WILLOW49's SparkPeople Blog

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 12:47:05 EST

Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day. And, you know what to do...perform a few random acts of kindness. Almost any kind deed will do.

This is a favorite day of many people and groups. People like the idea of showing a little kindness to others. Its a fun and good thing to do. And, they like being on the receiving end of this day as well. It makes both the giver and the receiver feel good.

Remember that what comes around, goes around. Random Acts of Kindness is highly con...

National Hug Day!

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 11:08:21 EST

National Hug Day was created by Rev. Kevin Zaborney in 1986. This day has since been celebrated annually and continues to grow internationally, it is observed this Monday, Jan. 21. Zaborney wanted to help people show their emotions in public and spread more love throughout America.

With all the drama going on nowadays in this crazy but beautiful world, huggers are an endangered species. Help love grow and participate in National Hug Day. Hug your family and loved ones today and rem...

New Year Cheer

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 22:00:45 EST

At the sound of the tolling midnight bell
a brand new year will begin.
Let's raise our hopes in a confidant toast,
to the promise it ushers in.
May your battles be few, your pleasure many,
your wishes and dreams fulfilled.
May your confidence stand in the face of loss
and give you the strength to rebuild.

May peace of heart fill all your days
may serenity grace your soul.
May tranquil moments bless your life
and keep your spirit who...

That is Christmas...

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 22:11:03 EST

Every time a hand reaches out
To help another... that is Christmas.
Every time someone puts anger aside
And strives for understanding
That is Christmas.
Every time people forget their differences
And realize their love for each other
That is Christmas.
May this Christmas bring us
Closer to the spirit of human understanding
Closer to the blessing of peace!

-author unknown-

Thank You...and update!

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 23:02:13 EST

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for my son! He came through surgery just fine, however he is in such pain he can barely stand it. The pain killers do not work for him at all. I sure wish I could take his pain away. Nurses and docs were in to see him about every 20 min. today. He has had no sleep whatsoever.

I have to give him a lot of credit. He did get out of bed and into a chair this afternoon and later went for a short walk. Tonight before getting in be...

Prayer Request, please

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 22:06:07 EST

My only child, son, will be having major surgery tomorrow. He is very nervous about it as he's never had any type of surgery before. He is a neurosurgical PA so knows exactly what will be going on. Perhaps he knows too much! Pain meds do not work for him (he takes after his mama and nana); he's worried about having a lot of pain during recovery.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Thanks so much!

Thanks to all!

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:55:07 EST

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who sent me birthday goodies, wishes, etc. You all made my day very special!

A BIG thank you to QL & QJ for turning my birthday into a magical week!

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BE THANKFUL

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 11:35:35 EST

Be Thankful
By Author Unknown

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it...

Thank you!

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 12:19:33 EST

A big thank you to all of you for your thoughts, concerns, and prayers for Hurricane Sandy.
We were so blessed, didn't get hit nearly as hard as predicted. We had rain & some high winds, but we never lost power. All is well in upstate NY! Talked with my son earlier this morning. There is flooding and high winds, but he never lost power. He did get called into the hospital this morning, but he only lives 3 miles away and made it safely :)

My thoughts and prayers go out to ...

Praying for those in Sandy's path

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 13:32:22 EST

I will keep everyone in Sandy's path in my thoughts and prayers. This is supposedly the biggest hurricane ever recorded for the Atlantic basin.

I am in upstate NY. We are as prepared as we can be, stocked up with provisions. Winds are already picking up, and most likely we will lose power (perhaps up to several days) sometime today or during the night. We are lucky to have a pellet stove for some heat. I did have to run to the store this morning to pick up cat food. I have 5...

Happy Birthday WORKOUTWITHPAM!

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 16:01:06 EST

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Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Pam!
Happy Birthday to you!

Today is Pam's birthday! Stop by her page and wish her well! She is a great Spark friend and deserves a big celebration today!

www.sparkpeople.com/mypage.asp?id=WO
RKOUTWITHPAM

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRUELOU!!!

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 23:39:51 EST

Today (Thursday) is the birthday of one of my best Spark friends, TRULOU! She joined SP just days after I did, and we've been friends ever since!

