Your Family? The Best Family On The Planet!

I love Facebook! It causes all kinds of problems . . . and not just for me! People say what they think and they may not realize how many people see it. You can receive invitations to social events and causes; see who had trouble sleeping or see who is addicted to which game. I have made some friends on Facebook and I have probably lost a few admirers.

A gal who follows my blog and is a co-admirer of my friend, Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller and who I simply know as 24-Hour-Mom, posted something that really disturbed me this morning.

Please always remember that this whole blog is about a person raised in Toronto, Canada who came to East Texas 13 years ago. There is no way that I have lost my Canadianisms - if you can accept my calling them that.

Toronto is THE most ethnically diverse city in the world - and that includes New York City. Admittedly, when I was much younger, it was quite British and in fact was still a Crown Colony of England until the 60s.

Originally, the immigrants were from other Crown Colonies, in particular England, Ireland and Scotland. When I was a kid, I know there were remarks made about those people. I think the one that sticks in my head was,

"You can always tell an Englishman . . . but not much." One assumes the perception was that they knew everything there was to know and did not respect their new home.

Prejudices have always existed. Every new group who came to America had to listen to racial slurs - in Toronto it was English, Irish, Scottish, Polish, Yugoslovian, Italian, Hungarian. Then people came in from everywhere, just as they have in the United States.

Let us not forget other groups that have been much maligned: gays and overweight people. Since I have been overweight for most of my life, now that I am not, I still find myself thinking as I used to. I forget that I am about the same size as a lot of people and smaller than many. It is just a mindset that stayed with me.

I like to write about topics that are not too controversial - unlike my old friend, Frank Hilliard, whose blog you can access from my main page. I don't know what motivates Frank to write about the stuff he does but Hubby, for one, reads him every day.

I guess the blogger - albeit a great Columnist for low many years - that I admire the most is Leon Hale. Mr. Hale never writes about anything offensive. He talks about simple things and remembrances from his childhood. He is a gentle person who writes gentle stuff and GETS READ!

I hate to write about anything offensive. I guess that is because just turning on the news brings me lots of hate. That's it: I hate hate. Simple?

When I came to East Texas, I found that I was pretty much odd person (ah, yes . . . always try to be politically correct) out. Gee, I befriended Black people whenever I had the opportunity. And, truly, I never really cottoned on (ah, yes, my Dad's old saying and pardon me if you think I meant it as any type of reference or pun) to names like African-American.

So, this morning, 24-Hour Mom asks a general question on Facebook. Basically, she is asking about "blue collar parents" and if they can expect good things for their children.

Unfortunately, I read this before my second cup of coffee and it hit me hard. Then, I started to wonder if she meant this reference to be only a reference to black people?

Hubby came from what I would call a humble family - working class - or blue collar if you must. He was the first in his family to graduate college.

How did he do that? Well, first of all he was smart. Now, mind you when I see how hard it is for us now that we are retired to live on our portfolio, I think about what J.Dee used to tell his son, my Hubby:

"Son, you should think seriously about being a Greyhound bus driver!" (I guess that would have been considered a "blue collar" job.)

I think about that because it makes so much sense. J.Dee had it pretty much down to a science. You see, a Greyhound bus driver had a uniform to wear every day and got to travel a lot. And the best of it? The Greyhound bus driver got a tidy pension and probably a nice gold watch when he retired. I'll bet he got nice medical and maybe even dental insurance as well. And he probably got a reduced rate on bus tickets for the rest of his life!

So, J.Dee, a mechanic for Marathon Oil Company, probably knew what would have been good for his son!

But, no, Hubby held down three jobs while he was in high school in Robinson, Illinois (pop. then 3,600 - 3,800). He thought about being a doctor but then - almost following in his Dad's footsteps - went into Mechanical Engineering.

Hubby had enough money for one semester and if he had not got a scholarship from R.O.T.C., he would not have been able to attend Rose Poly now Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. He worked at the Alpha Tau Omega Frat House as well.

His Dad sometimes had a car to be driven from Indianapolis to Robinson on the weekend and his mother did his laundry. (Hubby would put his laundry on the bus going to Robinson. His mother would wash it and send it back the same way. ) Simpler times perhaps?

Hubby graduated at age 19, and that was only because he broke his arm playing football . . . He was smart and knew how to listen and study.

So, the statement apparently is that 90% of children of blue collar workers will not be able to succeed in this world.

