Tough Times?

When I was a little girl and World War II was still on, you could get some really good help because people were really anxious to have a job.

Well, that was then, and this is now.

We have faster communication than we have ever had. Events are broadcast on radio, TV and online a few minutes after they happen.

There is just no reason for people not to know what is going on. So I have to assume that just about everybody is aware that financially, things are not going well here right now.

So, I am just wondering why the service and the offers of items to buy are not reflecting this state of the economy.

A few weeks ago, we purchased a new bed and had to wrestle the store to deliver it without their $69. charge. Charge for delivery of furniture?

A company I was working with online laid off some workers a few weeks ago. The service I required was to be within 24 hours but I waited about 72 hours. 

How bad will the economy have to get before people wake up and realize that if you want to make the sale, you must - literally - deliver?

Just something to think about.

Neptune Salad - with a Little Erratum!

Those of you close to me know that I am putting the final touches to my book, Bumpy Road To Texas. Keith has been a fantastic editor, reading almost daily. We have been correctly formatting errors and well, I have to tell you, we have had to correct a few “Canadianisms”! Whoa, that might not be a word! 

In one place I talk about the Texas expression, “fixin’ to” and I thought I had it down quite well until Keith suggested that I spell “plow” the American way instead of “plough”. Now, I just looked the word up, and I think we would have been okay with “plough” but it would not have been worth our marriage to question it and I did not! 

You want a book about a Canadian in Texas, well, folks, for sure you have one! 

I am about one-quarter through reading – really reading it now – and I have to tell you that I can see first off that my writing eight to twelve years ago is different from how I write today. You might not see it, but I do. That’s all right. That’s also what the book is about: how I have changed since I got to Texas. 

We think you are going to like this story, but don’t let anybody tell you that writing a book is easy! 

One of the major differences for me is that I have to format it on the website myself. It sure is good that I know a little bit about computers! I say “a little bit” because no one is ever ahead when it comes to technology. We just learn one thing and how to operate it and it is time for a new version.

Speaking of this, in my book, I am describing how I was driving over to Cobourg from Port Hope, Ontario, Canada (20 minute drive) to take two computer courses. It was very tiring because I did them back to back with only a 15 minute break. 

So, I would call on – yes, yes, I actually had one – my cell phone and order a Neptune Salad from Dover Seafood House. By the time I would be passing there, it would be ready and I would take it home for a super treat! 

Well, there I was proofing that page when I noticed I left the lettuce out of the Neptune salad description! Now it’s just a description of what was in the Neptune Salad, but some of you readers sure would have noticed that there was no lettuce! 

Then, it crossed my mind that probably thirty years ago plus, often when you purchased a new book, there was a little piece of paper in there that was headed up “Erratum”. It had the name of the book and the pages and lines where there were errors. (I looked up “Erratum” and it simply means a printing or writing error.) 

You know, I don’t believe they do that any more! Hmm . . . we don’t make any errors these days . . . ?

THE HEART AND SOUL OF BUSINESS - One Woman's Journey

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting Mable L. Cannings who has written The Heart and Soul of Business: One Woman's Journey (xulon press). Mable lives with her husband, John in Nacogdoches,  here in East Texas. She is an international speaker and CEO of Mable Cannings International, a personal and business development company focused on educating, inspiring and empowering women and entrepreneurs. 

Now, you know, I cannot read Mable's book until my own book is all ready to roll so I will get back to you on the wisdom of doing business today in a Christian fashion that Mable is imparting to us.

To see more about Mable's book, go to www.xulonpress.com. You can purchase this book at Amazon.com, Borders, Barnes & Noble and Target.

Bumpy Road To Texas - Time to Put It to Bed!

Bu

Here I am at my Citizenship Party back in October, 2003. It was a wonderful party where about 150 people came and went! I had scored 100% on my Citizenship Test but had not yet been sworn in. We had everything ready so we partied anyway! The Lufkin Community Band played patriotic music and we had all kinds of beautiful food and decorations that my friends at Angel of Joy had made. (Bonnie Larson brought me that wonderful hat from California and its place of honor is on one of the great room bookshelves!)

I have been truly blessed to have found such a wonderful life with Keith in Texas and I thank God for that every day!. My Canadian roots and they way I express myself will probably always be obvious to my American friends. Even though I have been here for almost twelve years now, I guess people can still tell I am not from here originally. (How can that be?)

Realizing that, I felt people might like to know the differences between Canada and America, in particular, Texas, so I have written a book. It is just about completely edited and there are just a few touches to complete. It also tells you about my life before and my very blessed life after.

Watch this blog to find out where you can purchase your copy!

