YES PLEASE

I want one…or three!

WELCOME

My granddaughter came to play at Grammies this weekend. As we drove to my house she saw a cute pink sign in front of a store. I told her it said “Welcome”. I asked her if she knew what welcome means, and the four year old told me no. So I told her that Welcome means “I’m glad to see you, come on in!”

We practiced that a few times and I hope it’s something that will stick with her. 

So as September has arrived, with hopes of fall to follow shortly, I say 

WELCOME!

SEPTEMBER 2024

BE FEARLESS

Be fearless.

Change is good.

Hard work is essential 

to making an idea 

come to life. 

When you are through changing you 

are through.

M.S.

I am not ready 

to be through. 

I am not afraid of 

hard work or change. 

Always ready for the 

next fork in my path!

AM

AUGUST DRAG RACING

STRIVE OR STAGNATE

Natalie Coughlin said “Without goals, training has no direction.”

If you don’t intentionally creat your future, your mind will re-create whatever it got used to seeing in your past. 

Chadwick Boseman said “Purpose is an essential element of You… the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.”

Set your goals, put purpose and action towards creating the outcome you want. Just wishing for your future won’t make it happen. 

Start now, because you don’t know how much longer you will be here.

OLD…WHAT?

I saw a picture of Adam Sandler today. My first thought was that he has aged very well. 

Then I thought, man, he has really aged… how old is he? 

So I inquired this question to my phone, and I was informed that he is 57. 

What?

Born in 1966…

What?

I’m 57,

Born in 1966. 

How did this happen?

I don’t mind being 57, until I realize that makes me old. 

When did all this happen?

CURRENCY

Time is the only

currency you spend 

without ever knowing 

your balance. 

Spend it wisely.

CREATE YOUR STORY

Your time on Earth is limited. 

Don’t try to “Age Gracefully”

Age with mischief, audacity,

and a good story to tell!

THIS ONE IS SO GOOD

https://youtu.be/9gWIIIr2Asw?si=43bvPa3Ae3SGk_7p

LOSE CONTROL

By Teddy Swims

Something's got a hold of me lately
No, I don't know myself anymore
Feels like the walls are all closin' in
And the devil's knockin' at my door, whoa

Out of my mind, how many times
Did I tell you I'm no good at bein' alone?
Yeah, it's takin' a toll on me, tryin' my best to keep
From tearin' the skin off my bones, don't you know

I lose control
When you're not next to me (when you're not here with me)
I'm fallin' apart right in front of you, can't you see?
I lose control
When you're not next to me, mm-hm
Yeah, you're breakin' my heart, baby
You make a mess of me

Problematic
Problem is I want your body like a fiend, like a bad habit
Bad habits hard to break when I'm with you
Yeah, I know, I could do it on my own
But I want that real full moon black magic and it takes two
Problematic
Problem is when I'm with you, I'm an addict
And I need some relief, my skin in your teeth
Can't see the forest through the trees
Got me down on my knees, darlin' please, oh

I lose control
When you're not next to me (when you're not here with me)
I'm fallin' apart right in front of you, can't you see?
I lose control
When you're not next to me, mm-hm
Yeah, you're breakin' my heart, baby
You make a mess of me, yeah

I lose control
When you're not here with me, mm
I'm fallin' apart right in front of you, can't you see?
I lose control
When you're not here with me, mm-hm
Yeah, you're breakin' my heart, baby
You make a mess of me.

WAKING UP IN PARADISE

Seven years ago today! I need more of this in my life!

Maui ♥️

SORRY…NOT SORRY

18 Weekends Until CHRISTMAS!

Fa LaLaLaLaLaLaLa!!!

🫶🏻

KNOW WHERE TO GET OFF

Someone once said 

“If you get on the wrong train, be sure to get off at the first stop. 

The longer you stay on, the more expensive the return trip is 

going to cost you”. 

They weren’t talking about 

train travel. 

TONIGHTS MOON

PALMS

Thanks M.O., great shot from Fountain Hills, AZ

REMEMBER THIS ONE THING

When you feel lost…

Do what you love…

You’ll always find yourself again!

♥️

CHOOSE WELL

Happiness is a mindset, a conscious choice we make every day. It isn’t about having a perfect life, but about finding joy in the little things, cultivating gratitude, and focusing on the positives, even in challenging times. While circumstances can influence our mood, true happiness comes from within—it’s an attitude that allows us to see the beauty in imperfections and to appreciate what we have rather than what we lack. By choosing to embrace a mindset of happiness, we empower ourselves to live more fulfilling lives, regardless of the ups and downs that come our way. Happiness is not something to chase; it’s something to create from the inside out.