Have you ever asked God for giving you one more chance to fulfil your dreams? He's given in to you in the form of a Birthday! Celebrate this day and mark it in the calendar of your life to achieve many more milestones ahead.

May every path be smooth for you,
May every corner bring you happy surprises,
May every day ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHASTA II

Sun, 5 Aug 2012 06:07:30 EST

Today is the birthday of one of my best Spark friends, SHASTA 11. She's been a wonderful friend ever since I joined SP!

As my friend, you are...

B - Benevolent
E - Entertaining
S - Soulful
T - Talented
B - Blessed
U - Unique
D - Dashing
D - Determined
Y - Youthful

In your birthday cake, I want to dedicate one slice to love, one slice to courage, one slice to determination, one slice to peace of mind and one slice ...

Never Quit Pledge...It's time to get serious fellow Sparkers!

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 12:53:20 EST

Today, I promise I will not quit.
I pledge that no matter, how many ups and
downs I pass through,
I will continue on my journey.
I pledge to make a NEW START today,
and forgive myself for my past,
and to stop being so critical of myself.
I pledge to take control of myself,
To Stop making excuses,
And stop blaming other people or situations.
I pledge to treat myself as I would my Best
Friend,
Because that is who I am.

Happy Easter!

Sat, 7 Apr 2012 23:07:32 EST

I know it's Easter time again,
I feel it in the air.
The breath of spring with woodsy tang,
And new life everywhere.
And spring glides on with magic touch
O'er mountain side and glen;
And wakens all the sleeping plants
For Easter time again.

The brooklets leap from rock to rock,
As if in joyful play;
The flowers peep from darkened tombs
To welcome Easter Day.
The birds are swinging on the boughs,
And trill in ecstasy;
...

ABCs of Me

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 12:24:08 EST

I read this on another blog, and she got it from someone else who challenged readers to share it with others. So here I go. Let's get to know each other better. Your turn next!

A. Age- old enough to know better ;)

B. Books- mysteries

C. Chore- washing dishes

D. Dog- not any more

E. Essentials- family, friends

F. Favorite color- blue

G. Games - Wii

H. Hometown- upstate NY

I. Indulgences - pedic...

"Let it snow"

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:33:20 EST

Want to see something cool? Go to google.com, type in "Let it Snow" in the search box. Be sure to wait and see what happens!
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Bethlehemian Rhapsody

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 12:51:56 EST

The Greatest Story Ever Told performed as my favorite song & band (sorry Barry).

Listen to this!

m.godtube.com/watch/?v=KG7GGLNX

Christmas Quote

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 18:04:44 EST

Wouldn’t life be worth the living
Wouldn’t dreams be coming true
If we kept the Christmas spirit
All the whole year through?

---author unknown

Johnny Appleseed Day!

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:50:26 EST

Johnny Appleseed (September 26, 1774 – March 18, 1845), born John Chapman, was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. He became an American legend while still alive, largely because of his kind and generous ways, his great leadership in conservation, and the symbolic importance he attributed to apples.

www.sparkpeople.com/mypage.asp?id=WO
RKOUTWITHPAM

Motivator of the Day!

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:43:16 EST

Thanks to all who stopped by my page leaving comments and goodies, congratulating me on being selected Motivator of the Day.

What a nice surprise for me today!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRUELOU!

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:31:05 EST

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Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Lou!
Happy Birthday to you!

Today is Lou's birthday! Stop by her page and wish her well! She's one of my best Spark friends and deserves a big celebration today! She's been such an inspiration, motivation, and greatest Spark Friend ever!

www.sparkpeople.com/mypage.asp?id=TR
UELOU

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What brings a smile to your face?

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 11:32:54 EST

It's National Smile Week! What brings a smile to your face?

For me it's my son, children's laughter and a purring cat :) How about you?

Happy Birthday, Shasta II

Fri, 5 Aug 2011 09:11:48 EST

Today is the birthday of one of my best Spark friends, SHASTA 11. She's been a wonderful friend ever since I joined SP over a year ago. She is so supportive, encouraging, and a true friend! Wishing you all the great things in life, hope this day will bring you an extra share of all that makes you happiest.