Halloween Treat

Either we didn't buy as much candy as usual or we were well organized with it in little bags, but we did not have to stay out in front of the door for very long.

  

Probably the highlight of the Halloween evening was a young, trim mother who came up the walk with a little girl about 4. We dropped a bag in her little pumpkin and she and her mother went back down to their SUV. 

Someone else came and went.

Then, we realized that the first mother was coming back with the four year old following her while she held on to a special needs boy of about 10. As she guided him from hehind, he haltingly made it up the path and under his mother's guidance, held out a sack. We put a couple of bags in his and one in his sister's.

We felt honored that this boy's mother thought us special enough to bring her son to us for trick or treat! It was a very special moment for us. 

Every year, we have sat outside our front door, below the porch and this year was the gentlest year ever. 

God Bless that Mother and God Bless every little child who needs that extra help and love to go out for his first Halloween!

Hope Everything's Spooky at Your House

Oprah Winfrey - A Lot Like You and Me!

O, The Oprah Magazine cover courtesy oprah.com

Oprah Winfrey  

For two or three years now, I have subscribed to two magazines which are generally sitting on the coffee table. They are both rather large and I like to be sitting down with my feet propped up to really enjoy them. 

One magazine reminds me there are ways and means to simplify life, get things done, and keep the house a little less cluttered. That magazine is Real Simple. The very fact that it has a little bookmark for each month to mark my place shows it is a very practical magazine. Real Simple lets me know about new products to watch for when I shop, particularly for skincare and nail polishes, two faves of mine! 

The other magazine that is on the table is O, The Oprah Magazine. (It also keeps me up on latest cosmetic products and latest ideas but goes deeper.) Oprah Winfrey is for me a role model of exactly what we can do when we think about it, put our mind to it and surround ourselves with good people. 

As I am putting my book, Bumpy Road to Texas, “to bed”, and about to realize my dream of publishing my own story, I realize that perhaps my story is a lot like yours and quite a bit like many women’s stories. 

Smart women who figure it out – and that generally comes only as we get older – are able to put into practice a lot of things that just never occurred to us when we were younger. 

It is a little scary sometimes because as we our bodies age, perhaps we do not have the energy or physical ability to keep up the pace needed to get everything done we would like. 

You will find when you read my story, that life was hard for me when I was young. I know Oprah’s life was difficult for her as well. 

I have had a weight problem; Oprah has had a weight problem. I look pictures of me from twelve years ago and without being conceited, I feel I look better today than I did then. This is true for Oprah also. 

It took me quite a few years to realize that having true women friends – surrounding myself with smart women – was a very intelligent thing to do. Women understand you, empathize with you. They have some of the same insecurities you have and generally you will find they will be your best cheerleaders when you are having success at something. 

Oprah has this all figured out! Now, I think she may just have a little more money in her pocketbook to promote the projects she’d like to do. Imagine the thrill of building a school for girls who would never had had that advantage? The excitement of being able to make something happen for someone who never would have been able to raise themselves up is magic! Being able to step back and let them continue to grow from the seed you helped plant is a special talent. 

So, I really enjoy that Oprah figured out that she can be photographed by the best available, sporting a fresh hairdo that might only last through the sitting, wearing the latest trendy necklace with her makeup absolutely perfect. Yes, every month she does that. Is there some other magazine where the owner’s photo is on the cover every issue? I think Oprah knows that she is so much better today than she was, say 15 years ago. 

But Oprah goes beyond that to seek out new ways, new books, new methods, special stories, special causes and special people. 

I feel I want to mention that Oprah has dogs because I have had dogs for a long time now. Our dogs are always in sync with us, and keep us humble. 

Now, hopefully, Oprah is attempting to formulate, bottle and market the energy she must have to review all the projects brought to her. Until she does, most of us will just have to sit back and hope to at least have the good feeling about ourselves that she has and glance at that radiant face on O, The Oprah Magazine each month.

Oprah! How Does She Do It All?

Smoothing Out The Bumps

Tonight was a good night to go to Angelina College and listen to some beautiful music in the Temple Theater auditorium. Hubby belongs to the AC Lufkin Community Band which is comprised of students and musicians in the Lufkin area. Keith had not picked up his clarinet for some 40 years when he was asked to be a founding member.

Tonight's concert was a little different in that the AC Swinging Roadrunner Jazz Band as well as the AC Chamber Winds (directed by Ronnie Pruitt) also played. The Jazz Band is directed by Larry Greer and the Community Band by David Smith.

It was very relaxing and we knew most of the music. We are very blessed to have such a fine facility in our area and we get out to as many events as possible.

