I was just telling Jacob how some people make me feel ugly.
It's been so many years since I heard, "You're so stupid, fat, and ugly that no man will ever love you," but those words still haunt me. I was telling my son how Janice Ian released, "At 17" when I was 17 years old. I was trying to tell him how this pretty cheerleader, who lived up the street from me, just drove by with the boy that I had loved for so long I had forgotten when it began.
I still recall how wretched I was feeling as I sat in my car at the drive-in eating an ice cream cone with my best friend, Glenda, sitting beside me. She knew how I felt about, "Him" and how I felt when I saw, "Them" together. The tears were already rolling when I heard Janice Ian's song for the very first time.
I can't ever recall relating so strongly to a song. In fact, as Jacob and I listened right now, the tears started pouring down my face again. How truly wretched it is to know inside that you're the ugliest person in the world--to know that, "Truth" down to your blood and bones.
I've been working on the incest for 24 years now but I still feel ugly at times--stupid and fat too. There are some people whose attitude makes me feel ugly just being around them. They MUST have been cheerleaders--the kind that the boys liked to take out every weekend. They certainly were NOT the kind of girls who sat at home pretending to be loved--inventing lovers on the phone....
Here it is folks--the song that still rocks my boat after 37 years. The interesting thing is that, as I watched Janice singing, I kept looking for the ugly in her but found NONE!!! I wonder what the ramifications are for me in that concept????????????????????????????????? HMMMMM!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
NO Government parents
As you may recall, I've been supporting the Parental Rights Amendment and working closely with the group: www.parentalrights.org. I just read their important notice and am urging you to join their assault on Washington idiocy tomorrow--details below.
Ireland will soon be voting on whether or not to amend their constitution to include children’s rights, removing the centuries-old presumption that fit parents act in the best interest of their children. Decisions would fall to bureaucrats rather than to parents whenever children are involved and any question of “best interest” arises.
Parental rights groups in New Zealand are fighting desperately to prevent a bill that would require any child receiving government aid to attend a government-licensed Early Childhood Education (ECE) program for at least 15 hours each week. Currently, aid is offered through a non-discriminatory, needs-based approach. The proposed law would make aid available only to those willing to let government bureaucrats shape the development and learning of their children from ages 3 to 5 years.
And in Alberta, the right of parents to put their children in a private or parochial school – in fact, to educate their children by any means other than public schools – was very narrowly saved when a bill was recently amended to restore that right. The Canadian province was one vote away from forcing all children into state-run schools.
Parents and lawmakers in all three of these countries are dealing with the same struggle: a clash of ideologies that would replace fit and loving parents with government bureaucrats as the best decision makers for children. In each instance lawmakers are responding to their country’s perceived obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), a binding human rights treaty to which all three nations are a party.
Could such an approach to children ever come here to the United States?
It is already much closer than many realize.
This summer a powerful effort was made in the U.S. Senate to adopt the U.N.’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), a human rights treaty like the CRC. And like that instrument, the CRPD also provides that “the best interests of the child” should be a primary consideration in all cases concerning children. This is a “term of art” in international law which is used to defend and promote the idea that governments and not parents should make decisions for children.
The CRPD passed out of Senate committee on July 26, and was brought to the floor for a general consensus vote on September 19. If Senator Lee of Utah had not been present to halt the maneuver, CRPD ratification may have passed then and there.
We have long believed that the lame duck session poses a big threat regarding this treaty, and we are even more convinced as it draws closer. That’s why right now is the time to act.
We need to make sure that when the Senate reconvenes in two weeks they know we are still watching, and we still oppose this treaty. We need your help tomorrow, October 31, to get that message out through a concerted one-day social media campaign.
Here’s all you need to do:
1. Post to your Facebook wall or Twitter feed (or both!) that you oppose this treaty as a violation of parental rights and American sovereignty that offers no additional protections for Americans with disabilities. Include the “hashtags” #CRPD or #UNCRPD in your posts so that others looking for comments on this topic will see what you have to say.
If you don't have a Facebook or Twitter account, consider creating one just for this purpose - it is that important!
2. Using the same hashtags, find your senators’ Twitter feeds or Facebook fan pages and leave a comment there. They will not see your page, but they have staffers monitoring theirs who will see your comments and take note.
3. Pass it on to all of your friends. A lot of organizations have come out in support of this treaty because they simply do not understand the impact it will have on American and international law. We must make our voices heard before it is too late!
Here is an example of how to use a hashtag in a Twitter feed comment (“tweet”): “Oppose the #UNCRPD – a violation of #parentalrights and U.S. self-government!”
(The sample tweet also uses our own #parentalrights hashtag, but your comments do not have to.)
Please post several comments or tweets in your own words throughout the day to keep this issue in front of policy makers and the general public.
Then, be ready for a call blitz to the Senate – coming soon!
Thank you for standing with us to keep these treaties from taking away our parental rights!