Please stop by her page and wish her a very happy birthday!

You're the best, Queen Joan!
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God Bless the USA!

Mon, 4 Jul 2011 08:18:55 EST

God Bless The USA
by Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I'd worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.

I'd thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can't take that away.

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me. ...

Father's Day

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 13:31:58 EST

A Dad is a person who is loving and kind,
And often he knows what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens, suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one of your very best friends!
He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient and helpful and strong
In all that you do, a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him deep in your heart.
And each year that passes, you're even more glad,
More grateful and ...

Happy Second Sparkversary, TRUELOU!

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 03:18:39 EST

Today, June 15th, is my dear friend's second Sparkversary! She joined Spark People just 3 days after I did, and we became friends right away. She's always so supportive, motivating, inspirational, and has a wonderful sense of humor!

HAPPY SECOND SPARKVERSARY, my dear friend! Here's to many more years of friendship on Spark People! You are doing so well with your weight loss. Keep up the great work, and thanks for keeping me motivated!

Please stop by her page and w...

2 years already?!

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:50:15 EST

Today celebrates my 2nd anniversary with Sparks! I've lost (and kept off) 80 lbs., had open heart surgery earlier this year. Feeling so much better now. I actually joined a local gym, go to the pool at least 5 days a week. Hoping to start using some of the equipment soon.

I want to thank each and everyone of you who has encouraged me , motivated me, given me a kick in the butt when I needed it! What wonderful friends I have made!

I still have a long way to go, bu...

Mother

Sat, 7 May 2011 09:52:23 EST

If I could give you diamonds
for each tear you cried for me.
if I could five you sapphires
for each truth you've helped me see.
If I could give you rubies
for the heartache that you've known
If I could give you pearls
for the wisdom that you've shown.
Then you'll have a treasure, mother,
that would mount up to the skies
That would almost match
the sparkle in your kind and loving eyes.
But I have no pearls, no diamonds,
As I'm ...

50 Questions

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:59:54 EST

(Copied idea from Linda!)

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
both grandmothers

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
a few weeks ago

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
yes

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
none

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
1 son

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I think so

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
no

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR ...

Prayers answered! Home from open heart surgery...

Sun, 6 Feb 2011 15:21:45 EST

I know this has been a long time coming, but I have so little energy these days (pretty normal after heart surgery I’m told).

Surgery (replacement of aortic valve) went much smoother than my doc ever expected. No complications whatsoever! What great news! However, 2 days after surgery I had complications from the narcotics I was given, had a build up of carbon dioxide, etc., and was pretty much “out of it” for 5-6 days. No pain meds work for me, so I was screaming, moaning, tal...

Long Spark Break - Prayers requested!

Sun, 9 Jan 2011 13:13:26 EST

As many of you know, I’ve been dealing with aortic stenosis for the past 2 years. My surgeon said it was time for surgery this fall, but I refused as my son’s wedding was in October (in GA), and I was going to be there no matter what! Mission accomplished :)

I had another check-up in December, and my surgeon said I really couldn’t put surgery off any longer. So…on Wednesday (Jan. 12), I will be having open heart surgery (valve replacement). My aortic valve has calcium build-up ...

New Year's Recipe

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 11:02:58 EST

Take twelve whole months,
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy,
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or
thirty-one different parts,
but don't make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day one part of faith,
one part of patience, one part of courage,
and one part of work.

Add to eac...

Christmas

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 06:18:22 EST

Christmas Gift Suggestions

Wed, 1 Dec 2010 12:27:53 EST

I received this in an email this morning; just had to share!

Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

~Oren Arnold

Thank You!

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:15:15 EST

I'd like to thank all my great friends and team mates who were kind enough to wish me Happy Birthday.. Nothing could have prepared me for the amount of well wishes, goodies, and Spark Mails. Thanks so much for all of your kindness. Each and every one of you are special to me!