We three gals went out and just enjoyed ourselves. The music was very calming and it was a nice little break from routine. 

We all need little relaxing getaway times, especially these days. Get yourself out of the house and enjoy a local community event!

Bumpy Road to Texas

We are back from Shawnee, Oklahoma where we had a beautiful, relaxing time!

Today I have posted on my Storefront at lulu.com the FOREWORD for my book, Bumpy Road to Texas. We are hoping to introduce this at the Angel of Joy Lutheran Church Fall Festival in Lufkin Texas on Saturday, November 15, 2008. 

Sure would like you to go to lulu.com and go to Martha Sutton's Storefront to read this introduction. Hope you enjoy this and I would appreciate hearing your comments! 

http://stores.lulu.com/Yonge_Street_Texan

Saturday in Shawnee, Oklahoma! OK!

We have swung over to darker fall colors and the weather up here is crisp but beautiful!

It is super to see our friends, Bonnie & Verne who moved here from Lufkin just over two years.

Last night, it was Italian food and tonight will be German food (at Oktoberfest) and there is lots of gabbing and laughing and it is super to see them again.

Nice to have a fine little break!

Oktoberfest Here We Come!

Listen to some Omm Pah Music:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d13gmnG4XPs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzCHxFefF8Q

We will be taking a stretch weekend in Shawnee, Oklahoma to take in their Oktoberfest! 

Brad Paisley - For Some Diversion

Everyday, I  am trying to find diversion from financial and campaign news. 

If you are too young to remember Spike Jones and His City Slickers or George Formby, suffice it to say that tough times call for a little craziness. 

Brad Paisley does a lot of serious music which is beautiful to listen to and/or watch.  But when he is having fun, it helps us forget. Paisley has made fun of himself and several others on I'm Gonna Miss Her, Celebrity and So Much Cooler Online. Perhaps some others will come up with something light to take us away for a few minutes. 

You can to watch So Much Cooler Online:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GcVnhNjWV0

Watch Celebrity:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEPe4fZNf74

Watch I'm Gonna Miss Her:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O3Plt8DyMk

Back In The Garden . . .

If you read my blog yesterday, then you will really appreciate what I have to tell you today. 

I was not really expecting my week to start off too well because I was scheduled for an MRI this morning at 9:30 a.m. (You may recall me mentioning that my back has been painful since Hurricane Ike. This was originally blamed on the atmospheric pressure.) 

Seems to me I have had at least one MRI in the past, and it was not the most pleasant experience. That’s the one where they guide you through a cylinder; you cannot move and it is pretty claustrophobic. Since there they have also invented an “open MRI” machine, I guess that is assumed to be true. 

An MRI technologist  named Tracey Turner – tall, slim, pretty blond who I guess is a little older than she looks because she has been working at Memorial Hospital for 17 years – came to the waiting area to lead me to the inner sanctum. 

Today, it was Keith who had the rough time because he was in that waiting room for one hour exactly. I was sure happy to tell him my experience as we walked to the parking because I knew my time had been better than his. 

Tracey asked me some questions and gave me a few choices. I was able to leave my most of my clothes on including my shoes. (That way, I could have gone with my “boots” on!) 

Now, she asked me if I am claustrophobic and I answered “Yes”. Then she asked me if I would like to wear a headset with some music playing. I answered “Yes” again. Tracey let me know that she would be able to talk to me through the headset and I would be able to let her know how loud I wanted the music to be. 

(In the Explorer on the way to the hospital, we were listening to Alan Jackson’s Precious Memories. That always calms me, especially in Lufkin traffic.) 

So, now Tracey asked me what kind of music I like – who would I like to hear? 

“Well, Alan Jackson?” 

“I have Alan Jackson, but it is spiritual music. Is that okay?” 

“Then, it must be Precious Memories?” 

“Yes, it is!” 

Well, long story short, the MRI was a long story short and shy of not being able to sing along, that x-ray was such a piece of cake that I just had to tell you about it! 

And, of course, now you know that Track 6 is “In The Garden! . . ." 

Like I said yesterday, have a blessed week! And may your experiences all be as good as mine this morning! Oh yes, Happy 50^th Birthday, Alan Jackson (yesterday)! 

Of Course You Know This One!

Sundays are special days. On the calendar, they start the week. Some of us try to tie off a few ends of last week. Did something get forgotten? Well, yes, we did do three loads of laundry. Hmm.  Worse than that, we had a new bed delivered this afternoon! So, Sundays are not always totally a day of rest!

Of course, we were at church and it was a communion Sunday. After service, we practiced with Jeff a hymn we will sing in two weeks.  If you have a Jeff in your life, you are very blessed! Jeff can play any music - not just church music. He watches to see just how I am singing and plays at the pace I am going! Jeff makes me look pretty good! 

