BLOGGing Lisa's Life

Dang Hot!

2011-08-02T13:02:00.000-04:00

Oh, it's been hot lo these past summer days,
I sweet like bullets, tho I sit in the shade.
I'm not really enjoying a carefree summer,
For these grossly hot days are really a bummer
---Lisa

FIGMENTED MEMORY

2011-02-06T17:26:00.001-05:00

(Photo by Lisa Allen-Kennard)

OH...THE SNOW OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL,
BUT TO ME IT'S SO DELIGHTFUL,
BECAUSE I'M CURLED UP BY THE FIRE AND THEE,
WITH YOUR FACE LIT BY LOVE, AND OUR TREE!

AS I MAKE A MEMORY BOARD FOR DISPLAY,
YOU'RE OUTSIDE YELLING 'COME OUT & PLAY!'
BUT I'M BUSY WRAPPING PRESENTS YOU SEE,
SO ON CHRISTMAS MORN THERE'S PRESENTS FROM ME...

MARTHA STEWART CAME BY YESTERDAY, I KNOW,
TRUDGING THROUGH THE ICE & SNOW,
TO HELP ME DECORATED OUR HOME,
AND MAKE OUR WORLD TOGETHER SHALOM!
AS I LOOK AWAY FROM MY MEMORY BOARD
THE COLD AND THE DARK CUT ME LIKE A SWORD,
BECAUSE THIS HAPPILY GLITTERING TREE
IS A FIGMENT OF MY MEMORY.

WHILE SNOW PILES UP OUTSIDE
I WEEP AND MOAN AND HIDE,
FOR CHRISTMAS IS NOW TRAGEDY,
AND HOLY HELL FOR THE LONELY...
(WOW, THAT TOOK AN UNEXPECTEDLY TURN!)

Winter Activities

2011-01-04T13:13:00.001-05:00

Sometime, even the most resourseful person

needs a little guidance:

To Do's (From WWW.visitNH.gov)

For info on snowmobiling

http://visitnh.gov/4-seasons/winter/winter-sports/snowmobiling.aspx

For info on the Manchester Monarchs

http://www.monarchshockey.com/home.php?track=forward

For info on Ski and Snowboarding Conditions http://www.skinh.com/resorts/downhill.cfm

For info on Cross Country Skiing

http://www.xcskinh.com/

Learn to Ski and Snowboard

http://www.skinh.com/ski-central/JanuaryLearnToSki.cfm

NH Wine Week

http://www.liquorandwineoutlets.com/events/

Whatever your interests, ENJOY YOUR WINTER!

Masterminding My Finale

2010-12-31T19:32:00.001-05:00

It began with whispers and butterfly twittering in the tummy,
nervousness predominant, say something sad? something funny?
It began one at a time, slow baby steps leaving trails in the snow,
stiff prose and tight lips - the heart was colder than anyone could know.

It began on a low note,
down at the bottom of a lake.
It began to get loose and shake off
like the dead skin of a snake.
It began on a low note,
like the first note of a symphony,
gradually getting frisky and feeling more free.

Along the journey secrets slipped through cracks,
like lava from blown volcanoes increasing in attacks.
Along the journey, somewhere, not sure where,
not sure anyone noticed or bothers to care.
It opened up like a blossoming flower for morning's dew,
sprung to life with invigoration like when summer's anew.

At the end, what will be said, I wonder
will they stare in awe, stay away, or plunder?
At the end, will anyone be better off for reading?
Will anyone comment about what I was needing?
When the end comes, amid literary smog,
will I be the rich one for masterminding my blog?

The finale is hinting at making its appearance,
all righteous, holy, and strong in forbearance.
The finale is near, look for me in some nook,
writing in flow and successfully publishing my book!

Christmas Candy? recipes!!!

2010-12-22T17:13:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

LISA

Subject: FW: Are you ready for Christmas Candy? recipes!!!

--- On Fri, 12/17/10, Bette Babicki <betteb@nhglass.com> wrote:

CANDY

This is remarkable. If you have no particular interest, please pass it on to the bakers in your life.

Just click on the name of the CANDY and BAM! The recipe appears!

2 Minute Microwave Fudge

5 Minute Fudge

7 Layer Bars

Aaron's Buttery Cashew Brittle

Almond Bark

Amanda's Peppermint Creams

Ann's Cream Nut Candy

Bavarian Inn Peanut Bars

Beth's Delicious Fudge

Brownie Fudge Dessert

Buckeyes

Buckeyes

Butter Toffee

Candied Yams

Candy Bar Brownies

Candy Cane Brittle

Candy Cane Fudge

Caramel Krispie Treats

Caramels

Carmel Corn

Carol's Christmas Treats

Chocolate Almond Bars

Chocolate Balls Chocolate Billionaires

Chocolate Chow Mein Candy

Chocolate Covered Cherries

Chocolate Covered Nuts

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Chocolate Nut Caramels

Chocolate Popcorn

Chocolate Silk Bon Bons

Chocolate Truffels

Christmas Candied Walnuts

Christmas Crackle Candy

Christmas Mice

Chunky Mallow Candy

Cinnamon Hard Candy

Cinnamon Popcorn

Cranberry Nut Fudge

Cream Cheese Candy

Creamy Chocolate Truffles

Creamy Microwave Pralines (Texas Style)

Crispy peanut butter balls

Dark Chocolate Fudge

Deborahe's Holiday Chocolates

Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies

Dish of Dirt

Divinty

Dorothy's Peanut Butter/Butterscotch Noodle Cookie

Dreamcicle Fudge

Easy Candy

Easy Divinity

Easy Divinity Easy Divinity Candy

Easy Fudge

Easy Granola Candy

Easy Microwave Carmel

Easy Microwave Fudge

Easy Pecan Logs

Engli sh Toffee

English Toffee

English Toffee Bars

Fabulous Fudge

Fake Brittle

Fantasy Fudge

Festive Chocolate Truffles

Five Minute Fudge

Fool-Proof Fudge

Frosted Pecans

Fudge

Brownies

Fudge for One

Fudge Puddles

Georgia Nuggets

Grandma Donna's Nummies

Grandma F's Delicious Fudge

Grandmother's Holiday Fudge

Hard Candy

Hard Tack Candy

Hazelnut Fantasy Fudge

Ho-Ho Hash

Holly Confection

Honey Comb

J & D's Peanut Butter Balls

Jeanne's Tiger Butter

Jen's Chocolate Meringues

J's Cream Fudge

Kim's Famous Cashew Brittle

Magic Marshmallow Fudge

Mama's Fudge

Maple Rum Balls < /p>

Margie's Best Candy

Martha Washington Candy

Martha Washington Mounds

Marzipan

Melting Moments

Melting Moments

Memaw's Reese's

Me me's Best Ever Peanut Butter Fudge

Meringues

Micky's Mints

Microwave Peanut butter fudge

Microwave Pralines

Milk Fudge

Milky Way Bars

Million Dollar Fudge

Mimi's Famous Fudge

Mocha Truffles

Mom's Mints

Mr. Monroe's Famous Fudge

Mrs. Eisenhower's Fudge

Never Fail Fudge

Never Fail Fudge

No Bake Rum Balls

No Cook Peanut Butter Fudge

No Fail Fudge

__._,_.___

__,_._,___

Kid's Drawing Contest 2011

2010-12-18T14:24:00.000-05:00

Perhaps this is of interest to you/your family:

2011 Junior Duck Stamp Contest

CALLING YOUNG WILDLIFE ARTISTS: 2011 JUNIOR DUCK STAMP CONTEST OFFERS SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE

Young New Hampshire artists kindergarten through grade 12 are invited to submit original artwork depicting North American waterfowl to the 2011 New Hampshire Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest. The Best-of-Show winner will receive a $500 scholarship award, made possible by a grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. First place winners in the contest will be awarded cash prizes of at least $25. Entries are judged on both artistic merit and scientific accuracy with which specific waterfowl species are depicted.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department runs the statewide competition, which is part of the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Contest of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The contest serves a dual purpose, giving students a chance to use their artistic talents at the same time they learn about wildlife and conservation. The art competition is open to public, private and home-schooled New Hampshire students.

Entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2011. Competition guidelines, including dimension requirements and an entry form, can be downloaded from http://www.wildnh.com/Education/ed_Junior_Duck_Contest.htm, or contact N.H. Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest Coordinator Ellen MacNeil at the N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301 or call 603-271-2461.

The N.H. Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest will award first, second, third and honorable mention ribbons in four groups: grades K-3; 4-6; 7-9; and 10-12. The State Best-of-Show is selected from among the first-place winning designs. Winning artwork in all categories will be displayed at N.H Fish and Game headquarters in Concord, N.H., in April 2011. The Best-of-Show New Hampshire winner advances to the National Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest, in which the three top winners receive a cash award and a trip to the adult Federal Duck Stamp Contest.

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is an integrated art and science activity developed to teach environmental science and habitat conservation. Teachers who want to integrate these lessons into their coursework can find a curriculum guide for teaching conservation through the arts at http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck/EducationProgram.htm.

Regards,
Lisa

YOUR MEMORIES IN VISUAL MODE

2010-12-16T10:07:00.001-05:00

Everything you see in your brain

is a bunch of random pictures,

captured in visual mode

for the rememberer to remember.

Until the not-funny Alzheimer's

sets in and begins to steal those

visual mode memories,

like a thief steals jewels.

Actually, memories ARE jewels.

Safeguard them!

Write them down!

Tell the next generation!

News-y Items (With a Touch of Reminscing):

2010-12-16T09:57:00.001-05:00

I love many things, but two in particular:

I love to ice skate!

I have a white pair I bought about 10 years ago

when I figured my feet had stopped growing.

I've used them several times.

Once I brought them and my young niece to

Northwood Lake to ice skate in the portion of

lake that the snowmobilers had cleaned off.

After all the effort of putting a six-year-old's

ice skates on, she lasted about 10 minutes.

Still, a memory maker...a memory

I obviously haven't forgotten yet!

I also took my young niece to White Park

in Concord, and skated around the hockey goals

when she was a year younger. That was quite nice!

She lasted longer, unbelievably, for about 20 minutes.

My young nieces parents took the four of us

(excluding my hubby) to an ice arena in Hooksett.

That was really nice.

We skated, took a break, and skated more...

with a bunch of other enthusiastic skaters,

both young, old, and middle aged.

Yes, I've even gone by myself,

where I am free (as long as no one is looking)

to pretend I'm a dancing premadonna,

as I slowly get used to balancing

on a thin metal blade, and eventually

pick up some speed and do a few twirls,

before my feet cramp, my fingers go numb,

and I pack up my white skates for another winter,

or two...or more...

Christmas Break Skating (Thanks, Deb!)

UNH Whittemore Center Arena is having Community Skate Days to benefit the Cocheco Valley Humane Society, Wed., Thur. and Fri. Dec. 29, 30, 31 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM.

$10 family rate or $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12. If you bring a donation to benefit the humane society you get $1 off with 1 pet food donation (per person) or $2 off the family rate with 3

or more pet food donations.

Another activity I enjoy is being a philanthropist.

I enjoy helping out, aiding, donating to causes.

One deserving cause is for animals.

In my lifetime I've had many,

but two species in particular.

Cats. Dogs. Once some fish,

but they were family 'pets'

that got flushed when they expired!

I never like to clean out the aquarium

because we had to scoop them up in a net

and I hated the feel of them wiggling

and gasping for air!

NHSPCA News

School Vacation Day Camps

Activities include crafts, games, interaction with the animals in the classroom and visiting the Adoption Center. Bring a snack and lunch. Cost is $50.

6-8 year olds- Monday 27 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. 9-12 year olds- Tuesday, December 28 from 9-3!

Registration required and enrollment is limited. Log on to http://www.nhspca.org/education.html#vaca to register.

Don't forget the two NHSPCA Kind Clubs for kids. The Kind Club Winter Session information can be found at http://www.nhspca.org/education.html#KindClub and the We Care Winter Session information can be found at http://www.nhspca.org/education.html#WeCare The NHSPCA's Summer Camp info will be announced in January!

12 Days of Christmas/Soldiers Wreaths

2010-12-13T20:32:00.001-05:00

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled us.
What in the world do leaping lords, French hens,
Swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.
It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now you know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'

Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone

CHRISTMAS AT ARLINGTON CEMETERY

Arlington National Cemetery

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.

Know the line has held, your job is done.

Rest easy, sleep well.

Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.

Peace, peace, and farewell...

Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. Of Harrington,Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

HALLELUIAH!

2010-12-12T08:36:00.001-05:00

Time

the

CHURCH

with the steeple

and sing songs...

HALLELUIAH!

NH.com Holiday Gift Cards

2010-12-11T12:16:00.001-05:00

Gift Cards

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Half-Priced Gift Cards!

This is your notification that NewHampshire.com and the New Hampshire Union Leader will be releasing hundreds of Half-Priced Gift Cards for sale to the public on Friday, December 10, 2010 at 8:00 a.m.

Below is a list of the local businesses we have gift cards for.
Click here to be taken to our secure shopping area.

Every business is different, so make sure to read individual restrictions before making your purchase. After your online order goes through, gift certificates should be mailed within 72 hours. You may only purchase one offer from each business once every 30 days.

Click here for more terms and conditions.

America's Stonehenge
American Kenpo Academy
Arthur Murray Dance Studio
BodyFirst Fitness
Corey Marggraf Wellness Massage Center
Diver's Den Dive Shop
Hajjar's Big & Tall
Hobo Railroad
InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook
Integrity Health Support for Women

Manchester Auto Wash
Milly's Tavern
Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum
Mr. Baker Cheesecake Shop
Nia NH and Yoga
ReRuns Consignment
Training Effects
Village of Loon Mountain

Rocking Chair Sits Still

2010-12-05T16:10:00.001-05:00

The paper said she took her own life, this woman - somebody's mother and wife. What was so wrong that couldn't be fixed? Could no one produce an answer from their bag of tricks? The paper stated birth, parents and hometown, but it did not mention her emotional breakdown. How are her husband and children coping? What are they praying, what are they hoping? The paper said no flowers needed, no final wishes - no donations pleaded. Where will she lay? Who will visit her grave? Angels accompany? Or devils misbehave? The paper said she took her own life... ...due to illness, depression, or a life full of strife? If we had stopped by more often, we think if we held our breathe or never blinked, if we sent more cards and placed a call if we didn't drop the preverbal ball. Would she have turned her frown into a smile? would she have made her life worthwhile? Would she have chosen to try anew to talk to me and confide in you? The paper said she took her own life... due to illness? Or strife? You shall be recalled at holiday gatherings while your rocking chair sits still, You shall be an example amid the family you left to look, listen, and help those lost and bereft.

A CHRISTIAN'S PURPOSE IN LIFE

2010-11-25T14:45:00.000-05:00

DO NOT STRESS OVER

WHAT YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE IS.

RELAX, AND BELIEVE IN THIS:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

-‎1 Thess 5:16-18

REST EASY MY FRIEND,

THO' THE WAY IS LONG AND ROCKY,

FOR AT THE END OF THIS JOURNEY

IS THE HEAVENLY PRIZE...

...AN ETERNAL TEA PARTY WITH

JESUS, GOD, AND YOU ALL & ME!

Pack..Bring..Take..Remove

2010-11-18T12:18:00.001-05:00

...Pack away the witches and the ghost mask...

...Pack away the pumpkins and hay stacks...

...Pack away the Halloween candy, out of sight...

...Pack away the fleeting Halloween delight.

...Bring out a cornucopia I made by hand...

...Bring out a thankfulness for family and land...

...Bring out the turkey and all the fixings, too...

...Bring the family to eat and men fall asleep.....

...like they usually do.

...Take out Christmas decorations one by one...

...Take out ornaments made by daughter and son...

...Take out the tree, the stockings, and presents...

...Take out the nativity and keep Jesus present.

...Remove the tree now shedding and dusty...

...Remove the fruitcake and dried and crusty...

...Remove the cards taped to the door frame...

...Remove the hoopla, but keep Jesus name.

BARE LEAVES & GLOWING TREE

2010-11-18T12:02:00.001-05:00

Thanks to pine and spruce trees

we still have color in our landscape.

