say that if you love name brand,
you will love zappos, there is alot more than just shoes ,
and the free return policy is outstanding, 
you never have to worry about getting the wrong size, 
or fit, or if your not happy, free return, there you go!
Get two sizes in the same shoe, keep the ones that fit,
and return the ones that don't, on their dime. 
Those are just a few, I have lots more, but for now,
check these out, and I will add more sites.
I also know lots of coupon sites that are 
worth checking out, great coupons, sales and 
coupon codes that actually work. 
www.retailmenot.com, is one of them. 
I always go there before I buy anything
online to see if there are sales, coupons to
print or coupon codes, for free shipping, discounts,
and lots more. 
Happy shopping!!!!

The Best Job I Ever Had Is Being A Mom!

L@:]There are alot of things in this life that I have
 done. A lot of things that I have seen. The most rewarding,
heart swelling, happiest moments that are my life,
have been from my two children. Now I know what
my father meant  when would tell me that he loved
me more than life. Because,
that is how I feel about my son and daughter.
It's in the way  that you have a genuine love and
caring for each other, their happiness, interest in
their daily life, the small things and the monumental.
Wanting to know when things happen, sharing
experiences and advice.
Being there when they need you, and sometimes when
they think they don't. The times we are all together,
when we laugh until we cry, and even the smallest
moments mean so much,because,
we are all together and content with each other.
Knowing that when one has to leave, that it creates
a void in our family that can't be fixed until they
return.
We have lived with that void, when my son joined
the Marines. While he was gone to boot camp for
three months, it felt like a piece of my
heart was missing. And it was the same for his wife,
sister and his dad but, it brought us closer as a
family and when he came home for the short time
he was here,we spent every day together
and cherished each other. It has helped all of us
to become closer and be thankful for every single day
that we have together. Personally, I have known a lot
of heart breaking, life changing moments in my life
from a young age.
But, I have to say, as a mother, watching my only
son walk away, twice so far, into the unknown,
but chosen path of his life, I have never felt so
heartsick at his leaving. Even though I have the
utmost faith in him and his decisions,because he
is one of the best, brightest and most
capable people I know,
his absence leaves a void for me and our family.
Saying that, I have never been more proud and
honored to be his mother, and not just because he
is now a marine, but because I know the person he is.
I have always been his biggest fan,
even when no one else knew, and I always will be,
no matter what life brings, because I love both my
children unconditionally.
I am so happy every day that they have grown to
be the  outstanding, beautiful people I knew that
they would be.
There are not words that could describe how
happy they make me. That is the best mothers
day gift I could ever get because I get it every day
of my life.

A mothers love for her child is like nothing else in the world.
It knows no laws, no pity, it dares all things and crushes
down remorselessly all that stands in its path.
Agatha Christie

L@:]Life is so crazy, I have people tell me that they are never
 surprised by others, well, I am here to tell you, I am surprised
 all the time. Sometimes it's good and sometimes, not so good. But, I believe that we all grow and change everyday. How you choose to
use that knowledge, makes us who we are. But what I want us all to
think about for one minute is, just because no one is there to
see you, or you are having a bad day and don't give a crap about the
other guy because you are pissed at the world, well, guess what? you
 are not the only ONE that has bad days. Life is not fair, I have heard      that for years, and I have been telling my son and daughter that for years. It's true, the world is a cruel place,
but that does not mean you have to be. You can be one of the kinder souls.
I know it's hard sometimes, we all struggle, but by at least trying to do
better than you  normally would, will make you and the people around
you so much happier. Start out small, one day at time. Before you know it
you are the person you were meant to be, the person that makes others
smile when you walk in the room. You be the difference in your own day
and the people that are around you, you never know it may rub off. Before
you know it, you are having a good day, meeting new people, smiling and
laughing. Life is short, enjoy the ride.....

This moment is your life....

L@:]There are few things in this life that are yours alone. 
This moment, inside you, as you are reading this is 
yours alone, this moment, right now, is your life.
Live and love every moment as it may be your last,
yesterdays gone and tomorrow is not guaranteed.
But this very moment is yours! Hold your moments
close to your heart, smile, laugh, love and be kind to 
yourself and others when you can. Be the solution
in your life, not the problem, and in the lives of those 
you care about. You may be the bright spot in 
someones' day without even knowing. Don't be the
dark cloud that covers others' around you. You 
may not have tomorrow to make it better, start 
now. When you do this, you may be the difference
in others lives that would not be there otherwise.
Just a thought..... LQ

Awesome art site.

L@:]Last week I was looking around and found an artist site, www.cghub.com , it is filled with beautiful art. I have spent the last few days looking and there is so much to see. Take a look, you will love it.

Finding Inspiration.....

L@:] There is a blog that I subscribed to a few months ago. I can't remember exactly how I found
his blog but I read it all the time. Jason Shen writes very inspiring and intelligent articles in his blog.
The name says it all, The Art of Ass-Kicking. In the face of all the negativity that the world has to
offer, it is very refreshing to read positive, encouraging words that seem to help you to see the
good in yourself and others. Life itself has enough rough edges and bumps, by reading about
things that inspire you to do and/or be better is a great thing in my opinion. Making someone
smile or feel better, even for a moment is a gift.

My First Published Article...