How can that be? Doesn't every parent want the very best for his child. Wouldn't every parent sacrifice and help his child to do his very best? Don't I see funding, scholarships and loans for young people to go to college? Didn't we create Community Colleges so people could ease their way into University life at a lower cost, funded in part by the taxpayers?

Also, I was kind of wondering where exactly the so-called "blue collar" jobs are now? There used to be some at General Motors - remember? (Don't get me going on the greed that spoiled that!)

Parents spending time with their children is probably the most important factor I personally can think about helping children be successful.

Yes, a lot of parents work but they do come back home at night.

When our black neighbor, Otis, died, at his funeral, his son got up and told everyone about his father working at the factory; coming home and spending time with his three children; and then going back into the backyard to fix small engines and work on peoples' lawnmowers and small engines. His Dad meant everything to Bruce and his siblings. Otis was the one who had to sit at the back of the bus - even though he was wearing his military uniform - when he came back from war. He knew the odds were not in his favor but Otis did not let that stop him from raising three wonderful children and living to see some amazing grandchildren!

Sitting down to dinner every evening with your children: that might be number one.

Number two might be welcoming your children's friends into your home. (If they are at your house, you know where they are, don't you. Just bake a batch of cookies and see how quickly you can fill your kitchen with teenagers!)

Next would be asking your children what they did today and if there were any problems. Let you be the first to know if someone bullied them or offered them something you feel is wrong. Ask them what they learned and if there is homework?

I don't care where you work - or perhaps you do not even have a job right now - you care about your children more than life itself. Show them that! Respect them and let them know you respect them. Makes rules and curfews. Show total interest in your children and their friends. Let your house be the gathering place for them.

Every generation and every nationality has had their problems. Do not fall into any stereotypical pattern. Demand the best your children can give and you will be amazed at what they can do.

No matter what your station in life - no matter what your job or your income - your most important job is raising your children to be the very best each one of them can be. Support them, love them, go with them to church, temple or synagogue.

I cannot imagine any thinking person saying that children of so-called blue collar workers do not have a chance in life.

What I can imagine and hope for is parents being totally involved in their children with love, respect and time.

Go ahead, leave a comment. Tell me what you think. Blessings for a fine day with your family today.

Topical But Not Tropical Texas Weather

In this picture, you can see that the snow stayed on the lawns and roofs but the walkways, driveways and roads were just wet. (This was taken in our neighborhood a couple of years ago.)

For the past few weeks, the temperature has been cold here in East Texas, a place where you usually do not see too many coats; a place where some people do not even own a coat. This is an area where in summer, the temperature stays above 100 degrees F. for several days.

So, our meteorologists are in their glory. Yup - we are a training ground for weathermen! You can come here when you graduate and you will experience just about every kind of weather. We watch for the "fire" in their eyes as they tell you about the newest record that could be broken!

Two days before Christmas - on the 23rd at about 10:00 p.m. a tornado came through our subdivision, after first taking out the V.F.W. building to the north of us. Now, we see blue plastic on roofs awaiting repair throughout our area. Many trees are down and some still awaiting removal. (Some of the same homes hit by Hurricane Ike have been damaged again.)

Back in Toronto, we used to covet the south and for many of us, a special treat was a trip south for at least a brief respite. But we did not have hurricanes and tornadoes. What we had was deep snow that had to be shovelled and residual ice on walkways, sidewalks and roads that made it easy for people to fall or cars to spin out of control.

When I was a kid in Toronto, we put snow tires on our cars every winter. They had a different kind of tread. Before snow tires, we put chains on our tires. Eventually, chains were outlawed in Ontario because they caused damage to the road surface. Now tires are manufactured to be used in all conditions and people just use one set of tires all year round.

The problem here in East Texas is that the climate is generally tropical and people are not experienced in handling vehicles on icy roads.

So, we have cold temperatures and possible icy conditions forecast for the next few days. What happens . . . well, smart people stay home because it is going to be dangerous driving!

Almost every year, we have run the air-conditioning the week before Christmas, but not so this year and the cold has been with us for several weeks now. Many people have colds and sinus infections and those of us who own them have been wearing coats most days.

So, you folks up north, do feel for us and say a prayer because our homes are not built for cold weather and our utilities will have trouble keeping up. The doors and windows do not always fit snugly and windows are not triple-glazed.

Are you expecting a comment about global warming about now? Well, how can one resist?

