Monday, September 16, 2013

Small Town


I can be myself here in this small town
And people let me be just what I want to be
John Mellencamp

I wasn't born here, didn't go to grade school here, but this is my hometown.  It's a small town.

A couple of years back, you used to know everyone in town.  Never could get away with anything without your parents finding out because of the eyes and ears all over town.  Yes, everyone knows everyone else's business, but, because of this, a helping hand is always a stone's throw away.

My closest friends were born here, went to kindergarten and graduated from high school with the same crew.  They made me feel like I always belonged here.  They are the ones I got crazy with in high school, stood up to each other's weddings, am helping with their kids' weddings, and will probably get crazy with when we are old.  A bunch of good girls that just like to have fun.

My family lives here.  None of us left.  It's our hometown.  My siblings each raised their families here, and hope that their grandkids will raise their kids.  We can call, and one or other will come running right away. 

It's a small town.  Nothing special except for the people that make up this small town - a bunch of nosy, gossiping, caring, and giving people.  The best kind of people are in a small town!

Easy Recipe

Bacon Bacon Broccoli Salad 

2 Tbsp. Bacon Bacon™
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vinegar
5 cups broccoli florets
2 Tbsp. salted sunflower seeds, if desired
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Combine first 4 ingredients in small bowl. Place broccoli in large bowl; drizzle with Bacon Bacon™ mixture. Toss; top with sunflower seeds and cheese. Chill 1 hour. Makes 6-8 servings.


Aunt Janet's Famous Saying

"I have eyes and ears all over town, so I will find out."  This always amazed my nieces and nephews when I found out.   And I will never give the names of my sources!

Love you,
Aunt Janet

Sunday, September 15, 2013

If there's a road I should walk, 
Help me find it.
Sidewalk Prophets


There are times in our lives that don't make sense.  That no matter what we do, nothing seems to turn out the way we want them to - the way we think is the best way.  We thought we had it under control, we were doing what was right, we were being giving and patient, and it all blows up in our face.

We question our motives, try to figure out where we went wrong, thought this was the path we were meant to take, and we come to a brick wall.  

Asking for what we want goes unheard. Being still, and knowing God is there, just sits still.  Yelling at the top of our lungs only leaves us hoarse.  

So, I'm at the brick wall, holding my hands up, saying "Okay, You want me to just go through this," because I have no where to go - I am stuck.  I wait for the road to spring up, the path I should take. 

He shows me that this road has ended, and I need to just climb over the brick wall at the end of this road, for this road has ended, and there's another road on the other side.  I did what I was meant to do on that road.  It was not meant for me to reap the benefits, but for me to learn, help, and maybe give a little faith to the ones I met while traveling that path.

It is the hardest thing I've ever done - just giving up.  But there's a road ahead full of promise and hope.  I lift myself over the wall, abandoning what I think, and stepping into the unknown with total trust.  Complete surrender.

Monday, September 02, 2013

Love Them Anyway

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.
 Love them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
 Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies.
 Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
 Be good anyway.

Honesty and frankness will make you vulnerable.
 Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
 Build anyway.

People need help but will attack you if you help them.
 Help them anyway.

Give the world the best you have
And you'll get kicked in the teeth,
GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU'VE GOT ANYWAY.
 As seen on Mother Teresa's children's home in Calcutta
 

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