If I ran after the blowing leaves

I could stick them back on trees with tape!

Somehow that just isn't the same -

Oh! It's a shame when the trees are bare,

When you look for color outside

and through trees like they're not even there!

My only consolation in my misery

is that right around the corner I will see

standing in the corner where the recliner used to be...

...my super, duper, decorated and glowing

CHRISTMAS TREE!!!

Helpful Holiday Hints

2010-11-18T11:53:00.001-05:00

Gifts for Men

Buying gifts for men is not nearly as complicated as it is for women. Follow these rules and you should have no problems.

Rule #1:

When in doubt - buy him a cordless drill. It does not matter if he already has one. I have a friend who owns 17 and he has yet to complain. As a man, you can never have too many cordless drills. No one knows why.

Rule #2:

If you cannot afford a cordless drill, buy him anything with the word ratchet or socket in it. Men love saying those two words. "Hey George, can I borrow your ratchet?" "OK. By-the-way, are you through with my 3/8-inch socket yet?"

Again, no one knows why.

Rule #3:

If you are really, really broke, buy him anything for his car, a 99 cent ice scraper, a small bottle of deicer or something to hang from his rear view mirror. Men love gifts for their cars. No one knows why.

Rule #4:

Never buy men bathrobes. Once I was told that if God had wanted men to wear bathrobes, he wouldn't have invented Jockey shorts.

Rule #5:

You can buy men new remote controls to replace the ones they have worn out. If you have a lot of money buy your man a big-screen TV with the little picture in the corner. Watch him go wild as he flips, and flips, and flips.

Rule #6:

Do not buy any man industrial-sized canisters of after-shave or deodorant. I'm told they do not stink - they are earthy.

Rule #7:

Buy men label makers. Almost as good as cordless drills. Within a couple of weeks there will be labels absolutely everywhere. "Socks. Shorts. Cups. saucers. Door. Lock. Sink." You get the idea. No one knows why.

Rule #8:

Never buy a man anything that says "some assembly required" on the box. It will ruin his Special Day and he will always have parts left over.

Rule #9:

Good places to shop for men include Northwest Iron Works, Parr Lumber, Home Depot, John Deere, Valley RV Center, and Les Schwab Tire. (NAPA Auto Parts and Sears Clearance Centers are also excellent men's stores.) It doesn't matter if he doesn't know what it is. ("From NAPA Auto, eh? Must be something I need. Hey! Isn't this a starter for a '68 Ford Fairlane? Wow! thanks.")

Rule #10:

Men enjoy danger. That's why they never cook - but they will barbecue. Get him a monster barbecue with a 100-pound propane tank. Tell him the gas line leaks. "Oh the thrill! The challenge! Who wants a hamburger?"

Rule #11:

Tickets to a Cowboys game are a smart gift. However, he will not appreciate tickets to "A Retrospective of 19th Century Quilts." Everyone knows why.

Rule #12:

Men love chainsaws. Never, ever, buy a man you love a chainsaw. If you don't know why - please refer to Rule #7 and what happens when he gets a label maker.

Rule #13:

It's hard to beat a really good wheelbarrow or an aluminum extension ladder. Never buy a real man a stepladder. It must be an extension ladder.

No one knows why.

Rule #14:

Rope. Men love rope. It takes us back to our cowboy origins, or at least The Boy Scouts. Nothing says love like a hundred feet of 3/8" manila rope.

No one knows why.

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh

A Soldier's & Veteran's Salute!

2010-11-17T23:32:00.001-05:00

Snack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the
luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat.

It was going to be a long flight.

'I'm glad I have a good book to read.

Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off,
a line of soldiers came down the aisle and
filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me.

I decided to start a conversation.

'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.
'Petawawa. We'll be there for two
weeks for special training, and then we're being
deployed to Afghanistan.'

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was
made that sack lunches were available for five dollars.

It would be several hours before we
reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch
would help pass the time...

As I reached for my
wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if
he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems
like a lot of money for just a sack lunch.
Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks.
I'll wait till we get to base.'
His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers.

None were buying lunch.

I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight
attendant a fifty dollar bill.

'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.'

She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly.

Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me.

'My son was a soldier in Iraq;

it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the
soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and
asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked.

She turned and went to
the front of plane, returning a minute later
with a dinner plate from first class.
'This is your thanks.'

After we finished eating,

I went again to the back of the plane,
heading for the rest room.

A man stopped me.

'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it.

Here, take this.' He handed me
twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned
to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down
the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he
walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but
noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my
side of the plane.

When he got to my row he
stopped, smiled, held out his hand and said, 'I
want to shake your hand.' Quickly unfastening my
seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand.
With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier
and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought
me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never
forgot.'

I was embarrassed when applause was
heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the
front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A
man who was seated about six rows in front of me
reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He
left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I
gathered my belongings and started to deplane.
Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man
who stopped me, put something in my shirt
pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a
word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal,

I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base.

I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars.

'It will take you some time to reach the base.
It will be about time for a sandwich.

God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and
respect of their fellow travelers.

As I walked briskly to my car,

I whispered a prayer for their safe return.

These soldiers were giving their all for our country.

I could only give them a couple of
meals. It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone
who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank
check made payable to 'The United States of
America ' for an amount of 'up to and
including my life.'

That is Honor, and
there are way too many people in this country
who no longer understand it.'

Author Unknown by Me

(not written by me)

Lisa's SPOOKY HALLOWEEN 2010

2010-11-14T22:56:00.001-05:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Songs of Two Kinds

2010-11-07T19:00:00.001-05:00

...it's a hard-boiled life I'm livin', down here in this forgotten gutter,
no love nor laughter warm me, just hatred as I curse all that I don't have...

It's a blues song,
that I imagine women and men
of questionable character cry
as they work and lament
over the life they find themselves in
at the moment the lyrics leave their mouths.
Not just in 'a time such as this'
but since we ate off the apple tree.

It's a sad song,
one I imagine a misunderstood soul weeps
as they sit, blank faced, tears a'pourin' down
a sunken lo face,
debating the device
that will aid in cancelling out
their misery, for a moment,
or for eternity.
Be it a skyscraper, a jagged glass,
poison drugs, a loaded gun or
noose dangling from a tree.

It's a song of the heart
that weeps and wonders
if anyone is listening,
if anyone cares,
if anyone weeps along with them...
AAAHHH! The cry of anguish
of a soul dead to the world of light,
whose only friend is the dark cover of night.

I know One who loves you, I boldly say.
I know One who will lighten the load,
remove the device to slay,
and weeps and wonders with you
not just at this moment, but since
your life began, and was planned
and sits in the gutter invisible beside you.

I used to sing a song of desperation.
Sometimes the lyrics still prick my mind
and trick me into thinking I'm still back there,
still lowly, forgotten, and unloved.

But then the warmth of His arm around my shoulder,
His right hand holding mine,
His song of redemption and rebirth
jump-start my quickening heart
and my soul and His promise
sing a new song, combined...

...Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I'm found,
was blind, but now I see...

Come on, sing this new song with me!
And when you truly believe in Jesus
and the price He paid on Calvary,
you will join all believers
who leave the devil behind in the lowly gutter
to life a new life in His Kingdom Come,
with the promise of seeing His face
in Heaven
and living in love and peace for eternity.

Come on, sing this new song with me,
and if we slip and forget the words,
come relearn them
conducted by the Trinity.
AMAZING GRACE!
AMAZING GRACE!

Fw: Community Service for Sam

2010-10-29T08:28:00.002-04:00

Sam is Ray's & my friend Gil's grand-daughter.
Since most of you are animal lovers, I thought you might be in a position to help.

