The Road Ahead!

I have always considered my life as a journey. The time between Christmas and New Years has been a time of reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the year ahead. Some people look forward to the year ahead with all kinds of resolutions.
What I choose to do during this week between Christmas and New Years is to reflect on the past and also start making those changes I wish for the coming years. If I feel I need to make changes during the year,I know I can make them at anytime. The journey ahead will bring change. You may make your resolutions and begin your changes on the first day of the year, but know you can make them anytime. Journey On!

Where are you Christmas?

I Love This Video and Movie!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

I Love Manhattan Transfer!

Drift Away

I Love The Nylons!

Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas(War Is Over)

You're A Mean One Mr Grinch!

Traditions of Christmas

I Love Mannheim Steamroller

The Homecoming!

I love this movie!

Chrismas Canon TSO

One of my favorite Christmas Songs!

The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Nylons

I Love The Nylons!

A Charlie Brown Christmas

One of my favorite Christmas Memories!

Music Box Dancer

I Love It!

The Bunny Suit

Remember this scene for "A Christmas Story"?

Have a great Holiday Season!

Bitter or Better?

A year ago I started this blog to turn something which could have been negative into something positive. I took a situation with an obstacle and turned that obstacle into an opportunity for growth. Please note that it was not easy, but was an opportunity for growth. As you know things are not always in black and white. There are a lot of shades in between. I hope you look for those opportunities to make yourself "better" not obstacles which could make you "bitter".

Thanksgiving and Thankful Living!

It was nice to have a Sunday dinner with my family. We talked and laughed remembering moments for years past. This reminded me of when I was dating the lady who is now my wife. I didn't matter what we did or planned for the date. The important thing was that we were doing it together. I learned that those moments were creating memories. This Thanksgiving I hope you won't get hung up on the details but get caught up in those moments creating memories. Being Thankful is part of my journey! I hope it is part of yours too!

Morning Has Broken

God and Dog by WJ Francisco

Pay-It-Forward Thanksgiving!

As I journey into November, I look forward to one of my favorite holidays: Thanksgiving! On one episode of "The Golden Girls", Sophia (Estelle Getty) wants to have a mock funeral complete with a eulogy. As a sitcom there were comedic parts of the episode, but the point of the storyline stuck with me. Sophia wanted to know how she was appreciated when she was alive. This is something she wouldn't know after she had passed on. I hope on your journey, you may have a Pay-It-Forward Thanksgiving! Appreciate and give thanks for those important to you by letting them know. Thanks!

Winds Of Change!

Russ Taff's album had a song on it which I really like called "Winds Of Change". As I journey through this life, I've realized that I am in a continual state of change. Seasons are a great reminder of this. October comes in with wind and cooler temperatures. T-Shirts are replaced by sweat shirts. Lawn mowers are having a last run before we prep our snow blowers. All of it is a part of change. I hope you learn to embrace change as a part of your journey! If you don't like where your journey, remember you have the power to "change" it.

Back To!

On my journey, I realize that sometimes the journey means going "back to". Maybe back to school, back to the town I grew up in, back to visit family and friends, etc. Just realize that traveling back to a place, time. etc. is not the same as taking a step back.
On the contrary, you are moving forward reflecting on the times, places, and people that are all a part of your life and make you who you are. I hope on your journey you go back to those moments that make you who you are!

Ease On Down The Road!

On my journey in this life, I am always tying to find the balance between the "fast and furious" road and the "ease" of slowing down onto a path less traveled.
I often ask myself if I am an "actor" or a "reactor". I hope you are the star actor or actress in your own journey and not just reacting to the demands of others.
On your journey I hope you are able to find balance as you "Ease On Down The Road".

Visiting Childhoood!

On my journey, I recently took a trip to the hometown of one of my favorite actresses in one of my favorite movies: Grand Rapids, Minnesota was the birthplace of Judy Garland who starred as "Dorothy" in The Wizard of Oz.

I hope on your journey you may take time to revisit your childhood. It may be in the past, but it is still a part of who you are. Remember, we don't stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing! I hope you may revisit your childhood if only for a moment!

Connections Appreciation

As I journey through this life, I have realized that we all have "links" in our lives. Those links maybe people, carreer, oranizations, hobbies, etc. Some are permanent while others are only temporary. I have connected with 2 of my classmates. One of the classmates I talk to once a week. The other I recently talked to after 31 years. It is easy to tell which one I consider to be "permanent" and which one "temporary". I appreciate them both! On your jouney, I hope you appreciate the connections in your life, for they are all a part of who you are! Have a great day!

Honor Our Heroes

As a fan of the television show "Survivor", I usually become emotional in the episode where remaining tribe mates take time to "honor" those that have been voted out of the game.

On your journey, take time to honor those who have and are serving our country to protect our freedoms and rights.

Missed Opportunities!

When I've taken time to reflect on my life,

I've recognized that at times my life has become

so busy that I have "missed opportunities" to experience those things that are important to me. Just as I have wanted to encourage you with something positive, I have been caught up in the busyness of life, and let those things that are important to me slowly drift away. On your journey in life, I hope you will not be a "drifter" traveling on a road of "missed opportunities".

Saint Patrick's Day!

As I journey into March, I note how people get ready for Saint Patrick's Day! Saint Patrick was credited as banishing snakes out of Ireland which didn't exist there. The "snakes" he banished were in reference to the serpentine symbolism in druidism. On your jouney, Go Green as you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day!

Your Profile, Your Journey

In this time of social networking, it is interesting for me to look at people's profile. Most will include a picture, education, occupation, interests, hobbies, favorites, etc. The goal of one person: To make someone's day a little better! I like that! Your journey plus your profile equals your legacy!

Something to ponder!

Saint Valentine

As Valentine's day approaches, there are those romantic advertisements for chocolates, flowers, jewelry, etc. Although these are important I would challenge you on your journey to learn about Saint Valentine and the significance of this day which goes far beyond romance. For me it has always been a day of love: to receive and give to all those important people in our lives. Love On!

Happy New Year

I have noticed that people have measured things in terms of years! Every January, people reflect on the past year and think about the changes they want to make for the coming year. On your journey every year, every day, every moment is an opportunity for reflection and resolution. Have a great day!