That gentleman - and I will certainly give him that (always seems very polite) - the one who may have invented the Internet? - well, I was just kind of wondering what his heating bill was going to be this winter for that house just out of Nashville? I sure hope it isn't an inconvenient truth that I mention this, but it seems appropriate.

To Resolve or Not To Resolve!

Thinking about resolutions? Well, I am not, really!

I am thinking about taking the good stuff and keeping it and making it better. Good things I did last year . . . going to try to do them more!

I don't think I really personally know too many people for whom 2009 was a good year financially. So, being more frugal has become a way of life for more of us than before.

Now, you can be frugal with money but still do good things. Smiles are still free (except for the dental part, of course!) Helping someone do something that is hard for them . . . well, that requires a little time, a little skill. Thanking someone is still free. Paying someone a compliment is still free. Praying for someone is still free. Most of the caring things are still free. You get what I mean.

One thing that keeps me a little more attentive to how much I spend is paying cash, or even writing a check. In fact, I have a petulant for paying with exact change. Because it is a hobby, I amuse my friend Sue at Scrapbooks & Memories with my exact change habits. Thank goodness I don't have a credit card bill coming in for that!

Every year since I have been an adult, losing weight has always been on my list of resolutions. I always had gained weight over the holiday celebrations. This year, I did not and I am very happy to be on track for that! So, I can just keep on doing what has become routine for me. When I exercise and eat properly, except for catching colds, I usually feel energetic and well. (I have to tell you, that every ten pounds is one size, so there is a little spending there.)

When I have clothes that are no longer suitable, I carefully fold them and take them to Goodwill so someone else can get a bargain on something new to wear.

I think routine is very good. Hubby and I are very much into routine and having to do something at a certain time of day probably helps us a lot. Staying in touch is something else we do - knowing what is happening and keeping up with friends is very good for us.

Many of you know that I eat and exercise using Richard Simmons' DVDs and food guidelines. Every Monday evening, I go to Richard's meeting. Yes - he is really there and yes, he knows most of us by name or pseudonym. He has us doing homework and that results in some really excellent meetings! For a person of his celebrity, Richard is amazingly accessible. He prays for us and he answers email - quickly, I might add.

Part of the reason I did well in 2009 was the resolutions I made at the beginning and am keeping with. The two important ones are "Stay Positive" and "Ignore Stupid Remarks by Others - not necessarily weight-related". You might want to adopt those two yourself!

Of course, the other two resolutions were to exercise and to plan meals in advance.

No matter whether you have made resolutions or not, I hope 2010 is a good one for you - prosperous and happy!

http://richardsimmons.com - Clubhouse, Meetings, Recipes, tools to help.

http://qvc.com - Richard Simmons DVDs

Look Out - Here Comes 2010!

One of my Facebook friends posted a comment today that really made me think. It should make you think too!

Approximately what she said was,

"Usually I stay up to see the new year come in, but this year I'm going to stay up to make sure this year goes out."

I think I'd like to stretch that to be the entire decade! There is an excellent three minute clip at ABC.com that takes you quickly through the decade - just in case you forgot any of the details.

Here in East Texas, we actually had more than our share when you recall Hurricane Katrina and the Crash of the Columbia Shuttle. Many Katrina victims came here and quite a few stayed. Columbia crashed so close, we felt the rumble of the earth. Of course, we also had two major hurricanes right here: Rita and Ike.

To say the economy tanked is to make light of the situation. IRAs and Stock Portfolios - through no fault of our own, dwindled to pathos. Many families have at least one person who has lost their job. Some of us (myself included) have found jobs at times in our lives when we should be retired. And many who would have retired have decided to stay working. People are being more careful how they spend and they use more cash and less cards.

History shows us that in tough times we tend to appreciate church, friends and family more and I see that every day. I also see people helping people. Many folks are using food banks and second-hand stores and services they never have. The heart-warming part is that more and more people are contributing or helping however they can so there will be some for everyone.

Say what you will about Social Networking, but it helps me know what is going on with more people in less time than if I were to attempt to telephone them all. People are worrying more about each other than they ever did.

If the Fifties were the best decade that everyone remembers as gentle and fun with lots of inventions and President Ike Eisenhower, well, this past decade - which I am not sure has a nickname yet - shall be remembered as one of shock and fast-paced "it couldn't have happeneds". When stuff happens, you really cannot blame a leader and I often think about the George W. Bushes sitting in Dallas with their feet up - at last.

