The People of Mexico

I have arrived back home from Mexico, safe and sound. First let me say that the media had installed some fear into us regarding the violence going on there, but we had found nothing but friendly, happy people. Yes, the policia were visible, but that only made me feel safer.

I now have a new appreciation for the people of Mexico. They are extremely hard working. They are always smiling and seem happy as they work long hours, which is usually consisting of hard labor. They work everyday…no days off. As I look around me here in New Jersey, I don’t see many people who are happy going to work. How about where you live?

Along one of the highways we traveled on, if you look past the concrete yards, you will see poverty. At first, you think you are looking at abandoned shacks…no windows or doors, surrounded by garbage. We were told people live there. That gave me a heavy feeling. But, these people who live like this, are also “happy”. Is it because they do not know any other way?

In the short time we were there, we spoke to many residents and we were told that the people appreciate what they do have and are grateful. Their families and friends mean the world to them. Man, does that say a lot about the people here. It immediately made us think how greedy we can be…how people here want more and more and we are hardly ever satisfied. Trying to outdo their friends and neighbors. We just don’t seem to appreciate and know how to be grateful. Things in your life can be much worse and I saw first hand how living situations can be hard for some.

When we went into town, we saw much of the same thing. Some of these shacks looked like they were going to fall over any second. Made of scraps of wood, garbage and anything else they can find to put together. And yet, as I said…these people were still happy and enjoying life. Some of the lucky ones had jobs where the tourists were. At the resorts, the restaurants, the stores etc…One spot we visited, showcased the talents of the many who are excellent crafters. Throughout the time we were there, we observed the landscapers and masons. We were so impressed with their knowledge and quality of work. It made me think about the Mexicans who are here working with landscapers and are being paid peanuts for their long hours and hard work. I can not help but feel that we are terrible people to take advantage like that. Is it our greed? Our need to pay out a small amount, so we have more money in our pockets?

I had such a great time on this trip and I also feel blessed to have learned a few lessons. Seeing things from a different perspective. Happiness is not brought about by how much you have or how much you want…it is about being happy, appreciative and grateful with what you DO have. We make our own happiness. I have always felt money does not bring you happiness and this trip confirmed it as I saw it through the residents of Mexico.

More about our trip in my next post...

A Thank You Link Love Post

I want to send out a special thank you to all the people who have dropped by my blogs for a visit, shared a kind word or left a comment. You all have been encouragement, a support group so to speak and what keeps me going. I can't believe I have been blogging for two years now.

Link love to all the Entrecard droppers who happened to find my blogs this month. I may not be a dedicated Entrecard dropper myself, but believe me, your visits do not go unnoticed. I appreciate the 'drops' and the requests to add your widgets to my blogs.

My communities, My Blog Log and Blog Catalog have enabled me to connect with such wonderful people who I may not have 'met' otherwise. You are all such a treasure.

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Send a FREE Card To a Solider

Learn how you can send a FREE card to a solider by going over to my blog...The Many Pieces of Life and reading my post.

Xerox is doing something very special and it truly is FREE. This is a wonderful way to show our appreciation and say "Thank You". It will only take a few seconds of your time, but will mean so much.

Have you ever wondered what you can do while our military is fighting the war for us? Here's your chance...a small gesture to show you care. Brighten someone's day...

During this time of year, show your holiday spirit by letting our soliders know we are behind them, we support them and that they are not alone.

Being Thankful on Thanksgiving

Today as we celebrate Thanksgiving with our families and friends, will you truly take time out to reflect on what you are thankful for?

I have been doing that quite often this year. Pretty much on a daily basis...being thankful. For my health, for my life, for all I have, my family and friends, the opportunities that come my way and the love that surrounds me.

Abundance can be brought into your life if you declare to the universe that you are thankful. This can easily be done on a daily basis. I find that I'm in a better mood when I take time to appreciate something that makes me happy and be thankful for it. My heart seems to fill with happiness...

What are you thankful for?

I think many, many people take for granted what they have in their life. Maybe focusing only on the negatives...the problems, the stresses, the little things that may annoy or aggravate you. We might forget what we have and appreciate them.