Sincerely,
Michael Ramey
Director of Communications & Research
Action Needed Wednesday to
Halt CRPD in Senate
Ireland will soon be voting on whether or not to amend their constitution to include children’s rights, removing the centuries-old presumption that fit parents act in the best interest of their children. Decisions would fall to bureaucrats rather than to parents whenever children are involved and any question of “best interest” arises.
Parental rights groups in New Zealand are fighting desperately to prevent a bill that would require any child receiving government aid to attend a government-licensed Early Childhood Education (ECE) program for at least 15 hours each week. Currently, aid is offered through a non-discriminatory, needs-based approach. The proposed law would make aid available only to those willing to let government bureaucrats shape the development and learning of their children from ages 3 to 5 years.
And in Alberta, the right of parents to put their children in a private or parochial school – in fact, to educate their children by any means other than public schools – was very narrowly saved when a bill was recently amended to restore that right. The Canadian province was one vote away from forcing all children into state-run schools.
Parents and lawmakers in all three of these countries are dealing with the same struggle: a clash of ideologies that would replace fit and loving parents with government bureaucrats as the best decision makers for children. In each instance lawmakers are responding to their country’s perceived obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), a binding human rights treaty to which all three nations are a party.
Could such an approach to children ever come here to the United States?
It is already much closer than many realize.
The Looming Threat of the
CRPD
This summer a powerful effort was made in the U.S. Senate to adopt the U.N.’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), a human rights treaty like the CRC. And like that instrument, the CRPD also provides that “the best interests of the child” should be a primary consideration in all cases concerning children. This is a “term of art” in international law which is used to defend and promote the idea that governments and not parents should make decisions for children.
The CRPD passed out of Senate committee on July 26, and was brought to the floor for a general consensus vote on September 19. If Senator Lee of Utah had not been present to halt the maneuver, CRPD ratification may have passed then and there.
Take Action to Halt This
Dangerous Treaty!
We have long believed that the lame duck session poses a big threat regarding this treaty, and we are even more convinced as it draws closer. That’s why right now is the time to act.
We need to make sure that when the Senate reconvenes in two weeks they know we are still watching, and we still oppose this treaty. We need your help tomorrow, October 31, to get that message out through a concerted one-day social media campaign.
Here’s all you need to do:
1. Post to your Facebook wall or Twitter feed (or both!) that you oppose this treaty as a violation of parental rights and American sovereignty that offers no additional protections for Americans with disabilities. Include the “hashtags” #CRPD or #UNCRPD in your posts so that others looking for comments on this topic will see what you have to say.
If you don't have a Facebook or Twitter account, consider creating one just for this purpose - it is that important!
2. Using the same hashtags, find your senators’ Twitter feeds or Facebook fan pages and leave a comment there. They will not see your page, but they have staffers monitoring theirs who will see your comments and take note.
3. Pass it on to all of your friends. A lot of organizations have come out in support of this treaty because they simply do not understand the impact it will have on American and international law. We must make our voices heard before it is too late!
Here is an example of how to use a hashtag in a Twitter feed comment (“tweet”): “Oppose the #UNCRPD – a violation of #parentalrights and U.S. self-government!”
(The sample tweet also uses our own #parentalrights hashtag, but your comments do not have to.)
Please post several comments or tweets in your own words throughout the day to keep this issue in front of policy makers and the general public.
Then, be ready for a call blitz to the Senate – coming soon!
Thank you for standing with us to keep these treaties from taking away our parental rights!
Sincerely,
Michael Ramey
Director of Communications & Research
Monday, October 29, 2012
Governor Paul
I'm NOT kidding folks! Perhaps you have not heard but Paul Sorum agreed to let his name go on the ballot for Governor!!!!!!!!!!!! After the convention he had refused because the establishment had left him feeling beat. However, as more and more people thought about the things that he was saying during his campaign, it started to fill them with hope--just a ray of hope but hope none-the-less!
About a month ago, Nikki his campaign manager, sent out a petition request to get Paul's name on the ballot for Governor. Paul needed 1000 signatures by the date for signing and he had 1,400 in a matter of days!!!
I spent the day with Paul this past weekend at the activist training class. He is one awesome guy and he's a home school dad. Nikki sent out this video this morning and I fell in love with the song. I guess I was so excited to be in Paul's parade that the song that was chosen for his Gubernatorial parade went over my head. However, it hit me this morning!!!!!
WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU, MAKES YOU STRONGER.
I urge you to watch this video!!! It's from the North Dakota Republican convention this Spring. Our family was in this parade along with hundreds and hundreds of Paul Sorum supporters. Perhaps you can hear us shouting, "Governor Paul," at the top of our lungs? I watched it quickly, as I want to get the word out to ask you to get the word out to vote for Paul Sorum for Governor of North Dakota.
