[My] Life in Wisconsin

"GRAND"~Parents!

Good (Almost) Afternoon!

As I had posted earlier on the week, I had received emails regarding the deaths of friends loved ones... Both of the ladies that passed on were grandmothers to people that are very close to my heart.

I am sure you all recall the funny picture I had posted about an unrecognizable person grabbing attempting to grab someones backside on Christmas... This was not a blasophemous mockery; it was only a bit of fun. For those of you that might not recall such a post, here is that picture again...

(John had missed the previous posting and I told him last night that I would repost it just for him)! OK, nobody else look!

.

.

John Pryes Reading My Christmas Cards! ...12-25-06 ...hehehe
.
.

It was Johns mom that passed away. She was 81 years old. She had 5 children. 14 grandchildren, and 14 GREAT~Grandchildren! What a lovely family to have had, and what a "GRAND" legacy for her to have left behind! Johns daughters and my own all worked together at Wouters Front... (as I did too)! And through the years now I have grown to love this whole family like my very own.

John was not at Pfotenhauers right away... and all were worried for him because he had spent an appointment earlier in the day with a cardiologist. (The tests they ran showed a 50% blockage by his heart... They are going to try to correct this without either surgery or a stent). But last night being late, and with no answer at his home, those girls were getting plenty worried! He did show up just late is all! It was such a very warm gathering last night; and though the circumstances were certainly not the finest, it is always good to see the family too... Traci, the oldest- Brandy, and Crystal, (she is incidentally the "CRIS" in my previous blog that had sent me the forward about teachers). And the youngest, Stephani, (who is just a few days older than my own CaseyAnne). Casey and Jenny Mella came to the wake for a few minutes too- Had to leave though, having a volleyball double~header to play at the Watering Hole! Oh she does love her v~ball! Good exercise too!!!

The other lady who has passed is my friend Kellis Hubbys grandmother. She was 98! (And she would have been 99 next month)! Like Mrs. Pryes, she leaves behind a wonderful legacy of family... 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 12 GREAT~Grandchildren!

I find myself in awe of such lives they have led. I do not know of your own families, but I remember little/nothing of my own grandparents. My fathers father passed away in 1934, so of course I did not know him. His mother actually lived here with us until she passed away in late 1961. (Perhaps my sister Mary would have memories of her, but I do not). Just pictures. But I do remember her huge bed being in the backroom... and that room was always called "Grandma's Room" (Funny how to this day I call it that).

.

.

Grandma Yusvak, and I (Fall 1959)
.
.

My mothers parents also passed away in the early 60's and I do not recall them either. Again, I have pictures of them, and can see the love in their souls, but have no recall.

.
.
Visiting Grandpa VandenPlas at the Nursing Home... Mary and I , me, far right, (clearly not impressed with moms camera)... the others in the photo are Dad, and our foster brothers and sister. (Charles, Norman and Diane Bruss). I often still wonder what happened to them all...
.
.

Upon doing my adoption search in late 1986, I did have a chance to meet/know my birthmothers mother. I never really had a grandmother before; but she sure had lots of grandbabies! She was very spirited and kind... She too has passed away now. I missed meeting my birthfathers mother by such a very short while... That is why I always love to stay in her home in Sault Ste. Marie! Too see her things, and to try to know how she lived and loved just by 'being' there- To be able to get the 'feel' of the home she had...

There were times while I was growing up that I watched almost all the other kids that talked about their grandfathers doing this or their grandmothers doing that; their own family reunions and such. While it was always fun to listen, I felt left out somehow by the fact that I did not 'have' grandparents like they did.

And yet, as I write, I feel so happy that all the people that I know/love above were able to know their grandmothers- and are able to recall them and how special those memories are in their own hearts now. While I am sorry that they are grieving right now; they will always have that wonderful power of recall. I blieve my 3 eldest remember my dad... He died before Casey was born... And they ALL remember my mom ...and can tell the most wonderful (and funny) stories too!!!

I am wondering if you knew your grandparents? Were they the wonderful people that most of us have had? What were their eccentricities? Did Grampa fish? Did Grandma make the best cookies?

Just being nosy...

That said, I am more than a bit stir crazy at the moment... My mouth hurts (STILL, dammitallanyway)! I shall take a walk to the woods with "my girls" (and get over it as soon as I feel cold enough)!

Have a very "GRAND" and special weekend!

XOXO
Anne

Free Hit Counters
Free Hit Counters

"GRAND"~Parents!

Good (Almost) Afternoon!

As I had posted earlier on the week, I had received emails regarding the deaths of friends loved ones... Both of the ladies that passed on were grandmothers to people that are very close to my heart.

I am sure you all recall the funny picture I had posted about an unrecognizable person grabbing attempting to grab someones backside on Christmas... This was not a blasophemous mockery; it was only a bit of fun. For those of you that might not recall such a post, here is that picture again...

(John had missed the previous posting and I told him last night that I would repost it just for him)! OK, nobody else look!

.

.

John Pryes Reading My Christmas Cards! ...12-25-06 ...hehehe
.
.