Count your blessings. Take a moment each day and be thankful for something in your life. As you're driving in your car or sitting quietly by yourself, even while watching TV... just take a minute and be thankful.

As you see something that excites you or makes you feel good, as you smell food cooking, drive to work, come home to family, enjoying the company of friends or even your pet, your many possessions, your health and so on...be thankful!

Some people are not blessed as you and I are. Many have worse problems or live in worse conditions and/or simply do not have all that we have.

Take a break during your day...starting today...and be thankful and count your blessings...ask the universe for more of what makes you happy. Be positive and say...I like this...bring more more!

May you all enjoy your Thanksgiving. Many blessings to you all

Yellow Roses

The other day while in the food store, I noticed an older gentleman walking through the aisles with a bunch of yellow roses in his hand. It just brought a smile to my face.

I don't know why, but any time I see a man carrying flowers...I smile. Maybe it makes me think about why...is he just bringing flowers to make someone smile, to say I love you or express he's sorry...

Whatever the reason...I see a sensitive and caring man.

On this particular day that I saw this man with the yellow roses it brought a smile to my face for a different reason. First I thought...odd...yellow roses in November? Somehow I associate those flowers with spring and summer. BUT, Hours earlier I had read an email from a friend. Was this coincidence? a sign? a reminder?

Read the email below:

T-bone Steaks and Yellow Roses

I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories.

He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands.

He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on.

Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two.

Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.

Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks.

She saw me watching her and she smiled. 'My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know.'

I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes.

'My husband passed away eight days ago,' I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. 'Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together.'

She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away.

I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone.

I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile! I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.

As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. 'These are for you,' she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. 'When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.' She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision

I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone.

Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.

Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.

In My Perfect World...

In a perfect world, I would have a log cabin in the woods in the mountains and a cottage like home near the ocean to live in. They are my two favorite places....the ocean and the mountains.

This weekend I had the opportunity to get away for the weekend at my friends trailer at a campsite in Cape May. It wasn't exactly camping nor roughing it in the woods. Unlike some, we had all the amenities of home...running water, a bathroom/shower, wide screen TV, electric, stove etc..

But, we still had the feeling of being in the woods...connecting with nature. With the other campers, we lit our fire at night in the fire pit, we sat around just bonding and talking. It was a great feeling. The air was clean and the smell of the fires lingered in the air. It was just so peaceful and quiet.

The best part was that we were only 10 minutes away from the ocean. In the morning, we packed up and went to the beach. Spent the day absorbing the sun, listening to the sound of the waves and then the most wonderful, peaceful thing happened. We were able to watch dolphins frolic in the water. They came in pairs... jumping out of the water for us to watch. More came, then a mother and her babies. The dolphins stayed in front of us for like 15 minutes. I just wanted to swim out to them and play along...

The dolphins weren't that far off from the beach. It was the most beautiful thing to watch and a calm feeling came over me.

When we were ready to leave, we packed up and headed back to the campsite. Barbecued dinner and then relaxed...and we knew we could do it all over again the next day.

It was a really great weekend. I felt I was able to get a piece of my perfect world, even if it was only for the weekend. A getaway that was much needed...

In a perfect world, where would you live?

Have You Ever...

Have you ever passed up on an opportunity or blessing or happiness because it was not packaged as you imagined? Overlooking a chance just because it wasn't as you thought it should be.

Have you ever built something up in your mind....maybe a gift you thought you were going to receive from someone or a party you were going to...only to feel disappointed when you received a different gift or the party wasn't as you planned it in your mind?

Have you ever passed up on an opportunity because you thought something better might come along? That old saying...the grass in greener on the other side of the fence comes to mind, but the grass may not be greener. You may think the other side of the fence will bring happiness until you look back...

I believe at one time or another we have all done it. I wonder why? Why don't we accept or are our expectations too high?

I have found the greatest surprises or happiness when I least expect it. I try not to expect...try to be happy with the 'now' and don't take things for granted.

