September has been older Americans month. When we celebrate grandparents day, we see our grandchildren go off to school, to colleges and universities, and the grandparents get some perspectives on successful grandparenting and successful aging. Recently, I read about a study by Dr. George Valant from the Harvard Medical School. The study found that a lot of successful aging is how we handle ourselves through the years. It followed our lives of 824 men and women from their teens into their 80s. It divides persons between 60 and 80 into two groups. Happy well, and sad sick. It also analyzes the traits of individuals in the groups who have died.
Episode 316: Remembering 911 →
Last week, we were reminded of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 that shook our nation. There have been many poems, songs, and prayers written that have touched our hearts. The following essay was an email which I received. It was written by an unknown author. Perhaps you received it too, following those events. You may wish to share these thoughts with someone who cares.
Episode 315: The Gift of September →
September. The gift of September. Heart to heart thoughts, and the days grow long when we reach September. September is a delightful month. It marks the end of summer and the coming of fall.
Episode 314: Forget-Me-Nots →
The U.S. National Grandparents Day is the 1st Sunday after Labor Day in September. In 2010, it falls on September 12th, and in 2011 on September 11th, also the anniversary of the 911 terrorism attacks. Marion McQuade of Oak Hill, West, Virginia, has been recognized nationally by the United States Senate, in particular by Senators Jennings, Randolph, and Robert Bird and by President Jimmy Carter.
Episode 313: Noah's Ark →
In the Warm Thoughts column of last week, we learned about what one learns when they go to kindergarten. Recently, I read an article entitled, “All I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark.” I do not know the author of this gem, but I believe you'll enjoy it as we think about sending our children and grandchildren off to school and college.
Episode 312: Family Reunions →
Summertime, summertime, summertime. Good old summertime. Here it is, August, a time to reflect on summer joys and challenges. As an early riser, I have enjoyed the rising of the sun, the peaceful mornings listening to the birds sing, and as I write these lines, it is a foggy morning. A heavy dew is on the grass as one walks down the country lane. Soon school will begin, and many schools throughout the country are beginning classes earlier this year. As a lifelong learner, I look forward to these school days, and golden rule days. However, I may feel my age when grandchildren ask me. Grandma, what century were you born in?
Episode 311: August is Here →
Can it really be? August is here. June with its brief tranquil moments in July with its full moon and fireflies and celebration and holiday time is now a memory. August is time for the early harvest. Tomatoes ripening, the taste of roasting ears, new potatoes in the pot, fryers in the freezer, the aroma of baking bread and pies, and making pickles and preserves. August is vacation time with family before school starts. A trip to the mountains and hills, fishing by the lake, quiet brooks, streams, attending softball games, fair time, fun time, picnic time, more family celebrations and reunions, high school and college reunions, summer graduations, and for some moving on, moving on in life.
Episode 310: Today & Yesterday →
My friend is celebrating another birthday and she wrote me and remembered that she too is having another birthday. She also wrote in detail about her senior moments. Our friendship has endured many years of joys and challenges. As time is fleeting so rapidly, each day is very precious, and I am reminded that today is the first day of the rest of my life. An unknown author helps us to be aware how special is today.
Episode 309: Arizona & the Snowbirds →
New billboards are getting attention in Arizona. Some folks have reported seeing one or two messages. The newspapers listed all of them. Here is a list of variations of the Godspeaks billboards. The billboards are a simple black background with white text. I have a dear friend who has retired to Arizona, and I wonder if she has seen a few of the messages.
Episode 308: Happy Birthday Luetta →
A real faithful reader of this Warm Thoughts column sent some real gems of thought which I used in a recent column. It was like a Christmas or birthday present to receive them. Today is my birthday, and I decided I would share with you some more of the thoughts she sent me. Thank you for the birthday gift. And the Christmas gift too, as it is Christmas in the summer at the little home on the prairie.
