NEVER ENDING

 This was my to do list several years ago. And although I have accomplished much of the list, I feel like parts of the list are never completed.

MY PLAN

 Your time on Earth is limited. Don’t try to “age gracefully.” Age with mischief, audacity, and a good story to tell.

NEW PATHS

"If you want to succeed, you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success."

- John D. Rockefeller

FILLING MY CUP

 

 

I was totally blessed to attend a women’s conference this weekend. 

I spent time with friends and family, and heard inspiration from great speakers. 

And a heartfelt thank you to John for not only checking my tires in the dark last night, but for cleaning the entire house before I got home today. 

My cup was truly filled. 

GREAT ARTICLE

FACE OUTWARD

We live in a world that encourages us- almost trins us – to turn inward. We guard our calendars. We focus on “self-care,” “boundaries,” “what’s best for me.” And don’t get me wrong, I’m not her to throw shade at those things. They matter.

But somewhere along the line, we’ve started to believe that the way to survive life is to close ourselves off from it.

What if I told you the exact opposite was true?

What if real purpose, real joy, and real connection come not from turning inward – but from facing outward?

To face outward means to live your life aware of the people around you. It means paying attention. Loing up from your own to-do list long enough to see who might need encouragement. 

It’s not about fixing everything. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about showing up with a posture of openness.

That might look like asking the cashier how their day is really going. It might look like checking in on a neighbor. It might mean making space at your table or even just smiling at someone who looks like they’ve forgotten what it feels like to be seen.

We often underestimate the impact of these small actions. We think change has to come from big programs, big money or big titles. But every great community I’ve ever seen – every strong, connected, resilient place – has one thing in common: everyday people who have made a decision to face outward.

…..

The truth is, when we stay too inward for too long, life starts to feel heavy. We get stuck in our own struggles. We compare, we isolate and we convince ourselves that no one really gets it. But when we turn outward – when we notice others – we begin to realize we’re not alone. Our perspective shifts.

One of the most beautiful things about facing outward is this: when you offer light, somehow it reflects right back on you.

So, here’s the real question:

Are you living your life facing outward?

Do you know your neighbor’s name? Do you ask questions that you genuinely want the answer to? Do you look for ways to make someone else’s load a little lighter? Are your conversations more about listening than speaking? 

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.

…the people who have had the biggest influence on my life weren’t trying to “change the world.” They were just facing outward. They gave me time. They asked me how I was doing and waited for the real answer. They modeled consistency, encouragement, and belier in something bigger than themselves.

As we step into this next season of life, let this be your challenge:

Be the one who turns toward others. Don’t wait for someone else to fix it. Don’t believe the lie that your actions don’t matter.

Look up. Look out. Lead with kindness. Give your attention. Share your story. Welcome someone in.

That’s how communities are built. That’s how trust is restored. That’s how people feel seen, valued, and reminded that they matter.

It starts small. A glance. A word. A gesture.

But it all starts when we choose to face outward.

And that, my friend is a choice you can make today.

 

Amanda Owens  /  Owensboro Messenger Inquirer 9-25-2025

 

NOVA

Nova wanted to show Grammy her favorite toy! 

She is my youngest grandpuppy! 

 

LET’S DO THIS

 

KNOWLEDGE

 

THINK POSITIVE

 

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.”

WN

THE SCIENCE GUY

 

INFO

 

I CONCUR

 

"When you come to a fork in the road, take it."

- Yogi Berra

1st DAY OF FALL

My very favorite 

time of year!

 

IN MY TOWN

 

https://visitowensboro.com/2025/09/illuminate-art-light-experience/?oti=130&otx=619&fbclid=IwdGRjcAM9ku1leHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqyVdidNCvQEenn6NpAmW8wZluMu13ubppom5OwMIhgag-0Dq1_Lc2gRvxajzA9KbS8G-QTw_aem_3LV0eEdMPgzy8JyiWSeMiw&utm_medium=paid&utm_source=fb&utm_id=120230898691550125&utm_content=120230898693890125&utm_term=120230898692020125&utm_campaign=120230898691550125

NATIVE 1500

 

LET’S DO THIS

 

EPICTETUS SAID

 

Philosophy: The Pursuit of Wisdom

SPECIAL OCCASION

 It’s rebellious, in a way, to chose joy, to dance, to love your life. It’s much easier and much more common to be miserable. We could just live our normal day-to-day lives, saving all the good living up for someday, but I think it’s our job to live each day like a special occasion. Because, we’ve been given a gift. 

S.N.