I knew someone that when her husband sent her flowers for no reason, she was annoyed they weren't a larger bouquet. I was floored...how could she not be happy that her husband was thinking of her and sent her these beautiful flowers to say I love you...she wasn't happy because her blessing didn't arrive in the package she wanted. I think her blessing was having a man who loved her and wanted to show it in this lovely way.

We should never miss out on a blessing, happiness or opportunity because it is not packaged the way we expected or imagined...

I Appreciate You

My friend Ajay visited my Many Pieces of Life Blog and commented on one of my posts. He brought something to my attention.

My regular readers are aware that I have been recuperating from an illness over the last 2 months. I had been away from my blogs for about a month. As I begin to feel better, I am getting back to my blogs...writing regularly and trying to keep up. I wanted to first start on providing content and information...

The one thing I have failed to do is respond to the many comments I have received on posts. I am not trying to be rude, nor am I wanting to offend anyone. I truly appreciate and am thankful for the visits and comments left by visitors.

I wanted to apologize to anyone who may have felt slighted or ignored. The importance of my readers is very high and although I have not practiced what I have preached about 'following through', I just have been taking one step at a time to get back to my once normal routine.

I will make it a goal TODAY to answer ALL comments. Please bear with me on this journey of recovery.

Thanks in advance for your understanding.

Welcoming The New Year

As the old year changes into the New Year, I want to wish you all a year filled with good health, prosperity, love that surrounds you, happiness, peace and light.

As 2007 began, I had decided to make this year one of positive change, put ideas into motion, accomplish goals, continue with self improvement and grow as a person.

The year had it's ups and downs. Days filled with good/bad and happy/sad times, successful experiences, mistakes made and many lessons learned. Those who are regular readers here, know that God called home loved ones which saddened me greatly, but working through the grieving process.

I have welcomed some wonderful people into my life and that has been an enriching experience. I have a special someone in my life who has brought more to me than he realizes. I have experienced pleasure in teaching others how to be successful and believe in themselves. This was one goal accomplished that I am proud of, along with having articles published.

Overall, I have to say, 2007 was a good year as far as my personal endevours and am thankful with what I have accomplished so far. My circle of friends, acquaintances and associates slightly changed. This was a necessary change for me to be successful within myself, business and in life in general. Sometimes change is a positive.

I had begun blogging in March (AC Associates Blog) which has brought so many positives into my life. Another blog emerged in May (A Circle of Women) which only brought more pleasurable experiences. Through support, friendship and others sharing their knowledge, I have gained inspiration, confidence, and motivation.

So many bloggers have touched my life and am grateful for their impact on my life.

I look forward to 2008 with optimism and just as I started 2007, I will continue on my quest to grow, learn, accomplish and improve.

We all have the ability to be successful. Create the life you wish for beginning with this New Year. You may want to review the Your Heart's Desire 9 part series I posted at AC Associates that began in August.

Here's to 2008 ~

And, Natalie (Hippie)...you aren't here to 'clink' glasses and toast with me as we did last year, but I will raise my glass and toast to friendship...later 'gator

A Linky Love Thank you ~ Round 1

Just wanted to say thank you for those in my blogging community. I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

I hope you have a peaceful, Happy Holiday and a New Year that brings much love, good health and all your dreams come true.

If you don't see your blog below, don't worry...I haven't forgotten you. Round 2 will be coming soon. Many blessings...

Merry Christmas

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Being Thankful

As Thanksgiving is just days away, I want to remind us that we should be thankful for the "time" we have and will spend with our loved ones...our families and friends.

This story is a great reminder how the time we give to others is so appreciated, but we may not know until sometime later. It's a great reminder that the gift of our time is so precious and valuable. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving...

Jack's story:

It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

"Jack, did you hear me?"

"Oh, sorry, Mom Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.

"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.

"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said

"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.

Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture....Jack stopped suddenly.

"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.

"The box is gone," he said

"What box?" Mom asked.

"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read.

Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.

"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.

Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover.. Inside he found these words engraved:

Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser."

"The thing he valued most was...my time"

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked.

"I need some time to spend with my son," he said.

"Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!"

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away,"