It was Johns mom that passed away. She was 81 years old. She had 5 children. 14 grandchildren, and 14 GREAT~Grandchildren! What a lovely family to have had, and what a "GRAND" legacy for her to have left behind! Johns daughters and my own all worked together at Wouters Front... (as I did too)! And through the years now I have grown to love this whole family like my very own.

John was not at Pfotenhauers right away... and all were worried for him because he had spent an appointment earlier in the day with a cardiologist. (The tests they ran showed a 50% blockage by his heart... They are going to try to correct this without either surgery or a stent). But last night being late, and with no answer at his home, those girls were getting plenty worried! He did show up just late is all! It was such a very warm gathering last night; and though the circumstances were certainly not the finest, it is always good to see the family too... Traci, the oldest- Brandy, and Crystal, (she is incidentally the "CRIS" in my previous blog that had sent me the forward about teachers). And the youngest, Stephani, (who is just a few days older than my own CaseyAnne). Casey and Jenny Mella came to the wake for a few minutes too- Had to leave though, having a volleyball double~header to play at the Watering Hole! Oh she does love her v~ball! Good exercise too!!!

The other lady who has passed is my friend Kellis Hubbys grandmother. She was 98! (And she would have been 99 next month)! Like Mrs. Pryes, she leaves behind a wonderful legacy of family... 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 12 GREAT~Grandchildren!

I find myself in awe of such lives they have led. I do not know of your own families, but I remember little/nothing of my own grandparents. My fathers father passed away in 1934, so of course I did not know him. His mother actually lived here with us until she passed away in late 1961. (Perhaps my sister Mary would have memories of her, but I do not). Just pictures. But I do remember her huge bed being in the backroom... and that room was always called "Grandma's Room" (Funny how to this day I call it that).

.

.

Grandma Yusvak, and I (Fall 1959)
.
.

My mothers parents also passed away in the early 60's and I do not recall them either. Again, I have pictures of them, and can see the love in their souls, but have no recall.

.
.
Visiting Grandpa VandenPlas at the Nursing Home... Mary and I , me, far right, (clearly not impressed with moms camera)... the others in the photo are Dad, and our foster brothers and sister. (Charles, Norman and Diane Bruss). I often still wonder what happened to them all...
.
.

Upon doing my adoption search in late 1986, I did have a chance to meet/know my birthmothers mother. I never really had a grandmother before; but she sure had lots of grandbabies! She was very spirited and kind... She too has passed away now. I missed meeting my birthfathers mother by such a very short while... That is why I always love to stay in her home in Sault Ste. Marie! Too see her things, and to try to know how she lived and loved just by 'being' there- To be able to get the 'feel' of the home she had...

There were times while I was growing up that I watched almost all the other kids that talked about their grandfathers doing this or their grandmothers doing that; their own family reunions and such. While it was always fun to listen, I felt left out somehow by the fact that I did not 'have' grandparents like they did.

And yet, as I write, I feel so happy that all the people that I know/love above were able to know their grandmothers- and are able to recall them and how special those memories are in their own hearts now. While I am sorry that they are grieving right now; they will always have that wonderful power of recall. I blieve my 3 eldest remember my dad... He died before Casey was born... And they ALL remember my mom ...and can tell the most wonderful (and funny) stories too!!!

I am wondering if you knew your grandparents? Were they the wonderful people that most of us have had? What were their eccentricities? Did Grampa fish? Did Grandma make the best cookies?

Just being nosy...

That said, I am more than a bit stir crazy at the moment... My mouth hurts (STILL, dammitallanyway)! I shall take a walk to the woods with "my girls" (and get over it as soon as I feel cold enough)!

Have a very "GRAND" and special weekend!

XOXO
Anne

Free Hit Counters
Free Hit Counters

"GRAND"~Parents!

Good (Almost) Afternoon!

As I had posted earlier on the week, I had received emails regarding the deaths of friends loved ones... Both of the ladies that passed on were grandmothers to people that are very close to my heart.

I am sure you all recall the funny picture I had posted about an unrecognizable person grabbing attempting to grab someones backside on Christmas... This was not a blasophemous mockery; it was only a bit of fun. For those of you that might not recall such a post, here is that picture again...

(John had missed the previous posting and I told him last night that I would repost it just for him)! OK, nobody else look!

.

.

John Pryes Reading My Christmas Cards! ...12-25-06 ...hehehe
.
.

It was Johns mom that passed away. She was 81 years old. She had 5 children. 14 grandchildren, and 14 GREAT~Grandchildren! What a lovely family to have had, and what a "GRAND" legacy for her to have left behind! Johns daughters and my own all worked together at Wouters Front... (as I did too)! And through the years now I have grown to love this whole family like my very own.

John was not at Pfotenhauers right away... and all were worried for him because he had spent an appointment earlier in the day with a cardiologist. (The tests they ran showed a 50% blockage by his heart... They are going to try to correct this without either surgery or a stent). But last night being late, and with no answer at his home, those girls were getting plenty worried! He did show up just late is all! It was such a very warm gathering last night; and though the circumstances were certainly not the finest, it is always good to see the family too... Traci, the oldest- Brandy, and Crystal, (she is incidentally the "CRIS" in my previous blog that had sent me the forward about teachers). And the youngest, Stephani, (who is just a few days older than my own CaseyAnne). Casey and Jenny Mella came to the wake for a few minutes too- Had to leave though, having a volleyball double~header to play at the Watering Hole! Oh she does love her v~ball! Good exercise too!!!