Lisa

Hi, this is Sam!. For part of my high school graduation requirements, I need to complete 40 hours of community service and I have decided to start by doing some volunteer work at Cocheco Valley Humane Society - which is a local (to me) non-profit animal shelter. I have recenlty attended the orientation program and I will be primarily working with dogs (since I love dogs), but I will also be volunteering my time to help the shelter fundraise and collect items. For part of how I want to help the dogs, I want to tell people that if you have old blankets, sheets or towels, I will collect them and bring them to the shelter. These things are used to help make the dogs kennels more comfortable, but since many dogs like to chew stuff (or have accidents while they wait to get outside), they don't last long and thats why they need so many (but some stuff might be used for small animals too). Also, if anyone wants to donate food, toys or even money (even if it's just change), I will also collect anything like that and donate it. I will take any donations at anytime, there is no time limit on anything (so it can be now or in like 3 months) since me and mum will be at the shelter at least once a week (I am not 16, so mum gets to be with me and help too!). I will be keeping track of everything I collect and donate and will tally everything because I want to see how much stuff I can help collect and donate during the time I am volunteering there. If you have any questions about this, please email me and either me or my mum will answer the email. Since I am just starting, I thought that asking my family and friends to help me get started would be a good way to get going and show that I want to help animals because they really cant help themselves! Please pass this along to anyone else that you think can help me with this project! Thank you for your help :) Sam

A Clean Joke to Decifer

2010-10-19T09:43:00.001-04:00

Learned in Yale

A wealthy contractor liked to know something

about all the employees who worked for him.

One day he came upon a young man

who was expertly counting out

a large wad of the firm's cash.

The contractor asked the man,

"Where did you get your financial training, young man?"

"Yale," the man answered.

"That's good," said the contractor,

who was an advocate of higher learning.

"What's your name?" he asked.

And the man answered, "Yackson."

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh

2010 Breast Cancer Walk

2010-10-18T23:07:00.001-04:00

*******ONE FOR ALL, AND ALL FOR ROBIN**********
In Memory of Robin Burklund Drown, Age 51

Lisa's 5-Mile Walk In Memory of Robin

2010-10-18T21:17:00.000-04:00

Several years ago, I joined three of my sisters (L,D,Ch) as we took the plunge and joined a team that was walking in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. It was a humbling experience, having just a minute understanding of the hurt and heartache that one endures or dies from, when they are battle cancer.

Six months ago, I found an old friend of mine that I had served in the U.S. Air Force with in 1980 - 1981. Michael Mosley was one of few friends that I bonded with on the desert that was Edwards Air Force Base, Mojave Desert, California. I found Michael six months ago, and two months ago he died from cancer. My only consolation is that Michael claims to have been a Christian and that he told me of his condition and died soon after. A sad, but bit of closure for me.

For ten years, a family friend/fellow christian was diagnosed with breast cancer and five years later bone cancer. This is the closest I've felt the ravages of cancer. So close to home...wrecking havoc with loved ones. So many tears, so many years now ahead for her family, without Robin. Yet, in heaven she is pain-free...and so we feel comforted by that promise.

Yesterday, my husband Ray and I walked in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Concord, along with an estimated 5,000 others. Leading our team, 'Rockin' Robin', were her sister, husband, mother, daughters, brothers, other family and friends. Perhaps that will bring some closure, too, for a long battle fought bravely.

The Concord Monitor has a photo of the brown and pink shirts in a mass exodus: adults, children, strollers and pets. Click on this link to see the newspaper's article.
http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/220825/bravo-concord-bravo

Fw: My Published Review of Portsmouth

2010-10-11T08:17:00.002-04:00

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46209-r82521448-Portsmouth_New_Hampshire.html

Hi Reader,

Here is my review of Portsmouth NH,

and now I get a FREE Shutterfly photo book

just for writing my little blurb.

If interested in getting your own FREE

Shutterfly book, you should check this out!

Regards,
Lisa
(The Writer)

Holiday Website Home & Gardens

2010-10-05T20:57:00.001-04:00

Here is a site you will surely like:

Halloween Stencils

Check out these stencils that you can trace onto your pumpkins from Home and Garden! http://www.bhg.com/holidays/?sssdmh=dm17.470505&day=11&esrc=nw100d1_11_11&email=990531

Enjoy your day and be stress-free!
Regards,
Lisa

Inland Harbor Cruise

2010-10-05T10:09:00.001-04:00

I am going on that Inland Harbor Cruise

if I have to drive the boat myself!

I took a week off work, last week,

and this was my goal,

to relax and cruise the inland harbor

with my hubby of seventeen years

and hold his hand,

and feel his body's warmth,

the way his love has warmed my heart.

Darn it, I'm going on that Inland Harbor Cruise

today! Even if I have to drive the boat.

We want to see the land from the other side,

to be in awe like explorers of boat voyage days.

Today is the day I'm going to see the harbor,

even if I have to drive the boat myself!

Good news, there shall be no shipwrecks today,

for the ship's captain called in to say

HE would drive the boat!

Sweet Grapes At Last

2010-10-05T10:03:00.002-04:00

Fifteen years the vines have twisted and stretched out

to cover the trellis my husband and I shirred up,

in hopes of getting a goldmine of homegrown grapes.

Over those hopeful years our hopes have mounted

and dashed,

for at the end of the lazy summer,

the cool Autumn yielded barely a live Concord grape.

Five years ago we dug up the old and planted the new

in hopes of reviving our hopes and dreams

of Concord grape jelly and

laying inclined to feed each other grapes of love.

A year ago today,

in my low-point,

I grabbed my pruning shears

and hacked at the vine intensely,

cursing one moment,

encouraging the next,

and finally singing a nurturing lullaby.

Into the wood adjacent are the vine remains

that have produced several homemade wreaths,

one of which is nestled nearby my wagon wheel,

on display. The other sent to a sister in Florida,

who longs for sentiments from a deserted NH home.

On our chair-swing I relaxed yesterday

while the sun began to fall from the sky,

my husband mowing the orchard where

apples and peaches and raspberries adorn.

There's grapes, he yelled, and off I ran

to distinguish the fake grapes I'd hung up

from the plump purple Concord grapes God grew.

Aaaaaaa!

Dangling down and about to burst

hung a dozen or more clusters,

some shriveled and brown,

but among them the survivors

who had beaten the odds and prospered!

Into my shirt I collected the crop

and dashed inside our house

to wash and squish the Concord grapes

into a cup that caught the all-natural juice.

A mere half a cup of liquid emerged

from the clump of seeds and discarded skins,

amid seeds and pulp thrown away

came away a half cup of grape-gold

that I coveted and protected.

I ran out to my hardworking husband

to share, sip by tiny sip,

the fruits of our labor,

the reward for our faithfulness,

the sweetest grape juice ever gifted.

What shall the sixteenth year bring,

I wonder, as I compare this crop

to my seventeen year marriage.

Oh! Wonderful, sweet heaven

that merges sun and rain and

produces harmonious love on the pallet...

My Desire Is You

2010-09-28T23:26:00.001-04:00

Where shall I go,

what shall I do,

who shall I be,

who will see me?

Must I go up,

Must I go down,

to the left or right

or acknowledge day from night?

Just sit beside me on the chair-swing

and let the shade of the apple tree

and your arm around me bring peace.

Just hold my hand as we walk our land

and let the beat of your heart serenade me.

The only destination for me is you,

and being with you is my desire.

Together we shall walk hand in hand

and be content with the simpleness of love,

our life, and our happiness pursuit.

Together we shall walk into the serene sunset

and gaze at the heavens beyond,

knowing the secret that many seek to find.

YOU WHISPER

2010-09-28T23:16:00.001-04:00

I have given myself half-way to You

and taking the final step brings hesitation...

Will I find out You are more, or less,

than I want, need, or expect?

All my life I have given myself half-way to You

and admitting this could praise me or damn me...

What do I fear I risk in letting You in completely?

What do You risk if I fear You completely?

I hear You whispering:

"NOTHING."

Got The Munchies?

2010-09-10T16:57:00.001-04:00

Got the Munchies?

Mrs. Jones had been a staple of her local congregation for many years and that is why her absence was noticed lately. The pastor decided to drop by her house to check up on her after the Sunday service. He knocked on her door and being that she's nearly 85 it took her a bit to get to the door.

"Hello, who is it?" she asked.

"It's Pastor Smith", he answered.

"OH Hi-Come in, Come in, how's the ministry doing?" She said.

"Very well, I just wanted to make sure your prayer needs are being met."

"Oh honey, I haven't felt well lately but I'm getting better"

Just then the phone rang and she excused herself to get it. The pastor sat near a table with an old reader's digest and a bowl of peanuts. After 15 minutes, then 20, he heard his stomach growl and began to get restless. He started in on the bowl of peanuts and began reading. After 45 minutes, he suddenly realized that he had eaten all of the peanuts.