PLEASE grasp this concept, "Governor Paul." Paul is a real hero to many folks. He's REAL--the real thing--a real patriot--a real American--a real Christian--a real father--a real husband--a real friend!!
Will you help get the word out that, if it's God's will, North Dakota will have a home school dad as our next Governor. PRAISE GOD!!!!
Paul is strong because of all that he's been through. He told me personally that he knows exactly what to do to get our state on the right track. What a hero he truly is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Governor Paul; Governor Paul; Governor Paul; Governor Paul; Governor Paul; Governor Paul...... needs your help. PLEASE share this video on your blogs and on your Facebook accounts... to get the word out that Paul Sorum is the best man to head up our state--NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!!!
About a month ago, Nikki his campaign manager, sent out a petition request to get Paul's name on the ballot for Governor. Paul needed 1000 signatures by the date for signing and he had 1,400 in a matter of days!!!
I spent the day with Paul this past weekend at the activist training class. He is one awesome guy and he's a home school dad. Nikki sent out this video this morning and I fell in love with the song. I guess I was so excited to be in Paul's parade that the song that was chosen for his Gubernatorial parade went over my head. However, it hit me this morning!!!!!
WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU, MAKES YOU STRONGER.
I urge you to watch this video!!! It's from the North Dakota Republican convention this Spring. Our family was in this parade along with hundreds and hundreds of Paul Sorum supporters. Perhaps you can hear us shouting, "Governor Paul," at the top of our lungs? I watched it quickly, as I want to get the word out to ask you to get the word out to vote for Paul Sorum for Governor of North Dakota.
PLEASE grasp this concept, "Governor Paul." Paul is a real hero to many folks. He's REAL--the real thing--a real patriot--a real American--a real Christian--a real father--a real husband--a real friend!!
Will you help get the word out that, if it's God's will, North Dakota will have a home school dad as our next Governor. PRAISE GOD!!!!
Paul is strong because of all that he's been through. He told me personally that he knows exactly what to do to get our state on the right track. What a hero he truly is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Governor Paul; Governor Paul; Governor Paul; Governor Paul; Governor Paul; Governor Paul...... needs your help. PLEASE share this video on your blogs and on your Facebook accounts... to get the word out that Paul Sorum is the best man to head up our state--NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!!!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Poetry therapy?
I was wanting to put a poem about healing on here tonight so I goodged HEALING POETRY. I was pleased and surprised to find that there are people using poetry for therapy. You can read about this here: http://www.pbs.org/programs/healing-words/
Here's a sample that I found that really brought back memories. Maybe I need to write one called, "Talking about Dawn."
Here's a sample that I found that really brought back memories. Maybe I need to write one called, "Talking about Dawn."
Talking About Sallie
One
Sallie makes jokes and asks about how everyone is
and deflects any mention of Sallie.
and deflects any mention of Sallie.
Two
When pressed, Sallie minimizes and says,
"Oh I think these are things that everyone goes through."
"Oh I think these are things that everyone goes through."
Three
Sallie becomes more honest and will say
"I'm not into denial, but I am into avoidance."
"I'm not into denial, but I am into avoidance."
Four
Sallie realizes, after sufficient physical catastrophes,
that avoidance and denial are killers.
that avoidance and denial are killers.
Five
Sallie is now open about her life.
Six
Sallie talks about her life more than she ever dreamed she would.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Passavist training
Why is it that you do not ever see this kind of a class? The answer to that question is that we're all basically lazy so we don't need any help to be better at it.
For generations citizens in this country have been lazy and have allowed their politicians to do their work for them. I was raised that way so it didn't seem natural to get involved in politics and indeed it is unnatural for us to go against the flow of things. Still, I must ask myself, do I want MORE of the kind of laws that our Federal government is putting out. Do I want my STATE legislators to start thinking like big government bueorcrats???
Absolutely NOT!!!
As Andrew and I discussed attending the activist training this weekend, we pondered that we have attended several similar trainings in the past. "Why go again?"
Well, how successful have we become at affecting change at the state or federal level???? HMMM--we just signed up because WE are lazy too. If you're lazy, but sick and tired of it, I urge you to join us this coming Saturday in Bismarck at the China Star. Here are the details and I hope to see you there!
Getting off her lazy duff,
Dawn
Grassroots Activist Training School
Bismarck, North Dakota
For generations citizens in this country have been lazy and have allowed their politicians to do their work for them. I was raised that way so it didn't seem natural to get involved in politics and indeed it is unnatural for us to go against the flow of things. Still, I must ask myself, do I want MORE of the kind of laws that our Federal government is putting out. Do I want my STATE legislators to start thinking like big government bueorcrats???
Absolutely NOT!!!
As Andrew and I discussed attending the activist training this weekend, we pondered that we have attended several similar trainings in the past. "Why go again?"