The other lady who has passed is my friend Kellis Hubbys grandmother. She was 98! (And she would have been 99 next month)! Like Mrs. Pryes, she leaves behind a wonderful legacy of family... 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 12 GREAT~Grandchildren!

I find myself in awe of such lives they have led. I do not know of your own families, but I remember little/nothing of my own grandparents. My fathers father passed away in 1934, so of course I did not know him. His mother actually lived here with us until she passed away in late 1961. (Perhaps my sister Mary would have memories of her, but I do not). Just pictures. But I do remember her huge bed being in the backroom... and that room was always called "Grandma's Room" (Funny how to this day I call it that).

.

.

Grandma Yusvak, and I (Fall 1959)
.
.

My mothers parents also passed away in the early 60's and I do not recall them either. Again, I have pictures of them, and can see the love in their souls, but have no recall.

.
.
Visiting Grandpa VandenPlas at the Nursing Home... Mary and I , me, far right, (clearly not impressed with moms camera)... the others in the photo are Dad, and our foster brothers and sister. (Charles, Norman and Diane Bruss). I often still wonder what happened to them all...
.
.

Upon doing my adoption search in late 1986, I did have a chance to meet/know my birthmothers mother. I never really had a grandmother before; but she sure had lots of grandbabies! She was very spirited and kind... She too has passed away now. I missed meeting my birthfathers mother by such a very short while... That is why I always love to stay in her home in Sault Ste. Marie! Too see her things, and to try to know how she lived and loved just by 'being' there- To be able to get the 'feel' of the home she had...

There were times while I was growing up that I watched almost all the other kids that talked about their grandfathers doing this or their grandmothers doing that; their own family reunions and such. While it was always fun to listen, I felt left out somehow by the fact that I did not 'have' grandparents like they did.

And yet, as I write, I feel so happy that all the people that I know/love above were able to know their grandmothers- and are able to recall them and how special those memories are in their own hearts now. While I am sorry that they are grieving right now; they will always have that wonderful power of recall. I blieve my 3 eldest remember my dad... He died before Casey was born... And they ALL remember my mom ...and can tell the most wonderful (and funny) stories too!!!

I am wondering if you knew your grandparents? Were they the wonderful people that most of us have had? What were their eccentricities? Did Grampa fish? Did Grandma make the best cookies?

Just being nosy...

That said, I am more than a bit stir crazy at the moment... My mouth hurts (STILL, dammitallanyway)! I shall take a walk to the woods with "my girls" (and get over it as soon as I feel cold enough)!

Have a very "GRAND" and special weekend!

XOXO
Anne

Free Hit Counters
Free Hit Counters

RANDOM...

A few thoughts and things that have crossed my mind, entered my email, and found their way to various 360 sites too...

As you know, I rarely post thoughts/ideas that are not my own... Some of these are just way too clever not to share... Or perhaps way too thought~provoking... Or maybe even funny!

I will follow~up with "my own" blog shortly. In the meantime, please be kind, tolerant... and never ever be afraid to laugh out loud!

XOXO
Anne

Missy ANGEL on how to ask for friendship on the 360! CLICK HERE

-------

DeeAnne's wicked confession?!? CLICK HERE

-----

Native American Indian Traditional Code of Ethics
From "Inter-Tribal Times" October `1994

1. Each morning upon rising, and each evening before sleeping, give thanks for the life within you and for all life, for the good things the Creator has given you and for the opportunity to grow a little more each day. Consider your thoughts and actions of the past day and seek for the courage and strength to be a better person. Seek for the things that will benefit others (everyone).

2. Respect. Respect means "To feel or show honor or esteem for someone or something; to consider the well being of, or to treat someone or something with deference or courtesy". Showing respect is a basic law of life.

a. Treat every person from the tiniest child to the oldest elder with respect at all times.

b. Special respect should be given to Elders, Parents, Teachers, and Community Leaders.

c. No person should be made to feel "put down" by you. Avoid hurting other hearts as you would avoid a deadly poison.

d. Touch nothing that belongs to someone else (especially Sacred Objects) without permission, or an understanding between you.

e. Respect the privacy of every person, never intrude on a person's quiet moment or personal space.

f. Never walk between people that are conversing.

g. Never interrupt people who are conversing.

h. Speak in a soft voice, especially when you are in the presence of Elders, or strangers or others to whom special respect is due.

i. Do not speak unless invited to do so at gatherings where Elders are present. (except to ask what is expected of you, should you be in doubt).

j. Never speak about others in a negative way, whether they are present or not.

k. Treat the earth and all of her aspects as your mother. Show deep respect for the mineral world, the plant world, and the animal world. Do nothing to pollute our Mother, rise up with wisdom to defend her.

l. Show deep respect for the beliefs and religion of others.

m. Listen with courtesy to what others say, even if you feel that what they are saying is worthless. Listen with your heart.

n. Respect the wisdom of the people in council. Once you give an idea to a council meeting it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to the people. Respect demands that you listen intently to the ideas of others in council and that you do not insist that your idea prevail. Indeed you should freely support the ideas of others if they are true and good, even if those ideas are quite different from the ones you have contributed. The clash of ideas brings forth the Spark of Truth.