This sure has not been an era of poodle skirts and Elvis. It has been an era of taking a look to see who is behind you. Yes, we have cell phones - and we might need them! (I still think of the people on 9-11 in the plane over Pennsylvania using their cell phones to say "Goodbye" to loved ones.)

It is an era where education is just about the most important thing young people can do for themselves. Fortunately, there are enough ways for people to afford higher schooling, that young people - and even some older people - must merely just apply themselves. We must be willing to work just a little harder for longer hours.

Probably because my home town, Toronto is such a multilingual society, I was heartened to see Barack Obama become American President. No one should envy him as he is in office in just about the most tumultuous time ever. You will enjoy the second video if only for its light-hearted look at Mr. Obama's background. Here is a man who makes young people stand up and notice that each of us can do what we chose to do, if we really put our mind to it.

So, are you going to wait up to see 2009 leave? Have a Bud Light and text to your friends wherever they are?

Ah, yes, please also remember our military who are out there for us every day, often risking their lives.

And also - give a thought to those who have come back and are trying so very hard to adjust. Could I have gone there? No, I don't think so! Can I help a little - just a little - yes, I can and so can you! Keep it simple; keep it American - like apple pie, but let them know you care about each of them!

http://abc.go.com/ Click on NEWS; search for 3 minute clip of the decade (ABC's 3 minute clip of the decade)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HplZ_taHXLM (YouTube: There's No One As Irish As Barack O'Bama)

A Very Special Christmas Gift!

This has been a very busy year for us . . . especially when you consider we are seniors. This photo was taken in advance of Christmas. Our friend, Rebecca who majored in art and photography took several shots of Keith, Buddy (the Lhasa) and me and we chose several favorites.

We are sitting in front of our fireplace which is the focal point of our so-called great room.

The term "Great Room" is certainly not a Canadian term so I will explain briefly. And for Americans - especially here in Texas - I must tell you that in the Toronto area, the frontages of the lots are very narrow and builders compete to see who can cram as many houses as possible on the least amount of land. That is simply because Toronto land is very expensive. The demand is very high because that is where the jobs are.

Something else to note is long commutes for people attempting to get houses for more economical prices.

Well, where we live in Texas, almost all houses are one storey, or as that is called in Ontario - bungalows. Yes, yes, I know - in Texas a bungalow is half a house or two houses on one lot. In Ontario, that is called semi-detached. And then there are quad houses which are four to a lot.

So, thirteen years ago when I came here, I had to begin learning all these terms wo people could follow what I was saying.

I had seen a "great room" before - back in the early 90s in Big Bear, California.

A great room is a giant room which most people dlvide (by furniture) into living and dining areas.

When we actually moved to our current house, and so many boxes were marked "Great Room", one of the movers asked Hubby,

Where is this "Great Room"?

"It's right here! Doesn't this look like a GREAT room?"

So, you get the idea.

I was interested and found the history of our subdivision which is called "Englewood" from the builder a few years ago. He now has the Century 21 Franchise in town and his brother is a District Court Judge, having traded the family business for law school.

One time, we even got to talk with their father who created the subdivision some 45 years ago. Although it is inside the loop of the city, it was at one time an area of cottages with a little lake and a general store.

The great room? Well, since we had seen about four of this same design home around town, we were not at a loss for ideas.

Some of you know I sold real estate in the 70s in the Toronto market and so for me, a house that had no garage showing at the front was a beautiful sight to behold: major curb appeal!

Our lot is on a gentle curve and has a 239 foot frontage, so it was easy to set the garage at the front, sideways with windows matching the other side of the entrance. So, the garage door is at the side of the house. Voila! Instance curb appeal! Without being a corner lot, we still have lots of room for a double drive to come up and make a gentle turn into the garage. (Our home is now about 15 years old and we have lived in it for 12 years.)

For my Texas readers, garages in the Toronto area are very prominent and the living space is built on top and behind. Land cost is the whole name of the game.

There is a street in Toronto spelled Inglewood where many famous people, including movie stars filming there, have lived. So the street name had a nice ring.

So, our subdivision - as I said - is inside the city's loop and has many egresses (ways in and out) which was another plus for me.

The great room? Well, when you walk in our front door - greeted by the exuberant "Buddy", you are in a small ceramic-tiled foyer. When you are in the great room, you are first in the dining area. (Remember, to your left as you came in was actually a double garage.)

