News Writer for Best Friends Local

I have mentioned Best Friends so often.  It is an animal sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.  What a beautiful place.  So many animals are waiting there for good homes.  Some have always been homeless, some had homes but now don't, and some have been abused.  This is my charity of choice.  I love the concept of this place.

Recently, I became a volunteer New Writer for their online local Salt Lake City newspaper.  My first article appeared last week.  It was a difficult story to write.  You see, I love and honor all things alive or passed on.  So when it came to writing this story, well, it was difficult.  This poor puppy had been placed down in a canyon recess and left to die.  Thank heavens for a canyoneer who came along and saved this animal.

You can read about Puppy's story on Facebook by typing Puppy in the search. 

I am honored to be a member of this group of people dedicated to helping animals.  If you want to read their online news, go to http://network.bestfriends.org  Once there click on Go Local.  Then just click on the map for where you want to read.

In the future, I will post different articles that I write on here.  What can I say?  Three simple words that we can all do everyday:  love, honor and respect.

LHR

Lighting a Candle in a Darkened World

Our Inspirational Thought today comes from Thomas Kinkade, painter of light.  He says when we use our talents we light a fresh candle for a darkened world.  How true this is.  Each and every one of us has been given talents.  Many people don't recognize these talents within them, so they never use them.  We must recognize them and give them back to the world by using them daily.  Think of the Parable of the Talents.  By using them, we better ourselves and increase in our abilities. 

For poets and writers - we never know who we will affect by our writings.  One of my dear friends said the most enlightened thought to me about my beautiful novel Always.  While I was working on this novel, I chose a close friend and 3 relatives to read it and give me their opinions.  As I began to send it to agents, I was worried about whether it would ever get published.  My dear friend said 'If it never gets published, then it has already touched those who needed to be inspired by it.'  What perfect words.  We never know who sees our blogs.  We never know the impact our writing has.  My cousin was bragging about my book to a friend of mine on Facebook.  Just as the great hero from Aberforth stood tall, her words of praise made me stand tall.  A poet friend often adds a comment on my blog.  Her poetry astounds me for its simplistic beauty.  She too bolsters my self confidence.  Such beautiful people like these three in our lives can help motivate all of us to believe in and use our talents.  Are their talents not obvious?

Let's wake up every day to light a fresh candle.

LHR

Mighty Heroes of Old

As Aberforth continues, a mighty hero has entered the hall. 

The oldest of classics, including the Bible, hold many tales of heroes in battle.  These classic stories helped to teach the youngest members what it took to be a hero.

Today, I recognize all heroes - those who stand by their truths in an ever-changing world, those willing to do the right thing no matter what it takes.

The greatest enemy any of us have is fear, and it is a powerful enemy.  Trusting in God and trusting in our abilities, we can slowly slice away at this fearful enemy.  We have more power in us than we will ever know, because we never walk this earth alone.  Somehow, I think all heroes know this simple thing whether they are thinking it or not - we never walk alone.

LHR

To Metaphor or not to Metaphor

A metaphor shows how two things not really alike are alike at least in one aspect.

Wise as an owl/heart of a lion/rolling in dough

Using metaphors correctly can make or ruin your writing.  Lately, I have seen too many inexperienced writers try desparately to come up with a new metaphor.  The results have been entertaining in the least.

Metaphors are used in every genre of writing and in poetry.  Maya Angelou uses metaphors a lot in her poetry.

As writers, a big no-no is to use time-worn metaphors in our writing.  But I think that it is worse to not understand metaphors and make up your own which make no sense at all.

I love metaphors.  I love reading them in stories and poetry.  I love coming up with new metaphors.  I have a journal by my side that is strictly for writing metaphors that come to me.  One of the best exercises for writers/poets is to write 10 metaphors a day.  That may sound easy, but try it.  The key here is if you do this exercise repeatedly day after day, you will come up with unique metaphors and you will develop a talent for finding them.  I challenge all of us writers to practice this evercise daily.