Right then Mrs. Jones returned and said, "Oh I sure am sorry, that was my sister from Pittsburgh. She only calls once per month so when she does we have to catch up on everything." The pastor feeling a little embarrassed said "I must also apologize, for while you were gone I got hungry and ate all the peanuts in your little bowl there. Please, forgive me" he said.

Mrs. Jones replied, "Oh that's ok, all I can do anymore is just suck the chocolate off of them!" she says.

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh

Episodic Behavior

2010-09-07T21:14:00.001-04:00

betty-sue

cries out in different ways,

sometimes solemn...

sometimes throwing an all out assault

with thrashing arms and legs and

eyes burning with rage

..a blank stare of her wild face.

Turn the page to 'episode two'

with onlookers wondering

what to do?

How to Help?

To unlock the tiny door

that keeps her secrets

hidden in her mind

that is going

ballistic

because

she can't express it

and we won't guess it

tho' if we took a shot in the dark

we might unveil the mystery...

we confer after 'episode three':

maybe it's a learned thing,

an activity since birth

that left uncorrected

has become a game of

power...yours or mine...

those who care are burdened

to look into this behavior

and give it a name.

'Episode four' ends with an exhausted

gal on the floor...

does betty-sue do this on purpose?

is it a power-play or natural response?

looks between adults overhead

searching each other for a clue.

a little experiment with 'episode five':

If held down long enough,

protecting her, we, and me,

will she kick out her frustrations?

then cry, whimper and moan

when the storm is over?

will the tsunami of betty-Sue's emotions

drown out the love we should feel?

will we hold this behavior over her

used-to-be haloed head?

with 'episode six' we are at our whit's end--

a unity of caregivers send out a cry for help:

"will the one with the answers walk in?"

we wish them better luck that we had!

with therapeutic help and education,

'all-knowing'

points a finger and says

"aha! I've got it figured out!"

"tell us the truth," we shout,

so we can love betty-sue

and help her out

along her confused and twisted way,

give us the promise of a brighter day.

help us love her so she loves herself

then put unacceptable behavior on its shelf.

when betty-sue is grown and brings her

kids to us someday,

will we baulk at the memory of behavior

and open our arms and draw them in?

will we serve betty-sue or will we sin?

Truck, Duck, Luck

2010-09-07T20:36:00.001-04:00

How vulgar it is to read a four-letter word

that rhymes with truck and duck

and three cheers for good luck!

How rude to hear the crass words;

that if someone took the time to look it up,

they could interject something more harmonious,

and still get their vehement point across.

How disgusting to even repeat the word

that sounds like:

some duck

got run over

by some truck!

That duck got some bad luck!

Cluck, cluck, cluck,

WT*

My Aunt is Ill

2010-09-05T23:38:00.001-04:00

I am sad!

At 11:25 this Sunday night,

with an ice pack atop my noggin

and another around my neck...

...trying to ward off in impending

migraine; I sit at the computer

to check out my latest mail.

Ok -- one from mom.

She occasionally addresses her

eight children in one email,

for saying something once is

easier than having to repeat it

four and four again.

Aunt Barbara is in the hospital

from a heart attack!

Oh no! My poor aunt's health has

been on a steady downhill slide...

...I shall run to her side, this aunt

who I've always felt very close to,

a closeness bound with penpal

letters, and hugs and kisses

at Christmastime and Balloon Rallys.

A special prayer I say tonight,

for my beloved aunt is ill,

and while I sleep in my comfy bed

tonight, she may hardly sleep at all

with beeps and needles attacking her

through the night. Will Uncle Bud

sit by her side, or one of my three

male cousins?

Oh, I am sad!

so very sad,

but to see her angel face

will make me melancholy glad.

A prayer for her good health

will tuck me into bed and off

to sleep with delightful dreams

of Aunt Barbara hugging me.

A Stress Diet :)

2010-09-03T18:40:00.001-04:00

A Diet For Dealing With Stress

1. If you eat something and no one sees you eat it, it has no calories.

2. If you drink a diet soda with a candy bar, the calories in the candy bar are canceled out by the diet soda.

3. When you eat with someone else, calories don't count if you do not eat more than they do.

4. Food used for medicinal purposes NEVER counts, such as hot chocolate, toast and Sara Lee Cheesecake.

5. If you fatten up everyone else around you, then you look thinner.
6. Movie related foods do not have additional calories because they are part of the entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel. Examples: Milk Duds, Buttered Popcorn, Junior Mints, Red Hots & Tootsie Rolls.

7. Cookie pieces contain no calories. The process of breaking causes calorie leakage.

8. Things licked off knives and spoons have no calories if you are in the process of preparing something.

9. Foods that have the same color have the same number of calories. Examples are: Spinach & Pistachio Ice Cream; Mushrooms & Mashed Potatoes.

10. Chocolate is a universal color and may be substituted for any other food color.

11. Anything consumed while standing has no calories. This is due to gravity and the density of the caloric mass.

12. Anything consumed from someone else's plate has no calories since the calories rightfully belong to the other person and will cling to his/her plate. (We all know how calories like to cling!!)

REMEMBER: STRESSED SPELLED BACKWARDS IS DESSERTS.

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*

Excuse me...Work How Long?

2010-09-02T07:58:00.001-04:00

"...the next two weeks," my boss said.

Since I'm listening in one ear and balancing the checkbook in the other ear, I admit, "I'm sorry, repeat that please."

"I'm going on a two week vacation to Paris and Loudon and somewhere in Brussels. I'll need you to work every day for the next two weeks."

My mind freezes,

My body tenses,

My teeth clench...

TWO FULL WEEKS OF WORK!!!???

OMG!

"Sure," I say "No problem!"

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

2010-08-25T22:42:00.001-04:00

This year, in honor of Robin Burklund Drown's valiant 10-year battle against cancer, I have joined the team she started: Rockin' Robin, along with my husband, other family and friends. I hope you can support my fundraising efforts:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY11National?px=9566106&pg=personal&fr_id=28138

May our loved ones, who've lost their battles, REST IN PEACE!

My Friend the Sun

2010-08-23T17:54:00.001-04:00

For two days now the sun has been away,

I miss the yellow orb so...

where in the world did it go?

I'm sorry, Sun, I know I am fickle,

for when you were out, non-stop,

I complained like a girl,

wanting to each candy,

but got stuck with a dill pickle!

For two days now the sun has been away,

I heard tomorrow it may also not come out to play...

So I will make a new friend,

the clouds white and gray,

and the next day they will hopefully go away, and the sun will once again appear without delay.

Final Fling

2010-08-12T09:23:00.000-04:00

One last fling,
one final time,
one more time for the gipper...

Interesting how my bikini fits better at the end of the summer than at the beginning.
My legs look loooooooong and tanned.
My thighs are shapelier.
My girls, high and firm.
My tummy roll, smaller.
Even my toes now sport a flashy pink color
(like the blush of innocence).

One last fling,
one final time,
one more time for the gipper...

...unless good weather prevails and I can slip into my bikini again
and feel like a 25 year-old.

Template Choices vs. Personality

2010-08-11T22:34:00.000-04:00

Normally, I believe in the old adage:
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

However, it's been about three years since I began my blog.
All this time it has been a nice shade of pink.
Now that Blogger has new templates,
I took the plunge...I opted for change.

I went into the template section and previewed how my blog would look.
I've decided these duel-pink strips reflect the 'real me.'
After all, I am multi-faceted,
some might say I have a duel-personality!

THEY MIGHT BE RIGHT.
I have been known to be:
...meek, mild/loud, aggressive...

Does the template you choose
reflect your personality type?

As Bill O'Reilly babbles every night,
"We report...YOU DECIDE!"

Snake's Lunch

2010-08-08T23:15:00.001-04:00

* Deleted Photo *

EEEWWWWWWWWWWW!
A SNAKE SWALLOWING A FROG!
YUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!
GROSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
POOR FROG!

Sorry Folks,
I had to delete the photo of the
snake swallowing a frog,
because my sister
was
hesitant to come back on my blog
if
she had to see
that
stomach-turning
picture
again!!!
I
admit,
it
grossed me out, too!