ANOTHER GREAT SUNDAY

EDUCATION

Had my first lesson in excel reporting today. I feel like a school girl with a new skill set ! 💻📊✅

NOW WE KNOW

 

YOUNG

 I read a quote that said…

"Being young isn't about age; it's about being a free spirit."

I have to agree. As my birthday count elevates, I can feel my body age, I can see it too. But I also feel my spirit becoming more free. Less concerned and confident by things that don’t matter. And more eager to enjoy life! 

IT MADE EVERYONE AWARE

 https://join1440.com/t/recessions?pinned-resource=how-the-us-government-used-photography-to-fight-poverty&user_id=66c4bf685d78644b3aa504c9&utm_source=1440-share&utm_medium=web

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“I believe, every day, you should have at least one exquisite moment.”

​

– AUDREY HEPBURN

A JOB WELL DONE

 Congratulations to one of my very favorite son in laws! Steve took first place with his co-host for their Sports Radio talk show. The Award of Excellence! Truly fitting!

 

GRAHAM CRACKERS

 How long has it been since you ate a graham cracker? I don’t remember the last time I did. But tonight I’m nibbling on one. I had forgotten how simply delicious they are.

I plan to make a special dessert for my daughter, and I will need graham cracker crumbs. The store I went to didn’t have a box of graham cracker crumbs (or hoisin sauce either, but that’s for another recipe). So I bought a box of graham crackers. 

As a little girl, maybe 3 years old, I would wonder down to Mrs. Farington’s house. To me she was old, she had sons in high school. She would let me help her in her garden, then we would go in her kitchen and she would wash my little hands. She would sit me up to her counter on a stool. Then she would give me the most wonderful treat, a cream cheese frosted graham cracker, with a cup of milk. 

Mrs. Farmington is one of the happiest childhood memories I have. How grateful I am to that sweet, kind woman. 

My children grew up with the story of Mrs. Farmington and her amazing frosted graham crackers. 

Not long ago, my granddaughter asked her mom for “Lavender Mrs. Farington”. I had to ask my daughter what that was. She said they would just add a drop or two of purple food die into the cream cheese frosting, to make it lavender, before putting it on the graham crackers. 

I cried! 

I was so touched that my daughter is carrying on the legacy of Mrs. Farmington for my granddaughter. 

So tonight as I nibble on this lovely graham cracker, I can truly say that this is so very delightful to me.

eek

OVER AND OVER

 Being a good person isn’t complicated. It’s about the little choices you make every day:

Stop turning everything into a battle. Not everything needs to be an issue. 

Celebrate other people’s wins instead of feeling threatened by them.

Don’t hold someone hostage to who they used to be, people can and do change. 

And above all, live with gratitude. A thanks heart leaves no room for bitterness. 

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about choosing peace, kindness and growth, over and over again. 

FLOWER TODAY

 

DAYS UNTIL

 

GRAND WEEKEND

 I had a great weekend!

One on one time with the grandkids that are big is such an amazing thing. They talk to you and share with you and you get to fall in love with who they are.

Lily asked to have the weekend, so we got to enjoy the time with her. We gathered with family to support a grandson’s Homecoming Football game. Seven grandkids gathered with us for that, along with their parents.

Saturday, after whipping up lots of waffles, my daughter brought Miss Mayberry to spend some time with her cousin Lily. After some play time, we had a girls lunch at Crème. I think they all liked the outing. 

Saturday afternoon we headed to Haubstadt, to watch the Haubstadt Hustler dirt track race at Tri-State Race Track. We got snacks and drinks and took our stadium seats. We met up with some good friends and watched some good races. It was fun answering all of Lily’s questions and teaching her all about the race. 

Sunday morning we made more waffles. Then we headed to church. Family was there too! I really like our new church. I am truly feeling at home there. 

Then more family came over to watch the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals win their games. 

After that we headed back to church for an evening worship service. It was absolutely something I needed. And time spent with another granddaughter there. 

I’m super tired tonight. It has been a very full weekend. I truly feel so blessed. What a grand weekend!

HORNETS

 Hancock County High School Football Game

Fun with the family!!!

9/11

 

“When Americans lend a hand to one another, nothing is impossible. We’re not about what happened on 9/11. We’re about what happened on 9/12.”

​

– JEFF PARNESS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 I love you my beauty, 

every single day! 

REBELLION

 Personal excellence is the 

ultimate rebellion!

Andy Frisella

DRAGGING MAIN 2025

 

WORD OF THE DAY

 

MOON GAZING

 

Tonight moon!

QUOTE OF THE DAY

 

START PLANNING

 

MY MORNING VIEW

WHEELS OF TIME

 

May 2025 Maggie Valley

TODAY

LOUISVILLE

 

HELL OR HIGH WATER