Now, Keith has sung all his life, but I had never sung in a real choir or in front of a congregation till I came to Texas.

The song we sang is one you may know:

I come to the Garden alone, 

While the dew is still on the roses .  

And the voice I hear falling on my ear, 

The Son of God Discloses.

The refrain repeats after each verse:

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own; 

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

Several years ago, Keith & I heard Anne Murray singing this hymn on an album of spiritual music.  That beautiful alto voice of hers made it superb!

It is not in any hymn books we have, but I think we need to acquire a Baptist book because Alan Jackson sang it on his album of hymns, so it must be there!

I think most people would come more often to church if we always sang hymns they know! Last week when sending our Pastor an e-mail on another topic, I just had to tell him that it had been a four star hymn Sunday. What that means for me is that I knew every hymn, although by now, I should know them all!

Perhaps you know this hymn because it is the punch line of a joke, 

"Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me . . . "

Yeah, yeah, I knew you knew that hymn! Have a blessed week!            

Live from New York - It's Sarah Palin & Josh Brolin!

Tonight, we get to watch the real Sarah Palin along with Josh Brolin (see yesterday's blog on the movie 'W') on Saturday Night Live. Of course, the Executive Producer of Saturday Night Live is Lorne Michaels,  another Canadian who has been entertaining us for all these years! Now, if you really feel this is not for you, you can sink back and watch Texas' own Lyle Lovett on PBS' Austin City Limits.  Or, you can set the VCR! Have a great, relaxing weekend!

The Bush Family - A Lot Like Yours & Mine

Today, the Oliver Stone movie, "W", starring Josh Brolin, opens in theaters. Now, Hubby and I don't go to many movies, but we probably will get to see this one.  It is another way we can divert our minds from the current economic drama. 

When I first came to Texas, I wanted to know about the Bush family and so I read books written about them and written by them. 

Former President George H. W. and Barbara Bush live in Houston during the cooler months and when we watch the Houston Astros games, they are often in Drayton McLane's box. (Mr. McLane is the owner and also the owner of a grocery business.) Barbara generally keeps an old-fashioned score card and they both chat to those around them. 

In one book I read about Laura Bush, she was quoted as saying one reason for liking baseball so much is that you can sit and talk to the person you are with. Baseball is my favorite sport not just for that reason, but also because it is easy to understand what is going on, and generally it is not a contact sport and usually no fights break out! 

The Bush family is, to me, a rather ordinary family - with a bit of money. The story of George W. is a story many people can relate to because he is a "recovering alcoholic" and a born-again Christian.  I am sure many people feel that he was less than qualified to be President of the United States but look around you and tell me exactly who is! Any president relies on those around him and some of the greatest minds we have do not desire to be President. 

The Bush family has its fair share of skeletons in the closet but their intent on reaching out to those less privileged is probably why they are so well-liked. 

George W. Bush is a very ordinary person, really. Is that why so many people say they dislike this man? Is it because he is, in fact, just like you and me? 

What could I have done differently than George W. did on 9-11? Could Hubby and I have entertained Queen Elizabeth any more grandly than George and Laura did? Not quite. Would we have thought to invite the jockey of the winning Kentucky Derby horse? Maybe. Would I have stumbled on my words when I was at the podium delivering a tribute to the Queen? Oh, yes! 

Did you know that Barbara Bush has bred Spaniels over the years – fine ones! You do know Barbara is famous for wearing pearls, right? Did you know you can purchase similar designs from the George H. W. Bush Library Store online? 

(So, now you know that I do some of my Christmas shopping at the Bush Library Store, but I also do some of it at Clinton Library Store as well!) 

You do know that former presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton have teamed to help hurricane-devastated areas, right? And you know that Laura Bush has for many years been a supporter of libraries and writers? 

So, this is one of Texas’ best known families and like me, they were originally from up north – New England – and still go to Maine for their summers. 

Do we feel so bad about ourselves that we judge those just like us so harshly? 

Enjoy the movie! It’s about ordinary folks doing extra-ordinary things and you know we love that!

Movie website:  http://www.wthefilm.com/index2.html

Clinton Museum Store:  http://www.clintonmuseumstore.com

George H.W. Bush Library Store:  http://www.museumstore.com

Joe The Plumber - Joe Six Pack - Joe Politician

I seem to recall politicians in the past at least trying to get a grasp on some real people and even in recent years, they have talked about “Ed Kowazak and his family of St. Paul, Minnesota.” They would go on to tell you about how Ed had recently lost his job because a mill had closed down, or something the audience could relate to.