3. Once a council has decided something in unity, respect demands that no one speak secretly against what has been decided. If the council has made an error, that error will become apparent to everyone in its own time.

4. Be truthful at all times, and under all conditions.

5. Always treat your guests with honor and consideration. Give of your best food, your best blankets, the best part of your house, and your best service to your guests.

6. The hurt of one is the hurt of all, the honor of one is the honor of all.

7. Receive strangers and outsiders with a loving heart and as members of the human family.

8. All the races and tribes in the world are like the different colored flowers of one meadow. All are beautiful. As children of the Creator they must all be respected.

9. To serve others, to be of some use to family, community, nation, and the world is one of the main purposes for which human beings have been created. Do not fill yourself with your own affairs and forget your most important talks. True happiness comes only to those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.

10. Observe moderation and balance in all things.

11. Know those things that lead to your well-being and those things that lead to your destruction.

12. Listen to and follow the guidance given to your heart. Expect guidance to come in many forms; in prayer, in dreams, in times of quiet solitude, and in the words and deeds of wise Elders and friends.

If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all.

"A warrior is challanged to assume responsibility, practice humility, and display the power of giving, and then center his or her life around a core of spirituality. I challenge todays youth to live like a warrior." Billy Mills

Elder's Meditation of the Day - January 19 "Heal yourself-your physical and spiritual bodies. Regenerate yourself with light, and then help those who have poverty of the soul. Return to the inner spirit, which we have abandoned while looking elsewhere for happiness." --Willaru Huayta, QUECHUA NATION, PERU ***It is difficult to look inside ourselves, especially when we see conflict or confusion. During times of conflict we need to realize that we are talking to ourselves about our thoughts. This conversation is printing in our subconscious and forming our beliefs. During times of conflict we need to ask the spirit to control our self-talk. Only through finding that inner place and going there during troubled times will we ever find happiness.

Posted by: "Dave" ole_deer_hunter Fri Jan 19, 2007 1:26 am (PST)


-----------------

For all of us parents who have respect for the teaching profession….and the people who have the patience to teach our kids!!!

Cris

Click on Cris' name (above) to thank her for her respect for these people who teach our young... She has 3 beautiful children!

here is what she emailed me...

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

(What do YOU make)???

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest What do you make?"


Bonnie, (who had a reputation for honesty and frankness), replied,

"You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.


I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.


I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental...

You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, because we live in the United States of America.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued) "Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant"...

You want to know what I make???

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE... ...(What do YOU make)?"


THERE IS MUCH TRUTH HERE: "Teachers make every other profession "

-----------------------

Are YOU a safe driver? Hows your driving common sense? CLICK HERE to find out!

Note, I took this test, I didn't get ANY wrong; yet just to keep me humble, it told me I had received 95%... (Go figure)!!!

-----------------

A little sidenote here before you read the following...

My dogs are NOT spoiled. (They just smell that way)!!! hehehe

This now, from Kashiyumekoinu...

"Dogs are never permitted in the house. The dog stays outside in a specially built wooden compartment named, for very good reason, the dog house.

Okay, the dog can enter the house but only for short visits or if his own house is under renovation.

Okay, the dog can stay in the house on a permanent basis provided his dog house can be sold in a lawn sale to a rookie dog owner.

Inside the house, the dog is not allowed to run free and is confined to a comfortable but secure metal cage.

Okay, the cage becomes part of a two-for-one deal in the lawn sale, and the dog can go wherever the hell he pleases.

The dog is never allowed on the furniture.

Okay, the dog can get up on the old furniture but not the new furniture.

Okay, the dog can get up on the new furniture until it looks like the old furniture and then we'll sell the whole works and buy new furniture on which the dog will most definitely not be allowed.

The dog never sleeps on the bed. Period.

Okay, the dog can sleep at the foot of the bed only.

Okay, the dog can sleep alongside you, but he's not allowed under the covers.

Okay, the dog can sleep under the covers but not with his head on the pillow.

Okay, the dog can sleep alongside you, under the covers with his head on the pillow, but if he snores, he's got to leave the room.

Okay, the dog can sleep and snore and have nightmares in your bed, but he's not to come in and sleep on the couch in the TV room, where you're now sleeping. That's just not fair.

The dog never gets listed on the census questionnaire as "primary resident" even if it's true.

This was stolen from Kashiyumekoinu's blog pages.. Please CLICK HERE for her site; and more about dogs-

She has many passions about these critters that we all should love--- (and many links to prove that THAT is NOT true in all cases). How awful is that?

and one of the comments left on that page too...

Visitors please note

1. The couch and armchair by the TV are for our own and sole use, although we do share with mummy for cuddle time. Kindly use 2nd armchair or sit on the floor. If proving uncomfortable or inconvenient, you may meet up with mummy at The Gallery (Local cafe)

2. Mummy's very busy fulfilling our every needs. Cuddle time (As and when we feel need/want it) Is a very private and special moment to us. You may remain in the room on the condition that you will not disrupt. You may watch TV (If it's on) Read a book (Kindly bring your own, mummy's books are for her own use) or fall asleep if you wish. Alternatively you may wish to go for a walk.