LHR

Water and its Molecules

I read an article about Dr. Masaru Emoto.  He published a book 'Messages From Water'.  Dr. Emoto did experiments with water; water from various places around the world.  Using a microscope at 500 times, he watched water.  Water, he says is alive and is sensitive to our thoughts and our treatment of it.  I have no problem believing this.  I do believe earth and every part of earth is alive.  I do believe we are here as part of earth's family while we are here.  Again, love, honor, respect.

After reading his article, I wrote today's poem dedicated to water.  Have you ever gone camping and looked at the river or spring nearby?  It sparkles.  Dr. Emoto showed that with our positive emotions, clean healthy water turned itself into beautiful crystals.  Negative emotions and water could not be sparkly or crystallize.  I respect water.  It is in my life everyday.  After all, as a Star Trek Alien once called us 'you ugly sacs of mostly water', we are more water than anything else.  And earth without water?  Nothing could exist.  Nothing.

LHR

Deepak Chopra and the Chopra Center

Deepak Chopra is a well-known international figure in mind-body healing concepts.  He has written more than 55 books which are published in over 85 languages.  He is the founder of the Chopra Center for Wellness.

The Chopra Center is based on three pillars of wisdom:  meditation/ayurvada/yoga.  Most of us are well familiar with meditation and yoga.  Ayurveda is an ancient Vedic concept from India that is more than 5,000 years old.  It is a natural healing system.

I mention Deepak Chopra today because he has helped me tremendously with my health problems, and I've never even met this man.  But I have read his books and I do get his newsletter.  You've also seen several quotes of his in my Inspirational Guidance page.

Take a look at his website:  www.chopra.com  You can also sign up for his newsletter which has informative articles on meditation, ayurveda, and yoga.

I have practiced Hatha Yoga since I was 12 years old.  Meditation has been a constant teacher in my life.  When I first developed Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, I was told by doctors that I coped better than most because I practiced meditation and yoga.  They are a daily part of my life.

LHR

Guardian Angels

I know we have guardian angels.  I have felt their love many times.  We were camping and one morning, I went outside.  I just stood to look at the beautiful scenery when I heard the words 'love forever true.'  The answer to a prayer had come, because just that morning I asked God about our guardian angels and their patience with us.

Let's face it.  As mortals, we are a difficult group at times.  I wondered how they could possibly love us so easily.  The answer came that morning.  I sat down and wrote out this poem in tribute to our guardian angels.

We should remember to thank them at night for all the patience they had to have during the day.  What a marvelous plan God has laid out for us, including our loving guardian angels assigned to us.

LHR

For the Love of Blogs

Like the many before me who started blogging, I find it an enjoyable form of writing.  I love to write.  I love to express the thoughts within me.  On this blog, I post my poetry, talk about my stories, and talk about who and what inspires me.

I have friends in other blog places.  I found to make comments to them I had to join those places.  Now, I can't resist leaving a writing space empty.  That's right.  I'm using them too. 

In MySpace, I blog about life's quanaries.  This is where I blog about people and animals and how 'well' we get along.  If you want to check that one out, you can find it:  www.myspace.com/lifesquandaries 

The other blog is at WordPress.  Here, I talk about the English language.  I call it 'Englishness' and yes, it is a word.  This blog I hope will help myself and others as we discover together the complexities of our language, its grammar, and its quirkiness.  You can find this blog at http://maxdbear.wordpress.com

My ultimate goal is to become the best writer I can be.  I think blogging will help me achieve that.

LHR

You are the World

The inspirational quote I have today is from Deepak Chopra.  This is a great thinker.  If you haven't tried any of his books or don't receive his free online newsletter, I would encourage you to do so.  His bits of wisdom have helped me so much in my health struggles.

Today's quote can be said just as easily as how you see your world is your world.  When I first became ill, I struggled and fought against my illnesses.  I wondered why God was punishing me.  I set a goal to fight my bad health and get back my strength.  I saw my ill-health as a negative thing.

Thanks to deep thinkers like Deepak Chopra, I learned to accept who I am, to thank God every day for the good and the bad in my life, to realize that I have a wonderful life, and to know that I am a daughter of the Supreme Being and of Mother Earth.  Each of us has that drop or spark of divinity in us, else we would not be eternal beings.  We are made on this earth in physical form, therefore part of this earth.  And we never walk alone.  Never. 