You come past a curio with my dog figurines and past the buffet and hutch, the table and you are coming upon a chesterfield - ah ha, you thought I would say "sofa" first, didn't you?

(You know, being a Toronto native in Texas, I must be every bit as bilingual as I was in Toronto, only not French, eh?

So, there is a sofa with recliners on both ends facing a loveseat which also reclines. (Texans are pretty casual.)

The sofas and tables are grouped around the fireplace which has bookcases on either side and a lovely mantle, with brickwork up the wall.

The major windows face out to the garden which has a covered patio. As you might have figured out, the backyard is very wide and "Buddy" does a lot of running back and forth there.

At about 10:15 on Wednesday night, this computer went dead as did the power in the entire house. There was no warning, no rumble, nothing. Earlier, there had been Tornado warnings and flash flood warnings, but not exactly for 10 or so blocks away.

Yes, a tornado - not very common for this area, came through and flattened the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Building where people play bingo Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Hubby's name was on the special wall they have there.

Down the block from us, say four houses, trees where flattened to the ground and a little further down, a garage was demolished.

Once again, we were very fortunate! One of our decorative Christmas angels took a fall for us, as did a patio chair and two small limbs.

How blessed we are to have been spared! A very special Christmas Gift this year!

Go to Fido & Fifi today for Five Star Special!

http://fido-and-fifi.blogspot.com

Stop By Lacks Home Furnishings to Donate Food and Baby Items!

blue christmas, originally uploaded by sheram's nest.

Lacks Home Furnishings in Lufkin is having a Trim-A-Tree Charity Contest until Saturday, December 19. Drop by during regular business hours and vote for your favorite tree by placing non-perishable food items and baby items under your favorite organization's tree. Each donated item represents one vote for your organization. Donated food items benefit Godtel Ministries in Livingston, Lufkin and Nacogdoches. Donated baby Items benefit the Pregnancy Help Center of Lufkin. Of course, I'd like you to place your donated items/votes under the Pregnancy Help Center Tree which is soooo cute -- decorated in baby items. Thanks!

Believe In Yourself!

Many of you know that I am now into a career that is new for me and that is mentoring/counselling young women who either have a child (or children) or are pregnant. Specifically, I am working with women ages 18 to 21, encouraging them to go back to school.

Many people get side-tracked in life because of so many reasons. A pregnancy often puts other life goals on hold. In our community, we have many services to help young women back to get their high school diploma and go on to college. We have money available, parenting education and child care available. There are people like me to encourage and be cheerleaders.

The statistics reinforce that young people today must have higher education to get along in this very competitive world. We must encourage them to get back to school and be independent, self-respecting citizens.

Although I am just beginning this mission, I can tell you that I am going to really enjoy my "work".

Some of us have had circumstances in our families over which we had no control. Abusive parents, alcoholic parents, poverty, and general lack of encouragement; the physical and spiritual things we need to grow into prosperous adults happen to more people than you may have thought.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ~ Colossians 3:12

Hope You Have Enough For Your Family And A Few Others

This morning, while driving to work, we saw a full parking lot and a line-up of people waiting to get into C.I.S.C. in town to get some food.

Every day I see people who are looking for jobs. There are some jobs, if you really look for them. They are not top paying, but they will help.

This holiday season, more and more people who never had to before are visiting food banks. They are depending on churches and other organizations to help them with gifts and food.

If everyone gives something, no matter how little, these people - many who have never had to ask for anything before - will have a brighter holiday season.

Probably the most touching sight I have seen in the past few weeks was a man with a sign, "Will work for food", with his dog by his side, pacing back and forth on the concrete triangle where they were standing. His dog doesn't know how tough things are. He just knows he belongs with his master.

Please do what you can this season. Blessings to your family and your friends and I hope you have enough for your family and a few others.

Denim & Diamonds Banquet - Thursday, November 12th, Pitser Garrison Civic Center - Lufkin, Texas

The Pregnancy Help Center of Lufkin, TX

invities you to the

Denim & Diamonds annual fundraising banquet

with special guest, Ryan Dobson, son of Focus on the Family's Dr. James Dobson

Thursday, November 12, 2009
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Pitser Garrison Civic Center
Lufkin, Texas

Info at (936) 632-9292

We are looking for Volunteers to help us serve. It is a buffet, but our servers will be bringing beverages, etc. to the tables and cleaning off the tables after dinner. Please call the above number if you can help us.