Well, Sarah Palin took to talking about Joe Six-Pack and last night both Messrs Obama and McCain were apparently talking about Joe the Plumber in Ohio. (Sorry, we were at a meeting and got back about 20 minutes into the debate.)

If you have been following the story, you know that Joe’s name is not even Joe! Today, we find out that maybe Joe the Plumber isn’t exactly even a plumber!

That’s really too bad, you know. I could have introduced them to our plumber, Mike Stephenson, who has a fleet of pink trucks (because it’s his wife’s favorite color). Of course, he bought the company from Mr. Hill who just recently retired so it is called Hill Plumbing. And he really is a plumber! And he’s friendly, his prices are fair and he cleans up before he leaves.

I am not so sure we like being referred to as Joe Six-Pack! That would be Mr. Joe, the Voting Public, to you, Ms. Palin.

Do these politicians not even have people on staff to go out there and find out a little bit about people who might be interested in voting for them? Do they not think to invite these people to sit with their wives in the audience? Not too creative, Joe Politician!

Your Vote is Too Precious to Waste!

Both Canada and the United States are countries built on immigration. People came from other countries to make one of these two countries their true home.

I am an immigrant to United States from Canada and even though many people think these two countries are very much alike, there are some differences, some of which I am reminded of daily.

For me personally, I think there two struggles I have each day, The first is with language – yes, people think I have an accent, even after twelve years – and the other is my choice of words. I know that my outlook is a little more (little “c”) conservative and old-fashioned than my American friends. Be aware that Texas is full of people who came here from other states. The common saying is, “I was not born a Texan, but I got here as fast as I could!” So I feel this is more an American thing than a Texas thing. Actually, I could not have come to a friendlier state than Texas!

My point that I want to convey is that immigrants work very hard to achieve citizenship status. I was seven years working to achieve all the rights an American citizen has. (I committed to memory a lot of information that people born in the United States forgot after completing their education.) One of those rights is the RIGHT TO VOTE!

I see that only 58% of Canadians voted in yesterday’s general election. Stephen Harper is back in with a minority government. Under the Canadian system, patterned after the British system, that means Mr. Harper will have to work very hard to get along with and secure support from the other parties. I am not sure that all reading this will know that a vote of non-confidence can turf out the Prime Minister in Canada and cause another election. There is not a standard four year term as in United States. So, sometimes, this type of result actually works for the good of the country because the elected officials have to work together, one hopes for the good of the country.

The result is not what bothers me; rather it is the 42% of Canadians who did not vote. Was there extreme weather that kept them from the polls? Not likely on October 14. Could the people not get off work? No, I think everywhere there are laws that employers must allow time off for voting.

APATHY! LAZINESS! “My vote won’t matter!”

Well, we are just under three weeks to Tuesday, November 4th, the date set for the United States General Election.

Will our turnout be better than Canada’s? Will it be worse?

The e-mails and comments indicate that everybody knows there is an election coming. More people are talking about this election than usual. Will they actually vote?

Every single vote DOES count so make sure yours is counted!

It is unforgivable that individuals cannot get out and actually vote for the candidate they think will do the best job for the country. Some people are saying that they just won’t vote because they don’t like either Presidential Candidate. That is not the answer! If you truly believe neither Candidate is better, than you best vote for the less offensive candidate. But, please vote!

(64% of eligible American voters voted in the U.S. 2004 Presidential Election, up from 60% in 2000.)

A Lot to Like About Texas!

When I visited Houston in 1990, I was impressed by the sprawl, politeness, friendliness and the intelligence. I should tell you that I was staying near NASA that time, so the people at the local bar were quite a bit above average!

All the songs about Texas speak well for the state, particularly its vastness! Texas is about 773 miles wide and 790 miles long, making it the second largest state by area.

Did you know that Texas has been under six flags? Those are Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate States of America, and United States of America. That surely speaks to the diversity here.

In Lufkin (about 100 miles north of Houston), life is a little slower paced and very friendly! We are able to live in very stylish homes for a lot less than they would cost other places. We have an outstanding medical community with every discipline and all latest technology available. It does not take us very long to get to shopping, church or medical appointments.

It is not so surprising that Forbes Magazine (Oct.10) has an article that indicates if you want to be where the economy is a little better than the rest of the country, come to Texas!

Four of the ten cities where your dollar goes the farthest are in Texas! Those cities are Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Dallas.

(The other cities in the top ten are Indianapolis, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Minneapolis/St.Paul, Minnesota; Denver, Colorado; and Portland, Oregon.)

http://www.forbes.com