I realized I can still achieve anything I want if I put my heart and soul into it, and that I am loved by God and Mother Earth, beautiful sister-friends, and of course my family.  I just had to learn to accept myself and to love myself.  As U.S. citizens we continually strive for perfection.  Now that's a silly goal.  If we strive to be as perfect as each of us can be, that's a better goal.  I started achieving again once I realized that I could, that I never am alone, and that I am a capable loved spiritual being who is temporarily in mortal form.  And I love this mortal form.  After all, it's good and bad came from my ancestors and the roll of earth's great roulette wheel.  I accepted that challenge when I chose to come back in mortal state.

I read a story once about a woman who was sitting outside the city limits.  A nervous traveler came along and asked her what this city was like.  She asked what the city was like where he came from.  He replied how bad it was and listed several negative things.  She nodded her head and said 'unfortunately, that's what you will find here too.'  Sighing, the man entered the city.  Right after him came another traveler and asked the same question.  The woman asked him about his old city.  He replied how wonderful it was and the many friends he had left there.  She told him that was exactly what he would find in this city.

The world truly is as we see it.

May we all never give up on ourselves.  Each of us is magnificent and beautiful, a real work of art painted with more love than we could ever fathom.  We just need to see that in ourselves and in others.  It's just that simple.

LHR

Mythological Heroes

Continuing on with Aberforth, we meet one of the mythological heroes of this saga.  His power, we read, increases with each battle won.  This should give the hint that he is not human, if you haven't guessed yet.

I love the Classics.  I love the simplicity of the stories.   A hero struggling against all odds becomes the hero again at the end or loses his life.  There have been many heroes in the course of our earth's history.  Certainly, anyone who gives their life to save the life of another is a hero.  Those facing a battle and brave enough to enter the battlefield are also heroes.  People with the courage and the fortitude to change what must be changed to make life better for all are heroes.  Those who work to save lives are heroes. 

Everyday citizens are often heroes that no one hears about.  I believe these people are put in place for the time required to do that one mission.  I call them Earth's Angels.  Just a side assignment from their loving Father, entrusted to those He knows will fulfill that calling.

The Aberforth hero is one such being.  Called to serve the side of good when needed, he answers that call every time.

Editing, Editing, and Even More Editing

I love to write.  I'm sure all writers do.  What's hard is the editing.  Finding your own mistakes is not easy.  Finding a good critique partner is a challenge.

My first chapter of one of my books has been the most difficult chapter I've ever written.  I don't know why.  I just know I've struggled with it over and over.

I had a critique parner go over it recently.  What luck.  She found the thorn I couldn't find.  Because I was having so much trouble writing this chapter, I filled it with fluff.  I had repeated topics.  I used needless adverbs and adjectives.  And no matter how many times I tried to fix this chapter, I couldn't see the fluff. 

Sometimes when we write, we get so involved with making it perfect that we miss the thorn that pricks our writing.  I tell you, I will be forever grateful to her for finding this mistake.  I am re-writing it again and it has a much better flow to it and is easier to write.

Critique parners are so essential to our work.

LHR

San Francisco

When I was younger, I lived just outside of San Francisco.  I worked downtown for a couple of years.  Every week day, I'd board the commute bus, travel across Golden Gate Bridge, past all the colorful homes to Sansome Street.

At lunchtime, my friends and I would walk up the hills and down, looking for that perfect restaurant.  We never had to look far.  Seemed like every other building was an eatery.  Or somedays, I'd walk to Chinatown and indulge in delicious Chinese foods.

On weekends, I'd be back in the city, at the parks or Fishermans Wharf or riding the trolleys with friends.  The beautiful Bay area was the most romantic American city I had ever seen; and to this day it still holds that title.

I have gone back to visit San Francisco and the surrounding areas many times.  I wrote today's poem in remembrance of the sights, sounds and smells of this eclectic American city.  I hope you enjoy it.
LHR

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a well-known poet of the Victorian era.  Born in England, she was educated in her home.  This brilliant poet wrote her first well-known poem before the age of 10 years old.  Her poetry was popular in both the U.S. and England.  Later in life, she met the poet Robert Browning and they married.