Daisy Wedding

2010-08-08T23:13:00.000-04:00

Daisies remind me of my sister's wedding,
when I was young and innocent.
Daisies adorned her wedding gown,
and my mother
created hundreds out of royal icing
to place upon
her wedding cake.
I love daisies,
I love my sister,
I love my mother,
and I love cake!

Heirloom Iris

2010-08-08T23:09:00.001-04:00

It's an heirloom Iris
that came down the line...
first from my Grammy Bousquet,
then to my mother,
then to
the six
sisters
who have them planted
in their gardens,
wishing to remember a grandmother
who we saw a little
but loved a lot!

My Heart Bleeds

2010-08-08T23:07:00.000-04:00

My heart bleeds for those
I've loved and lost,
My heart bleeds for those
mistakes I can
never undo.
My heart bleeds...
God heals it for me
and he can
heal it for you, too.
Just ask.

Heaven on Earth

2010-08-08T23:03:00.000-04:00

My hubby and me on the top of the world, both literally and in our marriage.
It took so long for he and me to find this unequalled happiness.
During those long, lonely years, we feared we would never find it.
However, the good Lord arranged it.
Living with my husband is like 'heaven on earth.'
I've been living in heaven for 16 1/2 years!
Looking forward to many, many more...God willing.

Premature Babies

2010-08-08T22:57:00.000-04:00

I made this Twins!
shower cake
and the next day
they made their appearance.
Boy and girl
weren't due to arrive
for another
8 weeks.
That's what I call
premature.
Babies
and
mama
are happy
and
healthy.

ABBY'S MEMORY ROCK

2010-08-08T22:53:00.000-04:00

WE MISS OUR DOG,
OUR BELOVED ABBY,
SHE WOULD'VE LOVED SUMMER,
BUT SHE'S GONE
AND THAT'S A BUMMER!

IN HER PLACE
THO' WE DIDN'T PICK IT,
WE NOW HAVE A BLACK LAB
NAMED CRICKET.
WE ADOPTED CRICKET ONE DAY
SO WE WOULD HAVE A DOG TO RUN AND PLAY.

WE MISS OUR DOG,
OUR BELOVED ABBY,
WHO WAS AN SPCA BARGAIN,
NOW ATOP ABBY
GROWS A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN.

TO COMMEMORATE
AND MARK
HER SPOT,
I PAINTED
THIS STONE
AS HER
MEMORY ROCK.

Love You Abby,
(Mama, Daddy, & Bri)

BZZZZZZZZ!

2010-08-08T22:46:00.000-04:00

BUZZZZZ, BUZZZZZZ, BUZZZZZZ !

Isinglass 'Mica'

2010-08-08T22:24:00.001-04:00

On a recent trip up north, I was introduced to a
destination that was like another place in time.
How heavy do you think that piece of Quartz is,
that this honorable husband told me he was
lugging up the steep path to the mine's entrance?
I carried up much less, and it was plenty heavy...like a ton!
Now those Quartz, Feldspar, and
Isinglass (Mica) decorate my doorstep.

Ruggles Mine looks prehistoric.
See if you can read where it tells how old it is - AMAZING!!!
Hope you enjoy the photos and read my little ditty at the end.
Then go for yourself sometime!

Up in Canaan, NH is a rock lover's paradise. A mine, actually.
Ruggles Mine was our destination on Saturday. We took the
long drive with our young niece, she refused to nap, and stayed
awake until we reached the top of Isinglass Mountain, I believe
it's called...correct me if I'm incorrect.

Isinglass is the original name for the shiny books of clear
paper-like material, commonly known these days as Mica.
I've always been a fan of Mica. I love the glistening mineral
as it lays on the ground, flashing it's brilliant face in my eyes.

Air Force Friend

2010-07-23T19:39:00.001-04:00

Here I am days after high school graduation, and in the thick of things at Basic Training in the Air Force. After riding on a bus, plane, and bus again, all day, I arrived in San Antonio, Texas about 2:00 in the morning. I had made some quick friends on the journey. Some I never saw again, a few I only heard about, and one girl, Jeanne, became my best friend for the next 6 months.

After Basic Training in San Antonio, we traveled up to Wichita Falls, Texas. There we went to Tech School to learn to become dental assistants. Though Jeanne and I were in separate classes, most of our free time was coordinated together. When I got stationed in the desert of California, and she was sent way up north to Alaska, we only had contact once. She had married and had at least one child, I remember her saying.

From then until now...no contact.
I wonder if I will ever come across her in the future. If so, I hope she recalls me fondly, as I do her. At a time of great struggle in my life, she was my savior.

Babies and Mother

2010-07-20T21:31:00.001-04:00

Although I have never had a baby shower myself,

many family and friends have had their share,

so by now I can throw a fine shower for anyone.

I'm choosing to hostess a shower for someone

I'm not related to,

someone I know a bit, but not very well.

Does one need to know so much

about an expectant mother?

Don't most mother's share the yearning

to get the baby out!?

To sing lullaby's while holding

their precious bundle(s) of joy,

whether a girl or boy, or both,

and sniff the fine hair and the soft baby skin

that smells

of Johnson's baby wash and baby powder?

Don't most mother's share

the hopes, dreams, and joys

that revolve not around themselves,

but about their angel-child(ren)'s

head, a halo, yes,

even in devilish times?

Don't most mother's grieve the same way

when their little one,

even when fully grown,

falls down and bleeds?

Don't they run for the

ice, crème, and Band-Aids

to make the boo-boo "All better,"

with a little kiss of love

for good measure?

I've offered to hostess a baby shower

for a young friend who has a mother

who would do this herself,

but is graciously allowing me

a little bit of Heaven by letting

me throw the shower I never received

myself.

The Wheels Go Around

2010-07-20T21:12:00.001-04:00

As I sit

on the

cushioned seat,

move my feet,

and around

the

wheels

go...

with

each revolution

I get

further away

from

the

place

I just left,

and

closer to

destination,

yet

it is

not in getting

there,

it is

the

journey

along the

way,

that

makes the

wheels

going

around worth

the

effort

and

worth the

trip

around

the block

on my

bike!

After I

straight

for a mile

begin

to turn

the

handlebars

left

and then

right,

in a wiggly

fashion,

in order

liven up

the

ride.

Then,

in an

attempt

to show

I have

sense

of humor,

I do a

few circles,

wide and

small,

then

go fast

and

slow...

...so slow

I almost

don't

go...

Instead

of the

wheels

going

around,

I am

falling

down!

Back up

get and

try again

to ride

a mile

with

hands!

Umbrellas in the Rain

2010-07-10T12:58:00.001-04:00

Today, just as hot as yesterday

and the several days before,

Instead of hanging out on the couch

I talked my husband into going outdoors...

'Let's go over to Calef's ballfield', I say

'They're having a craft fair and raffles today!'

My husband replied in a positive fashion

that we could water the flowers at church,

for flowers and God are his passion.

I agreed...so off we went on by

even though dark clouds were in the sky,

While watering the flowers in the muggy air

I'm dreaming of attending the big craft fair!

Thunder, oh my, is rumbling in the sky, I hear,

while hubby waters...it will rain...I fear.

I race to the car and bring out two umbrellas,

one for the gal and one for the fella.

While it pours from the sky and mists our toes

we continue to water from the long green hose,

for you never know, the rain could stop right now,

when it continues, with umbrellas, out we bow.

Home to change and then the sun comes out

I want to race back to the craft fair and wander about,

Now hubby is relaxed back on the couch with t.v.,

that leaves plans to make...Miss Conniving me!

Shall we go back and try the craft fair again

or watch a Hallmark movie that just began,

Maybe neither, maybe go for a walk,

maybe pour some lemonade

and have a meaningful talk.

It matters not, actually,

what my husband and I do,

as long as we're together

to kiss, cuddle and coo...

Robin Floated Away

2010-07-02T19:55:00.007-04:00

It has been a hectic day of emotions being on a roller-coaster ride.
I learned that a friend of the family, who's been battling cancer,
LOST HER BATTLE TODAY!