3. Raising your voice or making sudden moves is strictly not allowed.

4. Do not ask us to sit or lay down, do not ask us to be quiet. We live here, you don't

5. Many germs are spread by hand contact. We don't know what you've touched, whether your hands are clean or not. Consequently do not pat us. You may sniff our butt, that is as long as you do not have halitosis.

6. Guest room doesn't mean that the room is yours while you stay with us. It only means that you get to sleep on the bed. We reserve the right to inspect the room, your luggage and steal your socks if feeling like it.

7. When going walkies, kindly refrain from attempting to walk us on the leash, throw a ball or anything expecting us to play. We hate show offs.

8. You are not allowed near our treat box. Mummy and daddy give treats because we trust them. They fill it up after all. Any other human approaching our treat box will be considered a potential thief and treated accordingly.

9. Our bedroom is ours. We share with mummy and daddy only. Kindly refrain from entering our room.

10. Because we live in the countryside doesn't mean that our home is open 24/7 for humans wishing to enjoy a week end away. There are hotels/ Bed and breakfasts/ Camp sites for that purpose. Keep visits to minimum, and only by prior invitation.

11. Feel welcome to bring your own dog to visit. Cats strictly disallowed.

12. As a human mummy may feel obliged to be nice to you. This doesn't mean that she likes you, simply that she's being polite. We canines do not believe in hypocrisy. WE decide if we like YOU or not.

----------------------------

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.
~anonymous~
--------------------------------

OK enough of this all... I shall be back shortly with 'my own' thoughts~n~things!!!

XOXO
Anne

top picture courtesy of... http://www.miv.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/icon/obj.html

RANDOM...

A few thoughts and things that have crossed my mind, entered my email, and found their way to various 360 sites too...

As you know, I rarely post thoughts/ideas that are not my own... Some of these are just way too clever not to share... Or perhaps way too thought~provoking... Or maybe even funny!

I will follow~up with "my own" blog shortly. In the meantime, please be kind, tolerant... and never ever be afraid to laugh out loud!

XOXO
Anne

Missy ANGEL on how to ask for friendship on the 360! CLICK HERE

-------

DeeAnne's wicked confession?!? CLICK HERE

-----

Native American Indian Traditional Code of Ethics
From "Inter-Tribal Times" October `1994

1. Each morning upon rising, and each evening before sleeping, give thanks for the life within you and for all life, for the good things the Creator has given you and for the opportunity to grow a little more each day. Consider your thoughts and actions of the past day and seek for the courage and strength to be a better person. Seek for the things that will benefit others (everyone).

2. Respect. Respect means "To feel or show honor or esteem for someone or something; to consider the well being of, or to treat someone or something with deference or courtesy". Showing respect is a basic law of life.

a. Treat every person from the tiniest child to the oldest elder with respect at all times.

b. Special respect should be given to Elders, Parents, Teachers, and Community Leaders.

c. No person should be made to feel "put down" by you. Avoid hurting other hearts as you would avoid a deadly poison.

d. Touch nothing that belongs to someone else (especially Sacred Objects) without permission, or an understanding between you.

e. Respect the privacy of every person, never intrude on a person's quiet moment or personal space.

f. Never walk between people that are conversing.

g. Never interrupt people who are conversing.

h. Speak in a soft voice, especially when you are in the presence of Elders, or strangers or others to whom special respect is due.

i. Do not speak unless invited to do so at gatherings where Elders are present. (except to ask what is expected of you, should you be in doubt).

j. Never speak about others in a negative way, whether they are present or not.

k. Treat the earth and all of her aspects as your mother. Show deep respect for the mineral world, the plant world, and the animal world. Do nothing to pollute our Mother, rise up with wisdom to defend her.

l. Show deep respect for the beliefs and religion of others.

m. Listen with courtesy to what others say, even if you feel that what they are saying is worthless. Listen with your heart.

n. Respect the wisdom of the people in council. Once you give an idea to a council meeting it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to the people. Respect demands that you listen intently to the ideas of others in council and that you do not insist that your idea prevail. Indeed you should freely support the ideas of others if they are true and good, even if those ideas are quite different from the ones you have contributed. The clash of ideas brings forth the Spark of Truth.

3. Once a council has decided something in unity, respect demands that no one speak secretly against what has been decided. If the council has made an error, that error will become apparent to everyone in its own time.

4. Be truthful at all times, and under all conditions.

5. Always treat your guests with honor and consideration. Give of your best food, your best blankets, the best part of your house, and your best service to your guests.

6. The hurt of one is the hurt of all, the honor of one is the honor of all.

7. Receive strangers and outsiders with a loving heart and as members of the human family.

8. All the races and tribes in the world are like the different colored flowers of one meadow. All are beautiful. As children of the Creator they must all be respected.

