iPOD vs MP3 Player

Help! My daughter wants an iPOD for Christmas but I can't see buying a 12 year old an iPOD. Her Dad and I are thinking about buying an MP3 Player instead. Any thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

Have a Great Thanksgiving Weekend!

It wasn’t Mom’s fault that there wasn’t enough turkey - or pie - to go around. After all, Dad had said the neighbors weren’t coming. But they did. All of them.

Source: Jean Bell Mosley, in "Wide Meadows"

Count Down to Thanksgiving

Set the Stage for a Thanksgiving Company

• Hollow out apples or mini pumpkins; place tea lights inside.
• Mix treasured pieces of family china. Look for similar colors or complementary patterns.
• Place votive candles in Mason jars; anchor with fresh cranberries (remove after dinner).
• Elevate small pumpkins and gourds on a pretty cake stand.
• Don't forget the sideboard or buffet. Scatter tea lights and Indian corn among the serving dishes.
• Drape craft-store garlands of berries or pinecones on chandeliers.
• Add bittersweet berries to a vase of fresh roses for an autumn touch.
• Try decorating with pomegranates or small white pumpkins as a change from the usual fall bounty.
• Place turkey on platter. Surround with grapes, fresh rosemary, and roasted garlic cloves.
• Soften a stick of butter; add cinnamon and 2 teaspoons brown sugar. Serve with rolls.
• Greet guests with a special cocktail. Try a splash of fruit liqueur in sparkling wine.
• Share a special toast or blessing as a reminder of what the day is about.

Harry's On Fire

Fourth movie, 'Goblet,' could be the best yet!

I'm as excited as a little schoolgirl to see the new Harry Potter movie. From everything I have heard and seen so far, I doubt that I will be disappointed. But sadly I will have to wait until next weekend to see it. Check out my review at Let's All Go to the Movies over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Just Breathe

Do you spend a lot of time feeling anxious and stressed? Does your body have a way of tightening? Do your shoulders feel tense and hard? Maintaining this state for periods of time can do all kinds of unpleasant things to your mind and your body.

It's essential that you relax and take care of yourself. You are worth it, you know.

Try this simple escape, find a comfortable chair in a quiet place and just breathe. In and out just like a relaxed and confident person. Tune into the rhythm of your breath, shun away any other thoughts. Within minutes your shoulders will relax, the anxiousness will subside and you will feel the stress leave your body. Feels pretty good, doesn't it?

From Meditations for Women

Are You Afraid?

Johann Christoph Arnold

When things look dark and hopeless, that is the time to find out who your friends and neighbors really are. Or do you think you are the only one who is afraid? Look with new eyes at the people you meet daily, and you will quickly realize that everyone is frightened, at least at some level. But every time we share a burden like fear with another person, that burden is cut in half, and is replaced by love. Suddenly we will realize that we are not as alone as we thought we were.

Reprinted from www.bruderhof.com

Try it!

More often than not - we get up in the morning and once our minds kick in to gear we start mentally running through all the things we need to get done.

Within a few minutes we’re frantically running around trying to get everything and everyone organized for the day. When we start the day by filling our minds with high voltage activity we usually spend the rest of our day feeling anxious and stressed.

Tomorrow morning take a few moments instead to fill your mind and soul with calm. Reflect on the importance of harmony, serenity and balance in your life. Before you jump out of bed, enjoy a few minutes or peaceful quiet relaxation.

When you start this way it makes a big difference. You’ll have more energy and tolerance for what lies ahead and you’ll be able to handle the unexpected with ease.

Try it!

From Meditations for Women

Have fun!

When you were a child, you didn't look for a purpose in everything you did.

You didn't run across a field, sink your teeth into a juicy orange or jump high with a ball because it was good for you - you did it for the sheer, glorious fun of it.

Release your inner child. Take time to play in the park, laugh with friends, visit a fair, walk barefoot on a beach...just for fun.

If it makes you feel good, that's all the reason you need. Have fun!

From Meditations for Women

When you feel stressed out, burned out and maxed out and you think your life is too hard, take a step back and reflect for a moment. Think of all the things that you are thankful for, your health, your family and all those little things you take for granted.

When life seems like it is moving too fast and you’re riding on its coat tails, watch the sun set, listen to some good music or delve into a good book. Allow yourself the time to reflect on the gifts you have been given, both big and small.

Sometimes we need to step back, slow down and appreciate what we have. It helps us put things back into perspective and regain a sense of serenity.

From Meditations for Women

I learned this yesterday....

You know you are too old to Trick or Treat when:

1. You get winded from knocking on the door.
2. You have to have a kid chew the candy for you.
3. You ask for high fiber candy only.
4. When someone drops a candy bar in your bag, you lose your balance and fall over.
5. People say: "Great Boris Karloff Mask," and you're not wearing a mask.
6. When the door opens you yell, "Trick or ...." and can't remember the rest.
7. By the end of the night, you have a bag full of restraining orders.
8. You have to carefully choose a costume that won't dislodge your hairpiece.
9. You're the only Power Ranger in the neighborhood with a walker.