My blankie...freebie

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Reading is FUNdamental

One of my strongest childhood memories is going to the public library during the summer, for story hour. I devoured books in the same way someone thirsts for water in the desert. They captured my imagination, soothed my restlessness, and enabled me to take long journeys into language, adventures, humor ... and other worlds.

To this day, I remember the feel of those cool tile floors after slipping off my sandals, and always associate that with the joys of reading. Our memories are powerful intangibles that linger long after the occasion has passed.

Hope you're sharing the importance of reading with your loved ones.

And speaking of reading, I've had a question about my Kindle. YES, I'm using it every day and loving every minute of it!

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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Reunions & Other Stuff

Here in the US, this is the time of year when many former students gather at their class reunions -- mostly high school reunions, I think. If you've long since moved away, going back to your hometown is bittersweet. It's a flashback to a different time, different era, different people ... yet nothing's the same.

Yesterday, in the elevator going back to my office after lunch, a young woman stepped on wearing the same outfit my older sister wore in 1972. Short-sleeve red knit top with red/white/blue/tan stripped denim trousers. The only difference was that my sister's were slightly bell-bottomed. Talk about flashbacks, instantly!

Okay, fashion always comes back around. But people don't. We always hope for the best when we know we're going to see someone from our past. Well, we hope we do, anyway -- sometimes we can't help but hope that justice has been served and all those skinny people have filled out a little more. Or that all those girls who had the BEST hair, have an out-of-date 'do now. Petty thoughts, yes. :) But, in general, we hope that everyone has done well, and that they are healthy and happy.

This quotation reminded me of those class reunions. In another sense, I can relate to this quotation, differently. In so many of my thoughts about "going home," I'm actually reliving the times of riding my bicycle all over town with my younger brothers, or catching the baseball when they needed pitching practice. I wasn't a tomboy, but I enjoyed spending time with my younger brothers because they were sooo cute! I also remember having "school" in our backyard under the mulberry tree, where the classroom "desk" was a big swing. Those poor kids -- I gave them so many spelling tests!!!!!

In the same vein, the artwork in this is more childlike. Hope you can use it anyway!

Fond memories (if we allow them) overcome any bad ones you may have. Allow yourself to cherish the good times, past, present and future.

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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You know it's true ...

...how often did you hear YOUR full name called???!!

Blessings on your Monday,

Melanie

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font credits: CK Paintbrush, Pea Lindsey, Facelift, Twiggy Regular, TXT Fat hatch

Brings back memories ...

... hope they're good ones for you, too!

I'm getting my 2007 ponytail cut today -- I hate the in-between times of a haircut gap, when you're letting one style grow out so that you can get a different one, and they have plenty of hair to work with. Gets under your collar in more ways than one! Freshly cut hair always gives me a lift, and since I'm in the mood to get some of my Christmas shopping done, too, it's double the pleasure. Life is good. :) If we allow it to be.

Thank you, Lord, for simple pleasures.

Have a wonderful Saturday, filled with unexpected blessings.
Melanie
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font credits: Sidewalk, Tekton, Pippi BV, Sketchy Times, Blackredis

Happy Friday

Hope this one isn't too awkward to read. It's especially good for boys ... of all ages!

Blessings,

Melanie

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font credits: Seawave Extended Keyset Regular, AppleScruffs, Angelina, Clean Normal, CK Splash

I Count It All Joy

I just spent the past three days hosting a 4-year old boy (my great-nephew). The house was awfully quiet last night without him! The puppy is moping today because her little playmate left.

How can I describe that bundle of delight that is Adam? He is part Imp, part Sage, part Engineer, part Explorer, and all Joy. As with all my nieces and nephews, I wonder what directions life will take him ... and I pray that he will allow God to guide his paths all along the way.

Here's today's gift for you, in honor of my little guy. DOWNLOAD

Blessings,

Melanie