They are two of my favorite poets, but Ms. Browning's poems can touch my heart in a very tender way.  This isn't surprising, such much of her work has religious/spiritual themes.  Edgar Allan Poe (my favorite poet) held her in high esteem.

Her poetry is perfect for that time of day when you want to curl up with a good book and want to be emotionally charged by what the writer says.  I have not come across one of her poems that I don't like.  Gentle prose,  easy  to understand, floating rhythms.  I can only hope that my poetry will one day touch my readers as her poetry affects me.

LHR

What a Day

Well, yesterday was quite a day for me.  I turned 60 yrs old.  That's right.  I've now lived in mortal form this time for 60 earth years, and what a time that's been.  I grew up in a town in Ohio, right on Lake Erie.  Those lakes are all beautiful.  And they are more like mini oceans if you've ever seen them.  My dad was an alcoholic and my mother had emotional problems.  We were poor - some days we lived on lard and noodles.  No milk.  We couldn't afford milk.  My twin brother and I grew up drinking Kool-Aid.  Back then you used tons of sugar to make it.  I've been lactose intolerant most of my life.  But my parents loved us and were good parents.

I left home at 18 to conquer the world.  I attended 3 colleges, one of them in Hawaii.  I have an Associates Degree in Humanities - French and German, a Bachelors Degree in Mandarin Chinese and Chinese History (graduating Magna Cum Laude and proud member of Alpha Chi), and 3 years into my graduate program in Classical Chinese with a minor in Chinese History and Linguistics.  Alas, as I was writing my thesis I ran out of money, got a job in Salt Lake City, met my husband, and never got my Masters.  However, I have been blessed and honored with a family and got to play my favorite role in life - mother and wife. 

I've had two successful careers:  I was in the U.S. Army for 14 years, retired as a CW2.  I was one of the first 44 women in the U.S. to achieve this rank.  I spent another 14 years as an Independent Avon Representative, selling an average of $55,000 a year.  I was 7th in a district of 550 women.  I am working on my third career as a writer and poet.  I've always had it in me to write, but writing and poetry came way too easy and I wanted to challenge life.  Now, I'm ready to release all those wonderful stories waiting to be put on paper.

Yesterday, my son grilled me a steak for lunch.  It was delicious.  In the evening, my husband treated us to Leatherbys - a sandwich and ice cream shop (the ice cream is the good old fashioned kind).  Sitting there with my family - my son and his wife and my husband - seeing other families enjoying their time - that's why we're here, folks.  To love and be loved.  That's all.  To love and be loved.  What a glorious plan.  I can't help but thank God for my amazing journey on this earth this time.  Thank You, dear Heavenly Father, thank You.

LHR

Where does the time go

Life has kept me busy still.  It is amazing how sometimes everything piles up and suddenly you are digging yourself out from underneath it all.  I'm still digging.

I will admit I always have several projects going at once.  It's how I like to live.  If you knew me, you would see that I am a very quiet serious person.  But I'm always busy. 

Almost three years ago, Chronic Fatigue struck me down again.  I had heard it could go into remission, only to resurface years later.  I was doing so good with my life and back to working.  Now, I again can't work.  Still, I busy myself with my poetry and writings, emailing friends, and crafts such as crocheting.  I read alot and some days, when I am too sick to even get out of bed, I watch television.  Doing projects when I can keeps my self-esteem up.  Otherwise, I get down on myself and my life.

And that, folks, is why life has gotten ahead of me again.  Hopefully, I'll get back to my schedule soon.

LHR

Where Does the Time Go

I have gotten delinquent in keeping my blog up again.  One thing after another came up from Thursday on.  Although frustrating, I am grateful to have a family.  I was talking to a friend one day a couple of years ago and she happened to mention it was her laundry day.  Then she said, "I thank God every time I do the laundry for the family I have."  She was sincere.  It taught me a true lesson. 

Whatever comes up in our lives to keep us from our personal time, it is really a blessing because we have families.

On Saturday I spent the afternoon in an InstaCare.  Today I am grateful for America, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and prescription medicine, along with a health care provider. 

Little annoyances can teach us big lessons.