Well, how successful have we become at affecting change at the state or federal level???? HMMM--we just signed up because WE are lazy too. If you're lazy, but sick and tired of it, I urge you to join us this coming Saturday in Bismarck at the China Star. Here are the details and I hope to see you there!
Getting off her lazy duff,
Dawn
Grassroots Activist Training School
Bismarck, North Dakota
| Thank YOU for your interest in this Grassroots Activist Training School, sponsored by the Campaign for Liberty! This course will teach you the real nature of politics, the biggest lie in politics, choosing your battles, how to work effectively at the Capitol (what to do and what not to do), how to raise money, and how to build a group of liberty-minded activists. | ||||||
| Saturday, October 27th, 2012 Registration: 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Class: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ticket Price: $20 (Advanced Online) Ticket Price: $25 (at the door) (Tickets include lunch & materials) Special Student Rate -- Students are only $10 if they pay at the door. Please reserve your spot by emailing: kirk@yourpoliticalguru.com 1065 East Interstate Avenue China Star Bismarck, ND
| ||||||
Saturday, October 20, 2012
ME beloved of God? YUP!
Happy Sabbath everyone! I love the Sabbath sooo much that I want the whole world to know the joy of resting on the day which God blessed and hallowed at creation. It is quite a stumbling block for many, though, so I continue to share about the joy it is to me and my family. After all, the hardest door to open is a closed mind.
I am excited because Robert is taking all of us to see the play at BSC tonight. He thinks that we, "Need a little culture now and then," and I agree 100%!
It's been a quiet day so far which my nerves crave after a long and busy week. I do love going away for fellowship but often, after a day like that, I am not rested. Today I slept in; took a shower; had lunch which we cooked yesterday; played terribly for hymn sing; listened to Robert read the next chapter in UNMERITED FAVOR; talked to a hurting new friend; put leftovers in the oven; and read Pastor Prince's daily email which I just HAVE TO SHARE.
I keep sharing these thoughts with the hope that you will all go to his sight and sign up for Pastor Prince's free daily devotional. Here's the link if I have managed to tempt you into action: http://www.josephprince.org/ If not, I hope that you will read today's message and begin to grasp how very, very, very, very, very, very, very much God loves you too!
Have a great week all of you beloved followers of Christ out there in cyberspace.
Dawn
I am excited because Robert is taking all of us to see the play at BSC tonight. He thinks that we, "Need a little culture now and then," and I agree 100%!
It's been a quiet day so far which my nerves crave after a long and busy week. I do love going away for fellowship but often, after a day like that, I am not rested. Today I slept in; took a shower; had lunch which we cooked yesterday; played terribly for hymn sing; listened to Robert read the next chapter in UNMERITED FAVOR; talked to a hurting new friend; put leftovers in the oven; and read Pastor Prince's daily email which I just HAVE TO SHARE.
I keep sharing these thoughts with the hope that you will all go to his sight and sign up for Pastor Prince's free daily devotional. Here's the link if I have managed to tempt you into action: http://www.josephprince.org/ If not, I hope that you will read today's message and begin to grasp how very, very, very, very, very, very, very much God loves you too!
Have a great week all of you beloved followers of Christ out there in cyberspace.
Dawn
| You Are God’s Beloved | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
|
Sunday, October 14, 2012
The emotional side of arthritis
I just read this and thought it would be good to share with those of you dealing with arthritis.
The Emotional Side of Arthritis
Managing physical arthritis pain involves carefully following a treatment plan, but your emotional health can affect your level of arthritis pain, too, and shouldn't be ignored.
Medically reviewed by Christine Wilmsen Craig, MD
The aches and pains of arthritis can really put a damper on your spirits. It's no wonder — it's hard to keep your chin up when your joints are aching, throbbing, hot, and stiff with pain. That's why so many people experience depression and other mental health issues as a result of their arthritis. And a recent study found that being depressed can actually increase the pain felt by patients with even mild or moderate cases of arthritis.
Pain can put a halt on a lot of activities that bring you joy: you don't want to exercise, you can't get out and have fun with friends and family — you may not be able to do even the simplest things around the house or take care of basic needs when your joints are really giving you trouble. At moments like this, take a step back, draw in a deep breath, and shift your focus to your emotional health.
The Mind-Body Link in Arthritis
Pain and depression go hand in hand, and the relationship can feed on itself. People in pain are often depressed because of their pain, and people with depression often experience physical pain and symptoms as a result of their poor emotional health. Chronic pain clearly affects emotional and physical health. One study showed that up to 60 percent of people with depression also suffer symptoms of pain.
The connection between emotional health and arthritis pain flare-ups seems to be particularly strong in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Depression and stress are very common with RA, and persistent stress and chronic depression make arthritis pain and other symptoms even worse.
The good news is that stress management techniques and treatment for depression can also help you to manage your arthritis pain.