9. To serve others, to be of some use to family, community, nation, and the world is one of the main purposes for which human beings have been created. Do not fill yourself with your own affairs and forget your most important talks. True happiness comes only to those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.

10. Observe moderation and balance in all things.

11. Know those things that lead to your well-being and those things that lead to your destruction.

12. Listen to and follow the guidance given to your heart. Expect guidance to come in many forms; in prayer, in dreams, in times of quiet solitude, and in the words and deeds of wise Elders and friends.

If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all.

"A warrior is challanged to assume responsibility, practice humility, and display the power of giving, and then center his or her life around a core of spirituality. I challenge todays youth to live like a warrior." Billy Mills

Elder's Meditation of the Day - January 19 "Heal yourself-your physical and spiritual bodies. Regenerate yourself with light, and then help those who have poverty of the soul. Return to the inner spirit, which we have abandoned while looking elsewhere for happiness." --Willaru Huayta, QUECHUA NATION, PERU ***It is difficult to look inside ourselves, especially when we see conflict or confusion. During times of conflict we need to realize that we are talking to ourselves about our thoughts. This conversation is printing in our subconscious and forming our beliefs. During times of conflict we need to ask the spirit to control our self-talk. Only through finding that inner place and going there during troubled times will we ever find happiness.

Posted by: "Dave" ole_deer_hunter Fri Jan 19, 2007 1:26 am (PST)


-----------------

For all of us parents who have respect for the teaching profession….and the people who have the patience to teach our kids!!!

Cris

Click on Cris' name (above) to thank her for her respect for these people who teach our young... She has 3 beautiful children!

here is what she emailed me...

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

(What do YOU make)???

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest What do you make?"


Bonnie, (who had a reputation for honesty and frankness), replied,

"You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.


I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.


I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental...

You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, because we live in the United States of America.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued) "Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant"...

You want to know what I make???

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE... ...(What do YOU make)?"


THERE IS MUCH TRUTH HERE: "Teachers make every other profession "

-----------------------

Are YOU a safe driver? Hows your driving common sense? CLICK HERE to find out!

Note, I took this test, I didn't get ANY wrong; yet just to keep me humble, it told me I had received 95%... (Go figure)!!!

-----------------

A little sidenote here before you read the following...

My dogs are NOT spoiled. (They just smell that way)!!! hehehe

This now, from Kashiyumekoinu...

"Dogs are never permitted in the house. The dog stays outside in a specially built wooden compartment named, for very good reason, the dog house.

Okay, the dog can enter the house but only for short visits or if his own house is under renovation.

Okay, the dog can stay in the house on a permanent basis provided his dog house can be sold in a lawn sale to a rookie dog owner.

Inside the house, the dog is not allowed to run free and is confined to a comfortable but secure metal cage.

Okay, the cage becomes part of a two-for-one deal in the lawn sale, and the dog can go wherever the hell he pleases.

The dog is never allowed on the furniture.

Okay, the dog can get up on the old furniture but not the new furniture.

Okay, the dog can get up on the new furniture until it looks like the old furniture and then we'll sell the whole works and buy new furniture on which the dog will most definitely not be allowed.

The dog never sleeps on the bed. Period.

Okay, the dog can sleep at the foot of the bed only.

Okay, the dog can sleep alongside you, but he's not allowed under the covers.

Okay, the dog can sleep under the covers but not with his head on the pillow.

Okay, the dog can sleep alongside you, under the covers with his head on the pillow, but if he snores, he's got to leave the room.

Okay, the dog can sleep and snore and have nightmares in your bed, but he's not to come in and sleep on the couch in the TV room, where you're now sleeping. That's just not fair.

The dog never gets listed on the census questionnaire as "primary resident" even if it's true.

This was stolen from Kashiyumekoinu's blog pages.. Please CLICK HERE for her site; and more about dogs-

She has many passions about these critters that we all should love--- (and many links to prove that THAT is NOT true in all cases). How awful is that?

and one of the comments left on that page too...

Visitors please note

1. The couch and armchair by the TV are for our own and sole use, although we do share with mummy for cuddle time. Kindly use 2nd armchair or sit on the floor. If proving uncomfortable or inconvenient, you may meet up with mummy at The Gallery (Local cafe)

2. Mummy's very busy fulfilling our every needs. Cuddle time (As and when we feel need/want it) Is a very private and special moment to us. You may remain in the room on the condition that you will not disrupt. You may watch TV (If it's on) Read a book (Kindly bring your own, mummy's books are for her own use) or fall asleep if you wish. Alternatively you may wish to go for a walk.

3. Raising your voice or making sudden moves is strictly not allowed.

4. Do not ask us to sit or lay down, do not ask us to be quiet. We live here, you don't

5. Many germs are spread by hand contact. We don't know what you've touched, whether your hands are clean or not. Consequently do not pat us. You may sniff our butt, that is as long as you do not have halitosis.

6. Guest room doesn't mean that the room is yours while you stay with us. It only means that you get to sleep on the bed. We reserve the right to inspect the room, your luggage and steal your socks if feeling like it.

7. When going walkies, kindly refrain from attempting to walk us on the leash, throw a ball or anything expecting us to play. We hate show offs.