Yes, I'm sad...
I am only glad
that I have the knowledge
that she and devoted husband
continued their religious faith,
that she clutched a cross in her hand
that with each labored breath her hand-strength
grew more weak...
...also growing weak was the clutch the devil held upon her.

Yet still she clung on to the promise of GOD
that off to Heaven she would float
to the bright light, where peace and no pain, await.

She passed away into the light,
and on my way home from work
I detoured and drove to my friend's house,
HER BROTHER,
who was in need of a hug...
who's voice quivered,
who's eyes glistened,
and who's wife showed him affection
by rubbing her hand across his back...
not only once, but twice.

Roller coaster rides have never been my friends,
no more true than today,
when we are left to mourn and Robin floated away...

Now with time to reflect on the
wonderful life Robin shared with us,
from our days of youth when riding
to and from on the yellow school bus...

To life moments when Rick she wed,
and sugar-plum dreams danced in her head,
to babies born from love and devotion,
to children-raising and all life's commotion.

Amid the commotion a calming belief held true
that embracing Robin's family was the Lord she knew,
That God, at her request, was with her every step
and dried her tears,
though truly blessed, Robin seldom wept.

Now released to her Promised Land in the sky,
plead not for answers to your questions 'why?'
True, the devil invaded her body within,
but Robin's Lord equipped her with religious tools to win!

Holding true to her faith set an example for us all
to call on God when in trouble or when we fall.

Hold on tight with all your might to the cross,
just like Robin did.

Have Faith, claim your room in God's mansion-in-the-sky,
just like Robin did.

Don't agonize this day and continually ask 'why,'
just know that the devil gave up
and Robin embraced the courage
for her Savior and her to WIN!

Roller coaster rides never seem to end,
and with Robin's bravery and fine Christian example,
she allows us to ride life's roller coaster
knowing Robin will never leave our hearts
and she will be our guardian-angel-friend!

Robin floated away,
but her beloved memory will always stay.
Keep Robin in your heart and memory,
for one day, if you love the Lord like she,
we will float away and our Robin we shall happily see!

EIGHT...TOO MANY FOR ONE FAMILY!

2010-06-16T22:17:00.001-04:00

Count them...
that's right...
EIGHT!

EIGHT
kids
in
one
family
seems
like
too
many!

Too many personalities
to keep straight,
to keep happy,
to keep busy,
to keep evolving,
to keep judging,
to keep forgiving,
to keep blaming,
to keep liking,
to keep wondering
why my parents
chose to have sooooooooo many???

But who would I leave out?
You decide!

Every Nook & Cranny

2010-06-15T21:25:00.005-04:00

(Photo By Lisa (Allen) Kennard) Ray at Ossipee Lake

Ray and I spent a wonderfully lazy day
touring the Ossipee area like a couple of tourists.
The difference...
Ray has memories
in every nook, cranny, and cemetery.

Gazing at headstone names
of parents, grandparents and
great grandmother aged 103!

Walking down memory lane
with his childhood friend, Burtie,
as he sits on a smooth granite bench
at the base of his headstone.

Giving a little boy some potato chips
to throw to two friendly ducks
that run away each time
little feet get too close...
...but run back for crumpled, salty chips.

Lunching and soaking up the sun
at White Lake, while the beauty
of God's creation lays in the
mountain vista before us...
...Mt. Chocorua...

Climbing a mile up and a mile back
on Mt. Chocorua's trail,
going slower than usual
as Ray picks his way
and favors one knee...
...recalling five decades
of hightailing it up and down with ease.

Today, husband and wife enjoyed a day
in Ossipee, NH like a couple of tourist,
but the man knows each tree and brook
like a road map in his heart.

Every nook, every cranny, every cemetery
holds a memory...

Way Too Busy for Weekdays

2010-06-11T23:09:00.000-04:00

There's no better motivator than an upcoming event.

For me, the event is hosting my

30th Class Reunion.

I have a class of approximately 32...

a small class in yesteryear

compared to current classes of

one to two hundred.

But quantity doesn't mean quality!

Whether ONE or 32 classmates come to my house,

I'm doing chores.

Some chores I've been putting off for years.

Some chores I've been doing for years.

Some chores I like; some I loathe,

but all chores must be done

and check off my 'to-do' list.

I am way too busy for weekdays.

I expect to be busy on weekends,

but during the week I usually watch

television to relax.

Not so in the past two weeks.

Not so easy to be so busy!

A few days time will tell if all my efforts

were worth the calorie-burn,

were worth the time consumed,

were worth the money spent,

and if my guests will even notice.

I am way too busy for weekdays lately,

but come Monday,

my event will have passed

and once again,

I'll watch television to relax,

but will do so in my wonderfully

clean house!

Weeding & Trimming, Etc.

2010-05-11T11:49:00.001-04:00

I am busy these days. My 30th class reunion is coming up mid-June. I volunteered to have the party at my house. I've been waiting to share the new, bigger house with company. Except for family and an occasional friend's visit, Ray and I haven't had various groups of friends come entertain us.

(Because Ray and I are pretty quiet and reserved, we like friends who talk a lot, thus, they entertain us!)

Last night, I got home from work at 4:30 and stayed out in the yard until dusk...weeding and trimming. As my witness, just ask the wild turkey that wanders into our yard several times daily for her breakfast, lunch, and supper that Ray provides at the bird feeder. This female turkey came to the feeder, heard and then saw me...and ran back in the woods.

Fifteen minutes later, I was crouched between the two raised beds of strawberries, weeding and trimming, and when she heard me move the metal weed bucket, she scooted away again. Five minutes later I heard a shot in the back woods. Momentarily, I felt guilty at not letting our wild turkey come in for her 'Last Supper.'

Then I remembered, hunters can only shoot and kill the male turkeys. So I went about my business of weeding and trimming. Ten minutes later, having given up being afraid of me and with a supposed growling belly, the lady turkey, who must have by now figured me out to be fairly safe, came to the bird feeder and ate up the sunflower seeds Ray threw out on the ground in anticipation of her visit. Then, to my surprise, she scooted passed me and ran through the garden and back behind the barn. A pretty brave turkey!

I was glad our female turkey-entertainment wasn't shot. Ray would've been sad.

This morning, I was up at 8:30 and outside to continue my weeding & trimming in the yard...if you've never seen my yard, believe me...it's big and there are many shrubs/gardens to trim and weed. I concentrated on the small shrubs leading to my small pond. After those, I trimmed around my small fire pit and the small hand-dug pond itself...trying to ignore the fact that at any second a frog might jump and a snake might slither...but no jumping and no slithering happened. Relief!

Right now I'm taking a break. I've downed a can of Sprite. I'm contemplating what's for lunch and whether my husband needs more ice for his knee, that he hurt a week ago when he fell while mowing the lawn. Needless to say, I'm doing more chores, including watering and feeding the chickens and baby chicks and gathering eggs. I have told Ray that I...I will rototill the big vegetable garden, but I fear it, since I know I will kill my back! But the planting season is upon us and we really need to till in the winter rye grass.

Back in the old days, fat pregnant women till the garden if their man was layed up or at war, so I should feel confidant that I can till the stupid garden!

Good thing Ray bought me my new brown, polka-dotted rubber boots. With these swanky boots on, I don't mind doing dirty chores so much. At least I look hip!

Soon, as soon as I stop writing and gain momentum, I will save my post, rise from my computer chair and get on with the day...but I love writing and these days, since I'm taking a sabbatical from romance novel writing, writing on my blog is the only writing I'm doing these days...
...except for an occasional poem...
...about weeding and trimming,
...etc!

My Mama

2010-05-08T20:19:00.001-04:00

...my mama taught me many things
like how to bake and how to sing...
...like how to make the best of
a situation turned dark and gloomy...
...how to plant seeds and bulbs
have a spring garden colorful and bloomy...
...my mama gave me grammy,
aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings...
...once we gave our mama jewelry
with eight birthstones on a mother's ring...
...today we had a flower planting and tea party,
we're working on friendship (however tardy)...
...my mama taught me many things
like how to volunteer and wear some bling...