Boosting Emotional Health to Manage Arthritis Pain
At times you may feel hopeless or in despair over your arthritis. You can learn to manage your pain, but first you need to give your emotional health a boost. Start with these stress-busting recommendations:
- Relax. Easier said than done, right? Well, not if you know how. Treat yourself to some quiet time that is completely stress-free — don't think about what you should be doing, your health, or anything that will cause anxiety. Instead, focus completely on an activity you enjoy, even if it’s only for 15 minutes.
- Breathe. Practice simple deep-breathing techniques. Try breathing in and out deeply and slowly, letting every muscle in your body relax. Think calm, peaceful thoughts.
- Get some exercise. Moving, even in a limited way, will help your mind and body feel better, and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment from getting up and being active.
- Soak in a hot bath. Not only is this technique great for your arthritis pain, but it's great for your spirits, too. A nice soak in a bubbly tub is relaxing and luxurious, and can give your spirits a lift. Enhance the relaxation factor with some candles and soothing music while you soak.
- Talk it out. Having arthritis is nothing to be ashamed of, and bottling up your feelings will only make them seem worse. Talk to friends, family, or members of a support group about what you're experiencing physically and emotionally — sometimes all you need to do is let your feelings out to feel better about them.
It's important to understand that feeling over-stressed or anxious about the state of your health is not uncommon when you're managing a chronic illness. Not only does arthritis cause you significant pain, but it can also rob you of the one vital thing — your independence. Not being able to get into your car and do your own shopping, clean your house, go for a walk, or even tie your shoes can be frightening, frustrating, and downright depressing.
If you feel overwhelmed, it’s time to talk to your medical team about your emotional well-being. Treating your emotional health is part of their job, too, and because it is so often affected by arthritis, they have the experience you need. Just as your arthritis pain can be treated, so can anxiety and depression.
Arthritis can be a challenging disease to live with, but taking the right steps to boost your emotional health may help improve your physical pain as well.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
A miracle
How I wish that I had time to do this justice but I believe that God gave us a miracle last night! I still have 2 sessions to do yet today; plus make supper; wash the new bedding that we bought together yesterday; make our King size bed which IS a whopper job; while trying not to run out of steam.
You see, we got to bed about 2:00 AM this morning but it was a night to remember always. Robert and I left for Bismarck about 2:00 PM yesterday and his surprise was that he wanted us to pick out the prettiest sheets for our bed that we could find. This was not easy with all of the thousands of sheet sets that we looked at all over town but finally we agreed on a pretty floral that looked as though it would match our comforter. When I checked it this morning, I was so delighted to see that it is a very close match--if not perfect. ;)
After we went back to Penny's to buy them, we decided to eat supper at Applebees. We'd never been there before and the food was wonderful. They even brought us 2 free hot fudge sundaes in honor of our anniversary. In fact the manager came over to wish us a happy anniversary and to thank us for coming there to share our special event with them which was very lovely!
After that we had to decide if we were going to go home and watch one of the 3 DVDs that the children gave us for our anniversary OR spend even more money on ourselves and see a "REAL" movie at the movie theater. Being we were so unsure, we drove around to the theatres and looked at what was showing. There was nothing showing at the Grand theatre that looked remotely interesting but, when we went to the theatre in Gateway Mall, we were attracted to a movie called, HOPE SPRINGS.
After calling home to let the children know that we would be staying out late, we went into the theatre and waited. There really are a lot of violent movies going to be showing in Bismarck in the near future. Mostly I closed my eyes not wanting to put those images in my mind but I could hear the violence. It made me nervous to see what we were getting into but that fear was totally unfounded.
I urge EVERY married person to go and see HOPE SPRINGS. If you're having trouble in your marriage, then you REALLY need to see it. The story is about a couple on their 31st anniversary who had fallen into the trap of non-communication. In an attempt to save their marriage, they went to Maine to a town called, Hope Springs, to see a marriage counselor.
It was a very intense week of discussing their highlights and low lights in marriage. Numerous times one or the other gave up and walked out of the counselor's office, but they came back the next day. By the end of the week, the couple was communicating much better but things did not improve when they went back home.
When the wife packed her bags to leave in the morning, I cried so hard as I recalled packing my bags 24 years ago to leave Robert. Fortunately, enough healing had taken place that the husband came to her senses the night before she was going to leave and the marriage was saved.
One year later, they went back to Hope Springs with their children. On the beach of Maine, with the marriage counselor and his wife present, and their children watching on they made new vows to each other.
One of his went like this, "Faye, on this our 32nd wedding anniversary, I vow to you not to watch so much golf."
One of hers went like this, "Albert, on this our 32nd wedding anniversary, I vow to watch SOME golf with you."
Tears flowed down my face as Robert and I watched this precious scene on "This our 32nd wedding anniversary." We had the entire place to ourselves and it was a very precious moment in our marriage.