L@:] I wrote my first article for Yahoo and it's published and you can see it by clicking on the following link. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8207295/dogs_are_amazing_creatures_and_sometimes.html?cat=9
If you like stories about dogs, it's a good story. The story that I read in the paper about the heroic dog inspired me. Click on that link and read about the pit bull that saved his family. Dogs are our best friends and I know my life wouldn't be the same without them.

Cute-Cute-Cute Youtube Video

L@:] Lately  I have been searching youtube videos, there are endless music and imformation videos.
My kids are always looking up music and info on there and then they got me hooked. Granted, there's
also the useless and ignorant stuff, but you just steer clear and you get to the good stuff. There is a
really cute video that I found, a father-daughter duet. The song is really awesome and they do it
justice. The first time I watched it, I teared up and it makes me smile when I watch. Need to smile?
Watch !!!! http://youtu.be/L60QLKLxSg4

Someday You Will Look Back On This and Laugh!

L@:] I read this quote today and it made me smile ,because it is true.

When life knocks you down, you have 2 choices. To use the little strength you have left to fight your way back up, not knowing when or why you could be knocked back down again, or just stay down. I guess that is why we call it courage, the courage to stand back up when life gives you hundreds of reasons to stay down.
The other night I was talking to my younger brother and we were talking about when we were kids and
our mom left our dad. She only did it once, she really screwed it up. Moved us far away from family so
it was only her and us for about 3 months. My dad was working out of the country  when she did it and
it was one of the most horrific times of ours lives and that's saying something, if you knew our mother, you'd
know. At the time she was strung out on ?????? and she is mentally ill so...
The thing is that my brother and I were actually laughing about how delicious beef broth was, it was one
of the few things we had to eat. We learned what being truely hungry was in those few months. We have our
own kids now and they have always had the best we could offer because, thank god, our father raised us
and showed us what a real loving parent is and in turn we have given that to our children. You know how you always say, someday we will look back on this and laugh, well, sometimes you do. We laughed that
we are still here to laugh, we laughed because we have each other to love and we laughed because we know
our children will never know what true hunger is. That was only one of the many things our mom did, granted
she was later found to be ill, but some things done cannot be undone, even with illness as an excuse. What
does not kill us makes us stronger, that's what my brother said after we laughed about that. It makes us
stronger but now that I am a mom, it breaks my heart a little too.

Robert Fulghum, OFFICIAL Website - Recent Entries

Robert Fulghum, OFFICIAL Website - Recent Entries

L@:] Robert Fulghum wrote about Valentines Day, he always has a way of looking at things in such a
unique way. I loved it. If you think u had a crappy V-Day, read what he has to say about it, its awesome.

If You Love Quotes I Have Something For You.

L@:] I happened onto this amazing site today,www.boardofwisdom.com, there are lots of really good
quotes and sayings.  There is one that I really liked:
At age 4 success is not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 success is having friends.
At age 16 success is having a drivers license.
At age 20 success is having sex.
At age 35 success is having money.
At age 50 success is having money.
At age 60 success is having sex.
At age 70 success is having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is having friends.
At age 80 success is not peeing in your pants.
Unknown
Take a look for yourself,  my favorite quote is from Robert Fulghum, it's in his book, Everything You
Need To Know You Learned In Kindergarten.
All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was at the top of the graduate-school mountain, but there in the sandpile at Sunday School. These are the things I learned:

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don’t hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life- learn some and think some and draw and paint and dance and play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.
Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup- they all die. So do we.
And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned- the biggest word of all- LOOK.

I have read all of his books and I loved them all. He also has a website http://www.robertfulghum.com/ and he
posts a journal you can read. He has an awesome take on the world around him and delivers it back to you 
with humor, intelligance and unbelievable insight that makes you stop and think and laugh, alot.  

Seek and you shall find

Found a new website called http://www.best5everything.com/ ,I went on and there are some really
great lists on there.

 Thought someone might like to take a look,
I think its amazing. 
I think I'll write a top 5 of reasons not to make a To Do List because I
never get anything done when I have a list of alot of things to do...
 Especially on Sunday.
Life seems to keep on going whether you DO or DO NOT, right.
 And another thought, how can I seem to get so much stuff done, that's not on a darn list,
even in between company coming by, housework getting done,
helping others with their To Do stuff, all the while, others I won't mention,
 REALLY do nothing. Which is what I feel I've done,
 which is nuts because I have not stopped since I got up.
Ramble much... That's okay, my family gets me, that's all that matters!



A Day In The Life...

L@:]  I got a Kindle for Christmas and I absolutely love it. I already had the Sony Reader and I like that
too, but the Kindle reads to me so I can multitask, I never realized how much time I spent waiting for
everything until I got the Kindle. Now when I am at the doctors, waiting, when I am at the store, waiting,
wherever, I put in the earplugs and time just flies by. Well, it seems the older I get time seems to go by
faster, never enough hours in the day. That's probably why I hate to go to sleep. My daughter and I just
had this conversation last week, we had just finished watching one of my vampire movies and I told her,
can you imagine all the stuff I could do if  I did'nt have to sleep? She said I was nuts, of course, but she's
a teenager and still hates mornings and loves to sleep, which I do too, so it makes sense. The only difference
is that I have to work every day so I have to get up in the morning, she on the other hand, is in college and
does'nt get up before 10. But I would'nt have it any other way. They say the older you get, the less sleep
you need, I don't think I believe that. But then again who knows what to believe these days, one day they say
something is good for you and the next it's not. I choose to listen to it all and believe what I want.