GRANDCHILDREN

The best medicine in the world is a kiss from your grandchild. There’s a special kind of magic in that tiny gesture, a healing power that no pill or remedy could ever match. When their little lips press against your cheek or forehead, it’s as if all the worries of the world melt away, replaced by pure, unconditional love. 

It’s a reminder that life’s most precious moments are often the simplest—a warm embrace, a shared laugh, and the sweet innocence of your grandchild’s love. In that brief, tender moment, you realize that these are the memories that will stay with you forever, filling your heart with a joy that can’t be measured, and a love that will outlast a lifetime.

I NEED THIS ROAD TRIP

Did you know that "the Highway to Heaven" Interstate Route 80 (I-80) is one of the major interstate highways in the United States, traversing the country from east to west. The part of Interstate 80 known as "the highway to heaven" is located in Wyoming, between the cities of Laramie and Cheyenne. This stretch of highway passes through the "Summit", a mountain pass in the Laramie Mountains, which is the highest point on I-80 at an altitude of approximately 8,640 feet (2,634 meters) above sea level. This section of highway is notable for its stunning scenery and for being challenging during the winter due to severe weather conditions. Important Features and Details:

 1. **Extension and Route**: - I-80 extends for approximately 2,900 miles (4,667 km). - Starts in San Francisco, California, and ends in Teaneck, New Jersey, near New York City. 

2. **States Crossed**: - I-80 passes through 11 states: California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

 3. **Historical Importance**: - It largely follows the historic route of the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway in the United States. - Also follows the path of historic trails such as the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail. 

4. **Use and Traffic**: I-80 is vital to the United States economy and mobility, facilitating fast and efficient transportation across a large portion of the country.

MAGIC IS HERE

Oh the fun I could have here!

HAPPENING

I have faith in the process!

ON HOLD

I have a lot planned for today, so I was up early. There is a super cool car show in town this weekend, we had plans to go this morning with a friend. There is a Bridal Shower early this afternoon in Henderson and then a band I want to hear is playing this evening. Full day. 

But…

I’m in bed, in my dark room, because I have yet another migraine headache. I had one yesterday and two others earlier this month. 

I feel fine, then my vision is off. So I take meds, because I know what’s coming. When my vision finally clears; all the vivid neon colors and black zig zag lines are gone, then the pain starts. 

I’m so grateful for over the counter meds that help so much, but the pain still comes. My brain, the bones in my face, my teeth, my neck, they all ache. 

Listening to my bike roar out of my driveway without me made me sad. But I’ll put everything on hold as I hang out in the dark for a while. 

CREATE IT FOR YOURSELF

Simply following the path that others set for you (family and the outside world) and not following your true passion  you become someone you don’t recognize as your self. The true you dies.

By stepping into what makes you happy, your passions, you regain you and your life becomes full and happy. 

Take the steps to become who you want to be, create the fork in your road. Become 100% the person you want to be! 

VIRTUAL TOUR

Super cool look at Stonehenge!

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/history-and-stories/stonehenge360/

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

LIVE LIKE YOU ARE DYEING

Tim McGraw sings:

He said
"I was in my early forties
With a lot of life before me
When a moment came that stopped me on a dime
I spent most of the next days
Looking at the x-rays
And talkin' 'bout the options
And talkin' 'bout sweet time"
I asked him
"When it sank in
That this might really be the real end
How's it hit you
When you get that kind of news?
Man, what'd you do?"

And he said
"I went skydiving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu
And I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying"
And he said
"Someday I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dying"

He said
"I was finally the husband
That most of the time I wasn't
And I became a friend a friend would like to have
And all of a sudden going fishin'
Wasn't such an imposition
And I went three times that year I lost my dad
Well I, I finally read the Good Book, and I
Took a good, long, hard look
At what I'd do if I could do it all again
And then

I went skydiving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu
And I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying"
And he said
"Someday I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dying
Like tomorrow was a gift
And you've got eternity
To think about
What you'd do with it
What could you do with it
What did I do with it?
What would I do with it?

Skydiving
I went Rocky mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu
Man, I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I watched an eagle as it was flying"
And he said
"Someday I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying"
Woo

But Alua Arthur tells us just how to do that.

This is really a great

 Ted Talk

Why thinking about death helps you live a better life (Alua Arthur | TED2023)

https://www.ted.com/talks/alua_arthur_why_thinking_about_death_helps_you_live_a_better_life?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

♥️

  

CAR SHOW AT THE PARK

Thanks to Jimmy!