8. You are not allowed near our treat box. Mummy and daddy give treats because we trust them. They fill it up after all. Any other human approaching our treat box will be considered a potential thief and treated accordingly.

9. Our bedroom is ours. We share with mummy and daddy only. Kindly refrain from entering our room.

10. Because we live in the countryside doesn't mean that our home is open 24/7 for humans wishing to enjoy a week end away. There are hotels/ Bed and breakfasts/ Camp sites for that purpose. Keep visits to minimum, and only by prior invitation.

11. Feel welcome to bring your own dog to visit. Cats strictly disallowed.

12. As a human mummy may feel obliged to be nice to you. This doesn't mean that she likes you, simply that she's being polite. We canines do not believe in hypocrisy. WE decide if we like YOU or not.

----------------------------

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.
~anonymous~
--------------------------------

OK enough of this all... I shall be back shortly with 'my own' thoughts~n~things!!!

XOXO
Anne

top picture courtesy of... http://www.miv.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/icon/obj.html

RANDOM...

A few thoughts and things that have crossed my mind, entered my email, and found their way to various 360 sites too...

As you know, I rarely post thoughts/ideas that are not my own... Some of these are just way too clever not to share... Or perhaps way too thought~provoking... Or maybe even funny!

I will follow~up with "my own" blog shortly. In the meantime, please be kind, tolerant... and never ever be afraid to laugh out loud!

XOXO
Anne

Missy ANGEL on how to ask for friendship on the 360! CLICK HERE

-------

DeeAnne's wicked confession?!? CLICK HERE

-----

Native American Indian Traditional Code of Ethics
From "Inter-Tribal Times" October `1994

1. Each morning upon rising, and each evening before sleeping, give thanks for the life within you and for all life, for the good things the Creator has given you and for the opportunity to grow a little more each day. Consider your thoughts and actions of the past day and seek for the courage and strength to be a better person. Seek for the things that will benefit others (everyone).

2. Respect. Respect means "To feel or show honor or esteem for someone or something; to consider the well being of, or to treat someone or something with deference or courtesy". Showing respect is a basic law of life.

a. Treat every person from the tiniest child to the oldest elder with respect at all times.

b. Special respect should be given to Elders, Parents, Teachers, and Community Leaders.

c. No person should be made to feel "put down" by you. Avoid hurting other hearts as you would avoid a deadly poison.

d. Touch nothing that belongs to someone else (especially Sacred Objects) without permission, or an understanding between you.

e. Respect the privacy of every person, never intrude on a person's quiet moment or personal space.

f. Never walk between people that are conversing.

g. Never interrupt people who are conversing.

h. Speak in a soft voice, especially when you are in the presence of Elders, or strangers or others to whom special respect is due.

i. Do not speak unless invited to do so at gatherings where Elders are present. (except to ask what is expected of you, should you be in doubt).

j. Never speak about others in a negative way, whether they are present or not.

k. Treat the earth and all of her aspects as your mother. Show deep respect for the mineral world, the plant world, and the animal world. Do nothing to pollute our Mother, rise up with wisdom to defend her.

l. Show deep respect for the beliefs and religion of others.

m. Listen with courtesy to what others say, even if you feel that what they are saying is worthless. Listen with your heart.

n. Respect the wisdom of the people in council. Once you give an idea to a council meeting it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to the people. Respect demands that you listen intently to the ideas of others in council and that you do not insist that your idea prevail. Indeed you should freely support the ideas of others if they are true and good, even if those ideas are quite different from the ones you have contributed. The clash of ideas brings forth the Spark of Truth.

3. Once a council has decided something in unity, respect demands that no one speak secretly against what has been decided. If the council has made an error, that error will become apparent to everyone in its own time.

4. Be truthful at all times, and under all conditions.

5. Always treat your guests with honor and consideration. Give of your best food, your best blankets, the best part of your house, and your best service to your guests.

6. The hurt of one is the hurt of all, the honor of one is the honor of all.

7. Receive strangers and outsiders with a loving heart and as members of the human family.

8. All the races and tribes in the world are like the different colored flowers of one meadow. All are beautiful. As children of the Creator they must all be respected.

9. To serve others, to be of some use to family, community, nation, and the world is one of the main purposes for which human beings have been created. Do not fill yourself with your own affairs and forget your most important talks. True happiness comes only to those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.

10. Observe moderation and balance in all things.

11. Know those things that lead to your well-being and those things that lead to your destruction.

12. Listen to and follow the guidance given to your heart. Expect guidance to come in many forms; in prayer, in dreams, in times of quiet solitude, and in the words and deeds of wise Elders and friends.

If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all.

"A warrior is challanged to assume responsibility, practice humility, and display the power of giving, and then center his or her life around a core of spirituality. I challenge todays youth to live like a warrior." Billy Mills

Elder's Meditation of the Day - January 19 "Heal yourself-your physical and spiritual bodies. Regenerate yourself with light, and then help those who have poverty of the soul. Return to the inner spirit, which we have abandoned while looking elsewhere for happiness." --Willaru Huayta, QUECHUA NATION, PERU ***It is difficult to look inside ourselves, especially when we see conflict or confusion. During times of conflict we need to realize that we are talking to ourselves about our thoughts. This conversation is printing in our subconscious and forming our beliefs. During times of conflict we need to ask the spirit to control our self-talk. Only through finding that inner place and going there during troubled times will we ever find happiness.