What a miracle it was. We could have gone home early and watched one of the DVDs that the children gave us. We could have gone home early and gone to bed early and been more rested. We could have gone to any other movie that was showing in Bismarck last night but God took us to see the one movie where a couple was celebrating their marriage on their 32nd wedding anniversary. Did I mention that, as we watched the movie, we were celebrating our 32nd wedding anniversary? How cool is that? Only God could have arranged something so lovely as that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Needless-to-say, we're a little draggy today but it was worth it. I repeat, I urge EVERY married person to go and watch the movie, "Hope Springs." The marriage counseling presented IS the very best that I have heard so you can think of it as, "Free marriage counseling." That plus Merle Streepe's acting made it an unforgettable event. It was so refreshing to see middle aged people presented as real people with real feelings.
Well, I need to keep those new sheets moving through the cleaning process so I'd best close. It's just so wonderful to be in love with my husband all over again. SIGH!!!
Happily married,
Dawn
PS. When I get my bed put back together, I'll take a picture and show it here for the marriage bed is undefiled. Another sigh!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You see, we got to bed about 2:00 AM this morning but it was a night to remember always. Robert and I left for Bismarck about 2:00 PM yesterday and his surprise was that he wanted us to pick out the prettiest sheets for our bed that we could find. This was not easy with all of the thousands of sheet sets that we looked at all over town but finally we agreed on a pretty floral that looked as though it would match our comforter. When I checked it this morning, I was so delighted to see that it is a very close match--if not perfect. ;)
After we went back to Penny's to buy them, we decided to eat supper at Applebees. We'd never been there before and the food was wonderful. They even brought us 2 free hot fudge sundaes in honor of our anniversary. In fact the manager came over to wish us a happy anniversary and to thank us for coming there to share our special event with them which was very lovely!
After that we had to decide if we were going to go home and watch one of the 3 DVDs that the children gave us for our anniversary OR spend even more money on ourselves and see a "REAL" movie at the movie theater. Being we were so unsure, we drove around to the theatres and looked at what was showing. There was nothing showing at the Grand theatre that looked remotely interesting but, when we went to the theatre in Gateway Mall, we were attracted to a movie called, HOPE SPRINGS.
After calling home to let the children know that we would be staying out late, we went into the theatre and waited. There really are a lot of violent movies going to be showing in Bismarck in the near future. Mostly I closed my eyes not wanting to put those images in my mind but I could hear the violence. It made me nervous to see what we were getting into but that fear was totally unfounded.
I urge EVERY married person to go and see HOPE SPRINGS. If you're having trouble in your marriage, then you REALLY need to see it. The story is about a couple on their 31st anniversary who had fallen into the trap of non-communication. In an attempt to save their marriage, they went to Maine to a town called, Hope Springs, to see a marriage counselor.
It was a very intense week of discussing their highlights and low lights in marriage. Numerous times one or the other gave up and walked out of the counselor's office, but they came back the next day. By the end of the week, the couple was communicating much better but things did not improve when they went back home.
When the wife packed her bags to leave in the morning, I cried so hard as I recalled packing my bags 24 years ago to leave Robert. Fortunately, enough healing had taken place that the husband came to her senses the night before she was going to leave and the marriage was saved.
One year later, they went back to Hope Springs with their children. On the beach of Maine, with the marriage counselor and his wife present, and their children watching on they made new vows to each other.
One of his went like this, "Faye, on this our 32nd wedding anniversary, I vow to you not to watch so much golf."
One of hers went like this, "Albert, on this our 32nd wedding anniversary, I vow to watch SOME golf with you."
Tears flowed down my face as Robert and I watched this precious scene on "This our 32nd wedding anniversary." We had the entire place to ourselves and it was a very precious moment in our marriage.
What a miracle it was. We could have gone home early and watched one of the DVDs that the children gave us. We could have gone home early and gone to bed early and been more rested. We could have gone to any other movie that was showing in Bismarck last night but God took us to see the one movie where a couple was celebrating their marriage on their 32nd wedding anniversary. Did I mention that, as we watched the movie, we were celebrating our 32nd wedding anniversary? How cool is that? Only God could have arranged something so lovely as that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Needless-to-say, we're a little draggy today but it was worth it. I repeat, I urge EVERY married person to go and watch the movie, "Hope Springs." The marriage counseling presented IS the very best that I have heard so you can think of it as, "Free marriage counseling." That plus Merle Streepe's acting made it an unforgettable event. It was so refreshing to see middle aged people presented as real people with real feelings.
Well, I need to keep those new sheets moving through the cleaning process so I'd best close. It's just so wonderful to be in love with my husband all over again. SIGH!!!
Happily married,
Dawn
PS. When I get my bed put back together, I'll take a picture and show it here for the marriage bed is undefiled. Another sigh!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Happy anniversary to us
Hi everyone,
Today is Robert's and my 32 anniversary and we are enjoying the day. We slept in late; opened presents from the children; and played the game, FUNGLISH which was in the package that I opened.