LHR

Home for a Rest

I find it amazing that when your feet touch home base again, I feel a need to recuperate after a vacation.  Wasn't that the reason we left in the first place? 

I had a wonderful time, as I always do when in the desert heat of Las Vegas or southern Utah.  It is a time that my husband and I pretty much kicked back and did very little, but we did that little together.  My husband finds ways like this to show he loves me.  I'll never forget this trip.

Coming home is always difficult.  We go back 'up and down mountains' so many times I lose count.  Many of the roads are in need of repair.  The winds blow from time to time.  It is a 5hr drive because traffic, weather, and road repairing are in our favor.  Still, we arrive home tired.  We both like to get everything unpacked immediately.  Too tired to cook, we have our son and daughter-in-law make a run for fast food.  But it is good to be home.

Our dogs get so excited as we near our subdivision?  How do they know we are nearing home, I wonder?  It happens every time.  They go crazy running around the house and the backyard for a good 20minutes, until they cannot go on longer.  They are happy to be home.  And you know what?  So am I.

LHR

St. George Utah

We have just arrived in St. George, Utah.  It is a beautiful city just at the border of Arizona.  It is a college town and retired city, the college being Dixie State. 

The drive from Las Vegas was only a couple hours, but it seemed longer because of crossing the desert.

I love this area.  The rocks are dirt are red, mixed with the brown desert earth and surrounded by mountains.  It is 110 degrees here today.  We will spend the night at TempleView Campground.  It is a very quiet and small campground, and very clean.

Tomorrow we head up and down all the mountains again.  It will be a longer drive - 6 to 8 hours.  By this time in our travels I look forward to going home.  Vacationing is fun, but it sure can tire me out and I'm beginning to miss my normal routines.

LHR

I Love the United States of America

Who couldn't love this glorious country?  Here we are, my husband and I, camping in a beautiful campground in Las Vegas.  We're surrounded by palm trees, the campground offers a store, a bar where you can also get breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a church service on Sundays, and games, dancing and movies throughout the week.  It is pet friendly, allowing up to 3 dogs, and has clean dog runs.  The Strip, Outlet Mall, grocery store and other stores are just down the street.  Let's not forget the pools here that I've already talked about.

We camp in an RV, surrounded by other RV's.  Some are large diesels, others are tiny pop-ups.  People are on vacation with their families, some are traveling workers, and many are retirees.  The sites have water, sewer, electricity, phone hook ups if you need one, WIFI, free satellite TV (or you can pay for cable).

I am sitting inside at our table.  Our RV has two slide-outs, making this a comfortable little home for two.  The air conditioners are running.  We have our own bathroom with (of course) hot and cold water and a nice sized shower.  We have a good sized fridge and freezer, a microwave/convection oven (I love it), and plenty of storage space.  The is a TV in the living area and a TV in the main bedroom.  It can sleep 6 comfortably.  There is plenty of lighting, a radio, and 6-CD player.  We have a table attachment that fits on the steering wheel and the driver/passenger chairs swivel to give it a homey look.  We have an awning which provides lots of shade and comfortable reclining outdoor loungers.  The campground provides a table with benches.

Your RV breaks down or needs cleaning?  Service right to your door.  You can order food from your RV, like pizza and have it delivered.  Didn't tow your car?  You can rent a car.  Someone stop me!

We cross through Arizona from Utah into Nevada and we don't need to stop at borders to show ID or have our vehicle searched.  Tomorrow we will leave for St. George, Utah.  We will stop at a store on an Indian Reservation to pick up some lunch and any other supplies we might need.  Then we will drive through the most beautiful scenery.  We'll get mad at the crazy drivers and frustrated with the slow drivers.  We will see lots of Highway Patrol out watching for our safety and looking for law breakers.  We will pull into a small campground called McArthur's Temple View, another friendly and clean campground.

Wednesday morning, we will head home.  It will be a long drive up the state of Utah.  Along the way, will be many small and large towns with service stations, restaurants, and stores.  Between them are clean rest areas.

These services are brought to all of us courtesy of the United States of America.  I have always said God had me be born in the U.S. because I have always been a spoiled little brat and could never survive anywhere else!