Posted by: "Dave" ole_deer_hunter Fri Jan 19, 2007 1:26 am (PST)


-----------------

For all of us parents who have respect for the teaching professionâ€Â¦.and the people who have the patience to teach our kids!!!

Cris

Click on Cris' name (above) to thank her for her respect for these people who teach our young... She has 3 beautiful children!

here is what she emailed me...

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

(What do YOU make)???

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest What do you make?"


Bonnie, (who had a reputation for honesty and frankness), replied,

"You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.


I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.


I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental...

You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, because we live in the United States of America.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued) "Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant"...

You want to know what I make???

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE... ...(What do YOU make)?"


THERE IS MUCH TRUTH HERE: "Teachers make every other profession "

-----------------------

Are YOU a safe driver? Hows your driving common sense? CLICK HERE to find out!

Note, I took this test, I didn't get ANY wrong; yet just to keep me humble, it told me I had received 95%... (Go figure)!!!

-----------------

A little sidenote here before you read the following...

My dogs are NOT spoiled. (They just smell that way)!!! hehehe

This now, from Kashiyumekoinu...

"Dogs are never permitted in the house. The dog stays outside in a specially built wooden compartment named, for very good reason, the dog house.

Okay, the dog can enter the house but only for short visits or if his own house is under renovation.

Okay, the dog can stay in the house on a permanent basis provided his dog house can be sold in a lawn sale to a rookie dog owner.

Inside the house, the dog is not allowed to run free and is confined to a comfortable but secure metal cage.

Okay, the cage becomes part of a two-for-one deal in the lawn sale, and the dog can go wherever the hell he pleases.

The dog is never allowed on the furniture.

Okay, the dog can get up on the old furniture but not the new furniture.

Okay, the dog can get up on the new furniture until it looks like the old furniture and then we'll sell the whole works and buy new furniture on which the dog will most definitely not be allowed.

The dog never sleeps on the bed. Period.

Okay, the dog can sleep at the foot of the bed only.

Okay, the dog can sleep alongside you, but he's not allowed under the covers.

Okay, the dog can sleep under the covers but not with his head on the pillow.

Okay, the dog can sleep alongside you, under the covers with his head on the pillow, but if he snores, he's got to leave the room.

Okay, the dog can sleep and snore and have nightmares in your bed, but he's not to come in and sleep on the couch in the TV room, where you're now sleeping. That's just not fair.

The dog never gets listed on the census questionnaire as "primary resident" even if it's true.

This was stolen from Kashiyumekoinu's blog pages.. Please CLICK HERE for her site; and more about dogs-

She has many passions about these critters that we all should love--- (and many links to prove that THAT is NOT true in all cases). How awful is that?

and one of the comments left on that page too...

Visitors please note

1. The couch and armchair by the TV are for our own and sole use, although we do share with mummy for cuddle time. Kindly use 2nd armchair or sit on the floor. If proving uncomfortable or inconvenient, you may meet up with mummy at The Gallery (Local cafe)

2. Mummy's very busy fulfilling our every needs. Cuddle time (As and when we feel need/want it) Is a very private and special moment to us. You may remain in the room on the condition that you will not disrupt. You may watch TV (If it's on) Read a book (Kindly bring your own, mummy's books are for her own use) or fall asleep if you wish. Alternatively you may wish to go for a walk.

3. Raising your voice or making sudden moves is strictly not allowed.

4. Do not ask us to sit or lay down, do not ask us to be quiet. We live here, you don't

5. Many germs are spread by hand contact. We don't know what you've touched, whether your hands are clean or not. Consequently do not pat us. You may sniff our butt, that is as long as you do not have halitosis.

6. Guest room doesn't mean that the room is yours while you stay with us. It only means that you get to sleep on the bed. We reserve the right to inspect the room, your luggage and steal your socks if feeling like it.

7. When going walkies, kindly refrain from attempting to walk us on the leash, throw a ball or anything expecting us to play. We hate show offs.

8. You are not allowed near our treat box. Mummy and daddy give treats because we trust them. They fill it up after all. Any other human approaching our treat box will be considered a potential thief and treated accordingly.

9. Our bedroom is ours. We share with mummy and daddy only. Kindly refrain from entering our room.

10. Because we live in the countryside doesn't mean that our home is open 24/7 for humans wishing to enjoy a week end away. There are hotels/ Bed and breakfasts/ Camp sites for that purpose. Keep visits to minimum, and only by prior invitation.

11. Feel welcome to bring your own dog to visit. Cats strictly disallowed.

12. As a human mummy may feel obliged to be nice to you. This doesn't mean that she likes you, simply that she's being polite. We canines do not believe in hypocrisy. WE decide if we like YOU or not.

----------------------------

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.
~anonymous~
--------------------------------

OK enough of this all... I shall be back shortly with 'my own' thoughts~n~things!!!

XOXO
Anne

top picture courtesy of... http://www.miv.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/icon/obj.html