It is a super fun game and, once we started to get the hang of it, some of us decided that they like it better than Taboo. I'm not so sure as Taboo has been my favorite game for years and years. FUNGLISH was fun, though, so I'm sure it will grow on me once I figure it out a little bit better.
Robert just informed me that he's taking me to Bismarck right after lunch so now I am curious. I know that curiosity can get a person in trouble but I just cannot help myself. This past weekend, when I saw that Alex was scoring Cora's AQT, I stood nearby watching him until he folded the paper over so that I couldn't see. Later, when he gave it to Cora and I saw that it was a Rifleman score, I was glad that I hadn't seen it before she did. Curiosity can certainly get a person in trouble.
Anyway, I got this letter from my US Senator this morning. I was curious to see what he had to say and decided to share it with you all. I'm not sure if it amazes me or amuses me that even in the White House people don't know how to write anymore. The substance was quite what I would have expected from a man who votes Constitutionally 10% of the time even though he took an oath to uphold the US Constitution 100% of the time.
All I can say is we're headed for big trouble in this country--big trouble. Is anyone aware of this??? If not, I urge you to carefully ponder what my Senator said to me in this letter. Is it just my imagination or did he say absolutely nothing to me???
With that thought, I close with a simple song to Robert and me on our 32nd anniversary.
Love to all,
Dawn
Today is Robert's and my 32 anniversary and we are enjoying the day. We slept in late; opened presents from the children; and played the game, FUNGLISH which was in the package that I opened.
It is a super fun game and, once we started to get the hang of it, some of us decided that they like it better than Taboo. I'm not so sure as Taboo has been my favorite game for years and years. FUNGLISH was fun, though, so I'm sure it will grow on me once I figure it out a little bit better.
Robert just informed me that he's taking me to Bismarck right after lunch so now I am curious. I know that curiosity can get a person in trouble but I just cannot help myself. This past weekend, when I saw that Alex was scoring Cora's AQT, I stood nearby watching him until he folded the paper over so that I couldn't see. Later, when he gave it to Cora and I saw that it was a Rifleman score, I was glad that I hadn't seen it before she did. Curiosity can certainly get a person in trouble.
Anyway, I got this letter from my US Senator this morning. I was curious to see what he had to say and decided to share it with you all. I'm not sure if it amazes me or amuses me that even in the White House people don't know how to write anymore. The substance was quite what I would have expected from a man who votes Constitutionally 10% of the time even though he took an oath to uphold the US Constitution 100% of the time.
All I can say is we're headed for big trouble in this country--big trouble. Is anyone aware of this??? If not, I urge you to carefully ponder what my Senator said to me in this letter. Is it just my imagination or did he say absolutely nothing to me???
With that thought, I close with a simple song to Robert and me on our 32nd anniversary.
Happy anniversary to us;
Happy anniversary to us;
Happy anniversary, dear Robert;
Happy anniversary to us!
Love to all,
Dawn
Monday, October 8, 2012
News flash
I'm wondering if Facebook is rubbing off on me. I am tired and heading for bed but want to share what's new in my life. You know me, and how I like to explain everything, but what went through my head was something like this.
I was going to do a distance session tonight for a client but I couldn't get her on the phone for some reason. Then I came out in the kitchen and found Andrew cleaning the IV tube which was strange. When he told me that Sally had calved and had milk fever, I switched gears and did the session for Sally instead. Please pray for her to pull through as Cora found her during chores by the groaning coming from behind the poll barn.
We had a LOT of people here this weekend which I just loved. We were so thankful for the heated shop as it was VERY cold and we woke to snow the morning of the shoot. Praise God for His provision of the heated shop.
My first order of colostrum came the first day of the shoot which was awesome as I recall all of us getting sick after our last shoot in October 3 years ago. Colostrum builds the immunity in a fantastic way and I insisted that everyone take it--even our guests.
Cora made Rifleman. So did Lauretta Leppert and Andrew from Aberdeen. Jacob scored a 209 but Alex wouldn't give him the orange hat for lack of 1 point. I'm glad that standards are high in the AppleSeed program.
Jerome came to the shoot.
So did my friend, Virginia, and we were neighbors groaning together for 2 days in the cold and from all of the ups and downs involved in an Appleseed.
The guys built a new outhouse for the shooting range and it was greatly appreciated!
I never scored my AQTs as I'm not interested in focusing on failure. I could tell that it wasn't good enough to spend Andrew or Alex's time scoring it. The arthritis was much WORSE because of the cold and I took a good many breaks.
I have a new friend--Deb who is another IIT's wife. She just broke a bone in her foot so we were partners in misery. Both of us felt much worse in the cold than in the heated shop so I went and got all of the extra blankets and folks wrapped up in them. Sarena L. looked like a Jewish babushka--so adorable but still shooting and pumping out those Rifleman scores.