Too Many Angels - Is There Anything We Can Do To Make It Stop Hurting?

There is a hurt that never goes away. I am sure there are many but I am thinking of one that will always be a part of me. That is the hurt of losing a child. Some of us have lost children in infancy (Robbie was three-and-a-half weeks; Carrie Jane was 6 months).

The questions will always be there . . . why was my baby born sick? Did I do something wrong?

Is there anything people outside the family can do?

If you have any friends who have lost a child, think of something quiet and gentle you can do that will touch their heart and let them know someone cares that they lost their precious little one.

You could call them and say, "Hello. I have been thinking of you. Please know we are praying for you and your family."

The truth is: there is nothing any of us can say that will take away the pain. Knowing people are thinking about them, taking their hand, hugging them, crying with them . . . little things . . . that is all you can do.

God loves all children whether they were born alive on this earth or not: whether their mother was married or not. Children are a precious gift from God and some of them are only with us a very short time.

Even though my children died about 40 years ago, I still wonder . . . why?

Many of you have been praying for Sarah. She is fine, but she has not had her heart surgery yet. Waiting. Wondering. You have to feel for her family.

Five-year-old Hannah is another little girl we have been praying for and she went up to be with the other beautiful angels on Sunday. Please pray for Hannah's family. Details aren't necessary. You know hearts are broken and you wonder why . . . Please pray that her family can go on. Pray that there will be calmness in their grieving.

Please keep praying for Sarah and her medical team and her parents and her older brother, Jason. Keep praying that they get the call soon to have that surgery. Please pray that the surgery goes well.

"Jesus Loves The Little Children . . . All The Little Children Of the World . . . "

What A Great Experience!

I really enjoyed being today's guest on Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller's Blog Talk Radio program today.

You can still go to the right of this blog and click on the link to hear that 30 minute program in its entirety.

Hubby thought I would say, "You know" a lot, but I didn't. I don't sound real confident, but then I don't do radio programs every day.

Thanks very much to Carolyn for inviting me and thank you for listening!

Go To Right Side of Blog and Just Click to Link To Blog Talk Radio! Live Air Time is Wed., Oct. 21/09 at 12:00 noon Eastern; 11:00 a.m.Central

Can You Believe It? - This week Dr. Carolyn's guest is me . . .

Life is very full these days! I think I am living proof that if you plant enough seeds, you will harvest a crop!

I think some of you are "harvesting crops" on Facebook with the farms on there . . . right? The part I like about those farms is that they are a nice little distraction from the real world.

You know I'm on Facebook. I visit there at least twice a day. I keep up with the grandchildren and friends all over as well as making new friends and finding a job!

Well, back when President Barack Obama was being inaugurated, a pretty gal named Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller caught my attention with some pictures of herself meeting with her family and going to see the main event back in January! Every time Dr.Carolyn would send a photo, it was just as though I had flown to Washington with her! Then, of course, I cropped the pictures in my scrapbook. I "knew" someone who had actually been THERE! And, I must tell you, that for a gal who has only been an American Citizen for coming up to six years, that was HUGE!

Well, tomorrow, I will be the guest on Dr. Carolyn's Blog Talk Radio Program. You can tune in at the live time, or you can log on and listen later, anytime you want.

Now, in addition to my writing which I have been doing pretty much my entire life, I am mentoring at our Pregnancy Help Center in Lufkin Texas. I work through a grant from Americorps and in addition to my job, I will have scholarships for two years of college.

I can just feel a sequel coming to Bumpy Road To Texas and the working title pretty much has to be NOT FINISHED YET!

Hope you will be listening to the interview live or later and thanks for your interest in my blog! Here's the info:

Getting Good at Life - Radio!

Join Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller on Getting Good at Life! as she interviews some of the most fascinating experts and every day folks that will inspire and give practical insider tips to take your life, business, and ministry to the next level!
Show Notes
Getting Good at Life is a 30 minute program designed to provide inspiration and proven strategies to develop your life, business, and ministry. Your host, Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller possesses a passion for service that goes far beyond the pursuit of professional accolades. As a psychologist and coach, she provides practical solutions to help you get good at life!
Upcoming Episodes
How to Ride the Bumpy Roads of Life
Getting Good at Life
Date / Time: 10/21/2009 11:00 AM
Category: Women
Call-in Number: (646) 716-6910

Sometimes life is like driving down a bumpy road. You may slow down or dodge to the left or right; the key is that you keep moving. How you respond to the potholes of life makes all the difference! Do you ride them well? Or do you get stuck waiting for road construction to be completed? Tune in to Getting Good at Life with Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller as she talks to Martha Sutton, author of Bumpy Road to Texas. Hear how Martha handled her unexpected bumps and learn from her wisdom so you can ride the bumps of life well!