As some of you know, I spent the long weekend in Philly as my son & wife were up from GA. OnSaturday, we drove to Hoboken, NJ to Carlo's Bakery (The Cake Boss) to pick up a birthday cake for me. (Oh yum, b...

Giving Thanks

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 19:29:25 EST

For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped,
For the labor well done, and the barns that are heaped,
For the sun and the dew and the sweet honeycomb,
For the rose and the song and the harvest brought home --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

For the trade and the skill and the wealth in our land,
For the cunning and strength of the workingman's hand,
For the good that our artists and poets have taught,
For the friendship that hope and affecti...

Bye, bye

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:08:02 EST

for a little while :) I'm leaving tomorrow morning to travel from upstate NY to GA for my son's wedding on Oct. 30th. Such exciting times! His birthday is Oct. 31 (a trick and treat!), and our 30th wedding anniversary is Nov. 30th. So much happening in such a short time!

I won't be around Sparks much, but will try to check in a few times while gone. See ya when I return home Nov. 6 or 7th.

Thanks for all of your good wishes :)

Double Apple Muffins (80 calories)

Mon, 4 Oct 2010 18:56:24 EST

Here's a favorite of mine!

DOUBLE APPLE MUFFINS

1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar (I use Splenda)
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3/4 cup skim milk
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3/4 cup shredded apple

In a mixing bowl, beat egg, milk and applesauce. Stir in shredded apple. Add flour, sugar, baking powder and salt all at once. Stir until just moistened. Fill muffin liners/greased muffin tins 3/4 full of bat...

Nobby Apple Cake

Sun, 3 Oct 2010 20:36:21 EST

I had a request for recipes that use some of those apples I picked ;) Here's my son's favorite!

Nobby Apple Cake

3/4 c. sugar (I use Splenda)
1 c. flour
2 T. shortening
1/4 c. molasses
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. salt
1 t. vanilla
1 t. baking soda
3 c. diced apples
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Cream sugar and shortening, add molasses, beaten egg and mix well. Add apples, nuts a...

Johnny Appleseed Day!

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 16:46:17 EST

No word f...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRUELOU!

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:42:13 EST

Today is Lou's birthday! Stop by her page and wish her well! She's one of my best Spark friends and deserves a big celebration today! She's been such an inspiration, motivation, and greatest Spark Friend ever! Here's to you, Lou; may we have many years of friendship! 408

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Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Lou!
Happy Birthday to you!

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Prayers needed

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 19:00:27 EST

As many of you know, I was in the ER this past week (due to some complications from surgery I'd had early in the week). Let me tell you, I will never, ever go to our local hospital ERs again. I went for what I thought were 2 minor issues. These issues were barely addressed, but they did try to treat me for a "heart attack" which they were sure I was having while there. No, I did not have a heart attack. I knew it then, I tried to tell the doctors and nurses, but they would not listen to ...

I'm sad...

Fri, 6 Aug 2010 14:56:53 EST

I just learned early today that one of my best friends for over 20 years won't be with us much longer. We met when our sons were taking karate lessons (8 years old). She had a stroke a few years ago, made a remarkable recovery. Heart problems started later. She had a pacemaker put in at Cleveland Clinic just a few weeks ago. No one expected her to go downhll so fast.

I'll be away this weekend, but plan to visit her on Monday. She should be home from the hospital then. Plea...

Happy Birthday, SHASTA 11 !

Thu, 5 Aug 2010 16:49:41 EST

Today is the birthday of one of my best Spark friends, SHASTA 11. She's been a wonderful friend ever since I joined SP over a year ago. She is so supportive, encouraging, and a true friend!

Please stop by her page and wish her a very happy birthday!

You're the best, Queen Joan!
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Getting to know me

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:29:38 EST

Fun Questionnaire to Get To Know Each Other

This was posted by SPARKPLUG53 , and I thought it would be fun to post here also! Let me know if you complete it, and I will go check out your blog!

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? upstate NY

DO YOU HAVE ANY KIDS & IF SO HOW MANY? 1 son

WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION? domestic engineer

ARE YOU MARRIED & IF SO HOW LONG? Yes, 30 years Nov. 2010

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? homemade bread

DO ...