Everyone had lots of fun playing volleyball in the dark as Robert bought a light for the court and Andrew went up in the loader bucket to attach it to the pole on Friday morning. In fact, my entire family is out there playing right now.
Our friend, Virginia, came over Friday afternoon to help Cora and I prepare food. Everyone brings food to share but I wanted to make sure that we had soup to warm us up with. On Saturday I served potato and meatball soup and the kettle was licked clean. On Sunday it was chili but there were leftovers which we had today.
We all enjoyed the time that Paul Sorum spent here with us. His son was shooting both days and Paul was busy as he's put his name on the ballot for Governor. When Virginia called him, "Governor Sorum" he was modest and said, "I'm not Governor yet." I said, "Yes you are--in OUR minds." He just smiled.
Tomorrow I'm teaching a private Reiki class to a client who has breast cancer. We couldn't get any Sundays to work out for her as she drives down from the Minot area for radiation and she's finished with that now, so I'm teaching her individually.
Now I need to go study a bit and review things and print her certificate and get a good night's sleep and set my machine for Sally. I'm listening to my happy family getting exercise and improving their volleyball skills as I write. I'm thinking of the wonderful email that Andrew received from the other IIT and his wife about how much they enjoyed their time with our family and how special we all are.
I can't recall the last time that I was this happy and so, even though this writing is rather sloppy and certainly a bit like reading "Reader's Digest" I hope that you can sense how rich and full my life is. Many thanks to all of you for the part you play in it. I love you all!!!
God bless,
Dawn
I was going to do a distance session tonight for a client but I couldn't get her on the phone for some reason. Then I came out in the kitchen and found Andrew cleaning the IV tube which was strange. When he told me that Sally had calved and had milk fever, I switched gears and did the session for Sally instead. Please pray for her to pull through as Cora found her during chores by the groaning coming from behind the poll barn.
We had a LOT of people here this weekend which I just loved. We were so thankful for the heated shop as it was VERY cold and we woke to snow the morning of the shoot. Praise God for His provision of the heated shop.
My first order of colostrum came the first day of the shoot which was awesome as I recall all of us getting sick after our last shoot in October 3 years ago. Colostrum builds the immunity in a fantastic way and I insisted that everyone take it--even our guests.
Cora made Rifleman. So did Lauretta Leppert and Andrew from Aberdeen. Jacob scored a 209 but Alex wouldn't give him the orange hat for lack of 1 point. I'm glad that standards are high in the AppleSeed program.
Jerome came to the shoot.
So did my friend, Virginia, and we were neighbors groaning together for 2 days in the cold and from all of the ups and downs involved in an Appleseed.
The guys built a new outhouse for the shooting range and it was greatly appreciated!
I never scored my AQTs as I'm not interested in focusing on failure. I could tell that it wasn't good enough to spend Andrew or Alex's time scoring it. The arthritis was much WORSE because of the cold and I took a good many breaks.
I have a new friend--Deb who is another IIT's wife. She just broke a bone in her foot so we were partners in misery. Both of us felt much worse in the cold than in the heated shop so I went and got all of the extra blankets and folks wrapped up in them. Sarena L. looked like a Jewish babushka--so adorable but still shooting and pumping out those Rifleman scores.
Everyone had lots of fun playing volleyball in the dark as Robert bought a light for the court and Andrew went up in the loader bucket to attach it to the pole on Friday morning. In fact, my entire family is out there playing right now.
Our friend, Virginia, came over Friday afternoon to help Cora and I prepare food. Everyone brings food to share but I wanted to make sure that we had soup to warm us up with. On Saturday I served potato and meatball soup and the kettle was licked clean. On Sunday it was chili but there were leftovers which we had today.
We all enjoyed the time that Paul Sorum spent here with us. His son was shooting both days and Paul was busy as he's put his name on the ballot for Governor. When Virginia called him, "Governor Sorum" he was modest and said, "I'm not Governor yet." I said, "Yes you are--in OUR minds." He just smiled.
Tomorrow I'm teaching a private Reiki class to a client who has breast cancer. We couldn't get any Sundays to work out for her as she drives down from the Minot area for radiation and she's finished with that now, so I'm teaching her individually.
Now I need to go study a bit and review things and print her certificate and get a good night's sleep and set my machine for Sally. I'm listening to my happy family getting exercise and improving their volleyball skills as I write. I'm thinking of the wonderful email that Andrew received from the other IIT and his wife about how much they enjoyed their time with our family and how special we all are.
I can't recall the last time that I was this happy and so, even though this writing is rather sloppy and certainly a bit like reading "Reader's Digest" I hope that you can sense how rich and full my life is. Many thanks to all of you for the part you play in it. I love you all!!!
God bless,
Dawn
My son Andrew, an instructor in training!
My dog, Millie, a great Appleseed addition!
My home sweet home--a firing range where folks can come and learn together!
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