BE YOUR OWN HERO

Once you become

a certain age,

it is your responsibility 

to unlearn behaviors that

hinder your growth as a person. 

Nobody is coming to save you.

Get Up!

Be your own hero!

POSTAGE PAID

Forgotten Places

TO MY SON

LEVEL 29 COMPLETED HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY

ANOTHER TRUTH

FROG FOLLIES 2024

SHADES OF GREEN

SETTING SUN THEN SETTING MOON

8/9/2024

RESOLVED TO ACT

“I am only resolved 

to act in that manner

which will,

in my own opinion, 

constitute my

happiness. 

Jane Austin 

My own opinion is the only opinion that matters to me, after all!

AUGUST NIGHT SKY

https://www.almanac.com/content/perseid-meteor-shower?trk_msg=ELNM8IM87RG4N9G0V0M7SEN0F0&trk_contact=EOMNDKKMMUHOKHA3SJECSC252K&trk_module=new&trk_sid=P9IE36CDOPJV8A3TSRVM73ECHO&trk_link=T2UUVCGNNF0K36P3S65JDLTISO&lctg=4416051215E6F465550304AE00&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=2024+Perseid+Meteor+Shower%3a+Best+Time+to+See+Shooting+Stars!+(title)&utm_campaign=Companion+Newsletter&utm_content=Daily

RELUCTANT TRANSPLANT

Yesterday I met a lady names Terri. She moved to the Midwest from Colorado. She followed her son when his life plans took him to Southern Indiana. Terre and her son have been a package deal since her divorce some 50 years ago. 

Terri loved Colorado. She love the active and beautiful community she was part of. She loved the fine dining and wine culture. Her son had worked in Scottsdale Arizona for a while, with one of my favorite resorts on Camelback Road. 

His career path brought him to the Midwest, and him momma followed. 

Terri and I chatted for about an hour; about why she longs for home and why I love where I live. 

We both suffer from “transplant displacement” as I call it. But unlike Terri, I love where I have chosen to call home, I have found so many positives about my new home town. Chatting with Terri has reminded me that I need to go more, see more and experience more. 

Terri was delightful, I completely enjoyed my time with her. I hope Terri finds her happy place, she truly deserves it. We all do!

THIS SATURDAY

BACK ROAD DRIVING

I took a drive last night. Back in the woods, up in the hills. Where the two lane roads twist and turn. Where you can see the trees go on for miles. I watched the sun set through the woods, where it looked like a red ball sinking into the inky forest. I watched two horses running in someone’s yard. I wonder who left the gate open. 

I saw two deer at the side of a quite road. So I stopped and watched them. Magical! I saw four more along my drive, one was just a little bitty one. I saw a blond squirrel running up a tree. So cool! 

I didn’t listen to my latest audiobook or even to my playlist.

I talked with my co-pilot, who helped me see a few things clearer. Mostly he just listens, but I can always tell when he is smirking because I just figured out an issue as I talk. I know he puts me in just the right places to see the most amazing things when I’m feeling at my lowest. And I’m grateful, for my trusty little car, for the beautiful place I live, for the magic that surrounds me, and for my co-pilot, who always makes time to be with me and always fills my heart. 

TENT

So we got a new tent. A Naturehike Cloud 3. I thought it was going to be a pop up tent. It’s not. But today we put it up, took it down and folded it all back up to fit in the bag it came in. Total win!!! 

I think we can go camping now!

GOOD SHOT

Is this story true or is he a 

Hit Man?!!!

EDUCATED GUESS

I was reading the Farmers Almanac (yep I read lots of different things) and they are giving an educated guess at the first freeze this year here in my town. The report says it will be on October 27th. 

(Why isn’t there a classification for when it gets cool enough for all the yucky bugs go back to hell where they belong???…asking for a friend!)



https://www.almanac.com/gardening/frostdates/zipcode/42301

AUGUST RIDE IN INDIANA

Another long beautiful ride!

IN YOURSELF

If you don’t believe 

in yourself,

why is anyone 

else going to

believe in

You?

Tom Brady 

WATERMELON

Just a puppy in matching watermelon with her dad!🍉

LOVELY

RIDICULOUS

It’s better to be

absolutely ridiculous 

than absolutely boring!

Marilyn Monroe 

I know this to be true! I have been called ridiculous many times, but never boring!

A

AUGUST 2024

https://actionforhappiness.org/calendar