Those two little words have a great message.

Be Still

The blizzard has caused our world here to "Be Still."
Usually Saturday is a filled with business and catching up from the past week, and preparing for the next. But, the blizzard of 2008 has made a definite impact on us.

BE STILL

Be still and reflect on what is most important.
Be still and reach out to those who are dear to you.
Be still and think about good things.
Be still and be at peace!
Be still and do not be afraid.
Be still and look at things in a new way.
Be still and watch the snow fall from your window.
Be still and listen to the wind blowing in the trees.
Be still and listen to the neighbors taking the time for each other they normally don't do -- because we are in a situation that is slowing us down and helping us look at things in a more constructive way.
Be still and be content.
Be still and be positive.
Be still and be thankful.
Be still and make this day a special one.

It is March isn't it? I am getting a bit confused!

We are in the middle of yet another bad snow storm. Tomorrow we are predicted to have strong winds and blizzard conditions. I think I will just stay inside, and stand at the window and growl like a big old brown bear as the blizzard swirls around. I do hope my electric will stay on. The other day I was without power, but it was not too terribly long. One of my friends was 2 days without electric, and she is like me, she works from home on the computer.

But you never know what each day will bring to you. We learn that early in our lives. You know when you are young you plan for something exciting, and then maybe you get sick. Then when you are a teenager and there is a big party, and your cousins come to visit, and you cannot go. So we face unexpected events in life.

I think it is good when we learn early on to have plan B just in case plan A does not go as you would have it planned. So I will just sit in my comfortable world, and kick my feet up and watch an old movie or just read. I think that calls for a cup of hot tea too! Want to join me? I hope it is cozy in your world!

Someone very dear to me has just gone to be with his mother near Indianapolis. He was on the road by 6 a.m. today, and made it to his mother's about 1 p.m. The roads were horrible. He was very tired, but he drove in spite of that because his mother needed him to be with her. Mama is 90 and so full of life. She has been a widow for over 60+ years. His mother has lost 2 of her children, and has only her son left. There was no question, he was going to be there no matter! The love of a son for his mother is a beautiful thing. Daughters and mothers just seem to do that naturally. But to see a son take care of his mother, even having had her live with him for many years, and that when she calls, he says, "Mom I will be there!" I will take you to the hospital. She was to have a new pacemaker put in. She needed him to be with her, but she did not want to "bother" him. His mother is not a bother. His mother is a true gem in his life. Today regardless of the ice and the snow and the winds, and being tired, and not having enough sleep, he took that trip many miles away so he could be there for her. As soon as he got there, she had made a big meal for him. Mothers are so loving and so caring. You know, you just have to eat a good meal! After they ate, he took her to the hospital and was up there for many hours until she could come home. He said when they got in the door, she was already telling him he needed to go Krogering for her, and handed him a long list of things so she could cook for him. You know a mother's love does not stop because you have a pacemaker put in that day, you have things to do -- you have a son to care for.
Mother's are wonderful, Sons are dear. It is a privilege to know that you have friends who love their parent as much as that.

I am planning a trip to Switzerland....well at least I am planning a "dream trip". I was looking at all the beautiful chalets to stay in, and the luxury spots of the Alps. The snow, the scenery, a time to get away and reflect on things, or maybe just to forget about my routine for a bit. It's fun to dream. It doesn't cost you anything. You can go anywhere you want. All you need is an imagination, and the internet, and you can go visit anywhere you would like to, and even see the rooms, and experience the excitement of seeing those beautiful places in the world.

The last 2 days I have lived in a world of glitter, sparkle, soft white fluffiness, and beautiful rolling hills showing a picture of nature at one of its most glorious times. We were in the middle of an ice storm, and snow storm. It came down for 2 days. We didn't even have electricity, and oh my goodness it was something. All I could do was look out my big windows in the kitchen, in my living area, and in my office, and marvel at the way the trees were laden with their glittering loveliness.

I thought you know, I want to go places and see the world, but I have the most beautiful place here where I live to see nature at its most regal.

I hope you are enjoying this day as much as I am. I am just thankful I don't have to shovel out or drive very much on the roads, and all I have to do is have my nose to the window and thrill at the picture of nature before me.

Winter in Ohio is very difficult for this transplanted Arkansan.
I grew up in Ohio, but spent most of my adult life in Arkansas, so I was very spoiled not having to deal with much snow. This winter we were told that we have had the heaviest snow falls in February setting records for snow fall. I guess that was to inform us.
But they aren't telling me anything that I don't already know first-hand!! How about you?

The utility bill, I scream everytime I open one. I now open it carefully as if it were a bomb. I usually have to sit down while opening the bill. But my favorite thing is, when you want to get your deposit back, they tell you that you have to wait a certain amount of time. My own money suddenly has become theirs.

When I get like this, I watch the old movie Christmas in Connecticut with Barbara Stanwyck with the horse and sleigh rides, and then it makes me happy and cozy again.