GIRL SILHOUETTE

2010-05-08T20:02:00.000-04:00

STUCK INSIDE
ON A WET
SPRING DAY,
ALL THE
MOSQUITOES
LOOKING TO
STING...THEY
WON'T FLY AWAY.
SILHOUETTE OF
A GIRL WAITING
FOR THE RAIN TO STOP,
WAITING
TO RUN OUT
AND PICK FLOWERS
AND STICK THEM
IN HER HAIR
OR CREATE BOUQUETS
TO GIVE AWAY.
GREEN IS THE WORLD
SURROUNDING,
GRAY IS THE
CLOUDY SKY
WITH RAINDROPS,
RESOUNDING.
BEHIND OUR GIRL
A PARTY FOR MOM'S
RAGES ON...
IN FRONT OF
OUR GIRL
IS THE WORLD
CALLING HER ON,
AND ON,
AND ON...

Talking to Nicki

2010-05-08T19:41:00.000-04:00

~~~~
Talking on the phone
to far off places ~
to a land where fantasy
is dreamed, lived, and glamorized.
~~~~
Talking to my niece
who married the man of her dreams
and lives among the land of fantasy
while following her Hollywood dreams.
~~~~
Talking, laughing, giggling, smiling
remembering, sighing,
missing Nicki
is getting tricky...
~~~~

Trying to Survive

2010-04-27T10:26:00.002-04:00

When you are a child, how responsible can you be concerning your actions?

We teach our children the ABC's and 123's, 'please' and 'thank you'. But do we teach them compassion? How to be kind to others? How to be sensitive to another's needs when they are crippled, handicapped, or just plain different? How can children be held responsible for knowing how to act correctly, if no one (their elders) shows them?

For a child to really learn a lesson, they need to FEEL...feel what it's like to be berated, cheated, victimized. No one wants to berate, cheat, or victimize their children to teach them a lesson...do they? Not aware, kind, loving parents, no!

But the kids who themselves were berated, cheated or victimized know no different. They assume that is how you're supposed to treat your loved ones. And so the generational cycle begins. Some, though, are gifted with strength to change.

When you were a child, how responsible were you for how you treated others? Did you even know kindness, respect, value? Sometimes, we go through life just doing what we have to in order to survive. Sometimes, it's not pretty.

Sometimes, you find yourself at thirty-something, wondering why you ended up...

Precious Lilac

2010-04-20T22:21:00.001-04:00

Lilac Cake Decoration

2010-04-20T22:19:00.001-04:00

If you're an Allen-girl,
originally from Northwood,
you will understand the
melancholy memory
of the whiff of precious lilacs
floating in the screen window
overlooking the patio.

If you're an Allen-girl, you will probably enjoy
seeing this melancholy memory brought to life
in purple royal icing.

If you're not an Allen-girl,
originally from Northwood,
you may enjoy this anyway!

Click on the following Wilton site:
http://www.wilton.com/technique/Lilac?EMC-ewivc42010&link=lilacs-text

Pencils at Work...Functional and Fun!

2010-04-20T15:16:00.004-04:00

I have come to find that some pencils are better than others.

In elementary schools teachers prefer students use #2's.

In high school and college I've noticed students, if they use a pencil at all,

use the refillable, retractable, ultra-thin lead pencils.

After 17 years at Tasker's Well, my ultimate favorite pencil of choice is: #2 SANFORD American Natural USA...the barrel of the pencil has no yellow paint...it is smooth, natural wood. I like this particular pencil so much, I requested my employer buy this exact pencil at Staples, so I could ALWAYS figure the books with my pencil of choice. Sitting in storage are about 50 of these. They may last me until I retire from this job...in about 10 years, give or take, based on need.

I must admit however, that I am having an affair, and loving a different pencil.

At the Easter holiday, in lieu of passing out calorie and sugar-filled candy to the children in my life, I instead handed out some pretty, painted pencils. There were some glittery gems, some pink, purple, blue, and yellow pencils that had festive Easter motifs painted on them, such as eggs, bunnies, and chicks, etc.

With two extra pencils left over, I decided to treat myself at work with some fun pencils.

Currently, I'm using a light blue pencil with yellow butterflies and white clouds. I attached a pointy, pink eraser to cover the blue eraser...so I don't wreck it's charm. I'm known to make changes often in my work, so a nice eraser is a must.

I will use this pencil until all the use makes me sharpen it into a stub.

Perhaps in four months time. Then I will toss it and begin using the purple pencil that has multi-colored, striped eggs on it. This will make my spring season at work light and comical...a stress reliever...and a welcome addition to my stash of writing utensils that grace my desktop...always within reach...for the next secretarial task.

It's true, I find that some pencils are better than others.

Some are functional and serious.

Others do the job and are simply fun to use.

I equally rely on both

and will use what best suits my mood at the time of use.

The BFF

2010-04-09T15:43:00.005-04:00

What a ball of fire she is, the bff of my relative,

masterly educated and head of the class,

lecturing on the past history of the world.

What a hot chick she is, the bff of my relative,

giggling like a kiddo,

wiggling like jell-o shots,

retelling incidents of her adventurous life.

What a family member she'd make,

the bff of my relative,

she brings out the giggle and wiggle

in my once sober, solemn lad.

Once we were worried about the lad,

afraid he was too sunk inside himself,

rebellious and moody-black,

worries now fly away...........

........as the bff of my relative,

appears here to stay!

Neighboring Town's Stores

2010-04-09T15:12:00.005-04:00

I love it when a new store or business opens up in neighboring small towns.

Be it a fabric shop...a grocery store...or a Planet Fitness gym...

The addition of life's convenience-stores, from my Point A to Point B,

enables me to hit the site of necessity on my way to or fro work.

No more organizing my days off around a trip to the city grocery store or just being plain chubby because I'm too cheap to pay for extra gas to get to a multi-use gym!

(Luckily, my health insurance reimburses me the monthly fee to the new gym just a few miles from my house. My thighs are looking the best they have in many, many years.)

When I hear of a new store or business opening up in my neighboring small towns I weigh their value to me, and then decide if it's a good idea or not.

I hear there might be coming to my local area...a Dollar Store!

That is very worthwhile and tailored to my needs.

Lord knows I love to shop!

Sassy Spring Day

2010-04-05T14:14:00.002-04:00

(Photo by Lisa Allen-Kennard)

Whisper goes the wind on this sassy spring day,
all the bird and critters have come on out to play,
Fluffy are the clouds that dance in pale blue skies,
can't fully block the sun, though it's whiteness dutifully tries.

Lush now is the green of the grass and towering trees,
sun and rain and pure clean air and swarms of bumble bees,
Majestic are the mountains laying off on the horizon,
animals commune with nature to tell tall tales of where they've been.

Whisper goes the wind on this sassy spring day,
All God's creatures -big and small- want to laugh and play.

The Forum - Knights in Shining Armour

2010-03-22T22:41:00.001-04:00

Dear Forum Online Newspaper:

You have given me a voice! In 1980, after high school graduation, I immediately left for my new life with the U.S. Air Force. I trained and worked as a dental assistant. At the young age of eighteen, had I known that my life's passion was creative writing, I would have requested working for the base newspaper.

It wasn't until many years later that my novel writing was something at which I felt competent. Taking a break from romance novels and wanting to jot down less demanding endeavors, I chose to create my blog. A few years ago, I was looking for an avenue to share my work. Just like a knight in shining Armour: there you came!

Now, you are giving me an audience. You have also been very kind to allow me to be published in your hard copy. With your mass mailing to the local towns twice a year, many of my family and friends can not only see some of my work, they can see for themselves how useful and productive your newspaper is.

Self-expression is wonderful! Because you so kindly visit my blog, like what you read, and include many of my pieces in your Voices column, you've helped me feel great success and pride. I enjoy talking about my feelings and life in general. I think people should wear their feelings on their sleeves. I enjoy reading other creative writer's works. Whether it's poetry, news items, or New England tidbits, The Forum is very entertaining.

Even though life is busy, I always make time to visit The Forum, because I know I can get up-to-date information on issues concerning not only my town, but neighboring towns, too. During the natural disastrous storms we've had in the past few years, your volunteer crew has done an outstanding job of collecting facts, reporting news, and helping the community. Thanks for all your successful efforts!

Warm regards,
Lisa (Allen) Kennard
Nottingham, NH
www.blogginglisaslife.blogspot.com