LHR

Happy Fourth of July

Happy 4th of July!  And a great big  - no, huge - thank you to the founding fathers - yes, that's right - fathers of our country.  And a big h-u-g-e shame on you to the politically correct who want to change our history on this point. 

Anyway, we are still in Vegas at the Oasis Campground.  They hosted a 4th of July barbecue/karaoke/dance last night for the 4th of July.  We had a really nice time.  I'm telling you, if you want to be treated as if you truly are someone, this is the campground for you.  They even gave out gift bags and pool toys at the family pool.  They have a family pool area complete with sand.  But the best pool is the adult pool area where no one under 18 is permitted and they enforce it.  It comes complete with a wonderful jet hot tub.  Mmm, nice.  But I deviate.  The food at the barbecue was very tasty.  I chose ribs.  I'm a red meat carnivore, for sure.  The karaoke was fun too.  Did I participate, you ask?  Sigh, no.  I have a unique singing voice.  I sing in D Flat (Donna's flat) and there is no instrument with that key yet.  We didn't stay for the dancing, because I had one rum and coke and got snockered.  I should trust what the pharmacist had told me with one of my new medicines - don't take alcohol while on this pill.  I found out that was correct.

This morning, we are going over to the Paradise at the Oasis - a small bar.  It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and they're have a special breakfast price for the 4th.  The rest of the day, we are just kicking back and relaxing.  I am sure Shadow and Patch will talk me into a few walks. 

Wishing you a fun and safe 4th of July.  LHR

Family Trips

It's 5:30 in the morning, Vegas time.  I have been up since 3am.  One of my dogs is ill.  He has a tummy ache.  Patch is our needy dog, and when he is sick he wants to be comforted.  I've taken him out twice now and he just looks around the campground.  He really just wants to be held and cuddled.

Since I am up so early and my husband is still asleep, my mind wanders to our travels. 

One of my favorite places is the Redwoods.  We've been there several times.  The amazing redwood trees - standing so tall are something to see.  We walked through a Redwood grove once and it was as if we were in a chapel.  There was something about these aged trees that made me want to be reverent and quiet.  They are like something out of fantasy, standing there still, having lived on our earth longer than most. 

Another favorite spot is Yellowstone.  Yellowstone has several different areas to explore and lots of wildlife.  We've been there several times too.  We always make sure to visit Old Faithful.  This is something to watch. 
When we travel, I realize what a beautiful planet we live in.  In our day to day lives, we are so involved with other things that we don't notice the wonders of Mother Nature. 

What's so awesome about Vegas, you ask.  It's certainly not getting in tune with Mother Nature.  No, it's what Vegas does to entertain its visitors.  This is a town whose main interest is to please the tourists.  And it does a great job.  Nowadays, we don't go to the Strip much.  We enjoy the sites and places around the campground - a lot less crowded and still fun.  I come to Vegas because I love the weather and because I can just be me and no one cares.  Viva Las Vegas.

LHR

It's Vegas, Baby

Usually, I post my poems or talk about all the neat literary stuff I love to talk about, but for the next few days I'll be talking about traveling.  My husband and I are spending some time in Las Vegas, a city I love. 

We left our home yesterday with our two poodles.  Driving down the state of Utah is a long drive.  The worst part for me is driving up and down, up and down, up and down, and then up and down all the mountains.However, Utah is an amazingly beautiful rugged state, and I particularly love the natural beauty and desert of southern Utah.  Miles and miles of nothing but God's beautiful land.  Now, the desert can be pretty hot this time of year, but I also love the desert heat.  We camped at a campground in Utah that was abou 6500 feet above sea level.

We have an RV, and my husband and I have been RV'ing together for 30 years.  We have tons of memories and have seen about 18 states in an RV.  I love it.  Our RV is our little home away from home.  In other words, we drag our home with us.

Earlier today, we pulled into the Oasis RV Park in Las Vegas, Nevada.  It is a beautiful campground.  This place plans a lot of activities for its visitors.  Tonight, they offer a barbecue and kareoke.  Tomorrow night, they will have a July 4th barbecue with music for dancing.  We always have a good time when we stay here.

LHR