See You At The Angel Of Joy Fall Festival Today!

Fall Festival - Saturday, October 17 at Angel of Joy Lutheran Church, Lufkin, Texas

Angel of Joy Lutheran Church, College Drive & Daniel McCall (across from Angelina College) in Lufkin, Texas is hosting their Fall Festival on Saturday, October 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There will be a Church Sponsored Food Booth and also a Bake Booth for Take-Home Treats. Other booths include jewelry, crafts, beauty, household and recycled items. (Vendors are not limited to crafts but no garage sales, please.)
To inquire about booth space and price, please call Charlotte at (936) 824-2653

Come one, come all! Delicious foods to eat there or take home; delicious baked goods (to put in the freezer for Thanksgiving?); lots of beautiful gifts!

REMEMBER LAST YEAR - EVERYONE HAD A GREAT TIME - PLAN TO COME AGAIN!

Sarah's Surgery Off Again . . .

There was another emergency at TCH (Texas Children's Hospital in Houston) and Sarah's surgery has been delayed again. They are returning home to await another call.

Truly awesome is the number of people praying for Sarah and her family. Also, you would like to know that their Pastor went over and stayed over in a hotel to be with them first thing this morning. We sure have some great Pastors, don't we?

Will try to keep you updated and please keep praying as this starts to eat at resources, vacation days, nerves and patience.

Sarah's Surgery On Again - Friday Morning 6:00 a.m.

Please pray that Sarah's surgery will go well. Please pray for her surgeons and the medical team. Thank you everyone!

Keep Praying For Sarah And Her Family

Sarah's surgery was postponed. Another child received lungs. Sarah's family will be called to be rescheduled. Thank you everyone!

Prayers for Sarah

A Huge Commitment!

This has probably been one of the best, busiest and fullest weeks of my life. Some of you know that I was accepted into the Americorps Program for two terms and will be mentoring at the Pregnancy Help Center in Lufkin, Texas.

I will be working with young women ages 18 to 21 who either have a child or are pregnant, to encourage them to get their high school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Statistics show that people below the poverty line are very likely to not have stayed in school. In today's society, we must have as much education as is possible.

Americorps was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1993 and the first 20,000 people (like myself) started working in programs across the United States the next year.

Right now, I am in training and for a person 69 years old, this is a whole new experience!

I began on Thursday, have the weekend off and will be back at it for three more days starting Monday. My classes are at SFA (Stephen F. Austin University) in Nacogdoches, Texas, about a half hour drive up the road from home.

Hubby is very supportive, as are family and they are proud that I have accepted this challenge and opportunity. I know that their encouragement is helping me tremendously!

The building where I am based at SFA is only about two years ago and it is certainly a unique experience for someone my age. My classroom is up on the second floor with an elevator. In the building . . . and (as Dave Barry would say), I am not making this up . . . there is a huge cafeteria with every kind of food (including a full salad bar), a Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks, a Chinese Restaurant, a convenience store and a movie theater with several movies with a $1.00 admission. There is a large area with computers for the use of everyone and several areas with comfortable lounge chairs.

If every senior citizen were to tour this building, they might consider going back to school!

That brings me to the fact that I will also be able to have two scholarships, for two years of Community College (which would cover the whole cost of Angelina College or be doubled for a university like SFA.

The instructors are fabulous and the other Americorps students are a wonderful mix of age and ethnicity. (I want you to know that there are two other women also 69 years old!)

As we live longer and our economy is stretched to the max, I believe we are going to see more and more people going back into the workforce and back to school.

I find I am learning from the younger people but I guess they are learning from the older ones as well.

I told you the other day about Molly and yes, she was there my first day and of course, I gave her my blog address. There are more "Molly's" at this college, than you might think. Walking through the university, one sees lots of bright and smiling faces and sees hope, encouragement and the face of the future. It really looks pretty good!

Commit yourself to instruction; attune your ears to hear words of knowledge.

~ Proverbs 23:12