Episode 307: The Most Creative Job in the World →
Have you read about the most creative job in the world? Let me tell you about it. Perhaps you have even lived it. This most creative job in the world involves taste, fashion, decorating, recreation, education, transportation, psychology, romance, cuisine, designing, literature, medicine, handicraft, art, horticulture, economics, government, community relations, pediatrics, geriatrics, entertainment, maintenance, purchasing, direct mail, law, accounting, religion, energy, and management. Now, just what are you thinking? Just who would want this creative job? You may be thinking that anyone who can handle all those creative jobs just has to be very special. Yes, she is. She is a homemaker.
Episode 306: Still She Waves →
Today we celebrate Independence Day. It is a day of celebration for parades and families, and we see our nation's flag flying in the breeze. As a mother and grandmother, I save precious thoughts that my children and grandchildren have written. Recently, I ran across an essay that my daughter Kathy wrote when she was 13 years old and in 8th grade. On this Independence day, you too may appreciate these thoughts written by a teenager.
Episode 305: Gems of Thought →
It seems that the readers of the Warm Thoughts column appreciate thoughts that may sometimes jog their minds. They also tell me they like essays and poetry. I really appreciate it when they share their thoughts. This column came from a very faithful reader of this column who apparently collects gems of thought. Thanks for sharing these thoughts.
Episode 304: Time with Family →
The month of June brings families together. There are still graduations, showers, weddings, birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries, and it is the month for Father's Day. Togetherness can strengthen the family ties. The summer is a time to do some summer reading as a family. Perhaps at the dinner table, read something out loud to your family. Tomorrow night, another member of the family can read something. A news story, a poem, history or humor, anything really. Each night, a different family member can read a selection or share something they have read. Imagine the wide range of subjects your family would read in the 365 days of the year. It is an enriching experience and it doesn't cost a dime.
Episode 303: How Father's Day Began →
The 2nd Sunday in June is Children's Day. The following Sunday we celebrate Father's Day. A great deal of concern has been focused on our children as the dawn of a new century is fast approaching. Children who have graduated this last year in the 20th century are told that they will be shaping the next century. What a challenge for our children and our grandchildren. Many years ago, an author by the name of Dorothy Law Nolte wrote these thoughts about children and what they learn from those around them.
Episode 302: Children's Day →
The 2nd Sunday in June is Children's Day. The following Sunday we celebrate Father's Day. A great deal of concern has been focused on our children as the dawn of a new century is fast approaching. Children who have graduated this last year in the 20th century are told that they will be shaping the next century. What a challenge for our children and our grandchildren. Many years ago, an author by the name of Dorothy Law Nolte wrote these thoughts about children and what they learn from those around them.
Episode 301: Praying for Rain →
It is gardening time. It was a beautiful spring day when 6 year old grandson Trevor and his old grandma decided to plant the garden and then plant flowers in the flower pots. Trevor patiently helped plant the potatoes, better boy tomatoes, carrots, and broccoli. After the completion of the gardening project, we watered the garden. I suggested to Trevor that if it did not rain, he could pray for rain for the planted garden. His reply was immediate and very emphatic. “Grandma, I will leave that job up to you.” And believe me, this grandma is thankful for answered prayer as rain from heaven watered at the planted garden.
Episode 300: Dear Daughter, →
When you read this warm thoughts column, it will be just a couple days before Mother's Day. Many families will be together on this special family day honoring their mother. Recently, I read an essay, a letter a mother wrote to her daughter. It touched my heart and no doubt will be taped on a kitchen cabinet or refrigerator. And so I will share it with you, my readers.
Episode 299: Little Pleasures →
This is the last day of April. The month of April has been national poetry month. It is interesting that a dear friend in Florida sent me in the mail an original poem she wrote on her birthday. It is such a joy to be able to share with the readers of this warm thoughts column, the gems of thought and poetry. So thanks, Sarah Gray, for her precious thoughts.
Episode 298: Be a Kid Again →
Last week, we learned some thoughts from the kids and computers. In the past, I've received some interesting comments from my readers in my peer group who are having a growing edge with all of this computer technology. I have been reading some perspectives on aging and how to be a kid again. And so I will share these thoughts found on the internet…perhaps it is the 1st draft.