Category: Inspiration

Consider Charity

I support Wreaths Across America, which is an organization that coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies each December. The mission of the charity is to Remember, Honor and Teach. Their goal is to place a wreath on every veteran’s grave, from every war, in every cemetery across the United States.

The wreath-laying ceremony across the country is held on the same day and at the same time.

Members of the public are invited to help lay the wreaths, which is normally preceded by a ceremony. During past ceremonies that I have attended, a veteran from each branch of service is chosen to lay a wreath in the veterans’ section of the cemetery.

Donations to buy the wreaths are taken all year, and I highly suggest attending a ceremony in December. It’s quite a touching event. You can find more information on their website: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/

Find a charity you have passion for. Sonja

Today’s Challenge

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

I don’t know about you, but I find it challenging to decide which story in my head is worthy of being put down on paper.

I have so many stories swirling around up there. I explore them when I’m walking, hiking, taking some quiet time, driving, or falling asleep.

I have a lot of stories to tell about Guinness. He’s a never-ending source of adventures! Just a walk around the block can lead to an interesting experience.

Just today, we were taking a walk and he was trying to be a good boy. Another dog walked by with his own human. Before we went to school, Guinness would have barked and lunged. Today, he merely kept a close watch on the dog and tried to talk to him. I think that will probably make it into one of his adventures that I write about. He loves to talk to everyone he meets. In the morning, he sounds like Chewbacca from Star Wars (R)!

I’ll try to catch his talking and post it on his Instagram page (@real_guinness_the_therapy_dog). Follow him and get daily updates on his shenanigans!

Have a happy weekend. Sonja

Did you get everything you wished for this holiday season?

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

It has been three days since Christmas, we’re still celebrating Hanukkah, and gift day for Kwanzaa is still four days away.

That’s a lot.

I hope you found everything you wished for under the Christmas tree and that you will find what you hope for as a Hanukkah gift or on January 1.

Today is also National Call A Friend Day and Card Playing Day.

What a great reminder to call those who are right next door or too far away. You could invite your neighbors over to play a nice game of whist or Hearts!

Poker?

Or you can play solitaire.

Let me ask you, what is the best part of the holidays?

Enjoy your day! Sonja

Merry Christmas!

Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash.com

IT’S HERE!!!!!

The day Christians wait for has arrived as everyone, young and old, wake up and look under the tree for gifts labeled for them.

It’s also the time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This is the day Christians celebrate his birth and remember that he died on the cross to save mankind from sin.

My Christmas wish for you is to enjoy your family, spend time together, and tell a story or two to learn where you came from. Family history is an important part of being together.

Enjoy your Christmas! Sonja

#Humbug Day

Not only is it Humbug Day, but also Look On The Bright Side Day. They seem diametrically opposed. But if you are familiar with Charles Dickens’ ‘A Chrismas Carol’, you know that Ebenezer Scrooge began as a humbug type of person and by the end embraced the Christmas spirit.

I hope that wasn’t a spoiler!

I recommend reading the book. If you can’t manage that, then watch one of the many movies. I love the older black-and-white version, someone else I know likes the Muppets’ Christmas Carol movie, while others like the Bill Murray-helmed ‘Scrooged’.

Every one of these stories tells a story of redemption. It’s never too late to make a change in your life. It doesn’t matter your age or your history. Embrace the good and reject the pressure and the bad of this season, no matter which holiday you celebrate.

It’s a time of remembrance and hope. Don’t get so caught up in your ‘to-do list’ that you forget the importance of slowing down and enjoying some time with your thoughts and family.

Slow down! Sonja

On This Day–

The Wright Brothers

It was December 17, 1903, that Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first flight with a powered aircraft. The first flight lasted 59 seconds and went 852 feet at an elevation of 20 feet. Orville had just flown into history.

The brothers owned a bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A. and experimented with flight there for almost ten years before finding success. Orville and Wilbur chose the beach at Kitty Hawk because a constant wind blew off the ocean and would help their aircraft fly.

In the above photo, Orville is seen lying inside the aircraft and Wilbur is the man standing at its right.

It’s hard to believe that today, just 116 years later, it is almost routine to fly across the ocean or around the world.

Photo by Ben Neale on Unsplash

If you plan on traveling for the holidays, don’t forget to pack your sense of humor–and a good book (I suggest one of mine!).

Enjoy your holiday! Sonja

#Giving #Charity

  • Photo on Unsplash.com
  • Photo by Robert Zunikoff on Unsplash

Whichever form of faith you follow, this is the season of giving–the season of charity. My hope is that you give and offer throughout the year.

There are those who have little need of actually ‘stuff’. Give of your time.

There are those who are in need of love. Give your love.

There are those who are in need of food. Consider giving to your local food bank.

There are those who are in need of transportation. Consider giving your time and drive them where they need to go–if you are able.

Anywhere you look, you will find someone in need. Try to determine what it is they need without asking. Most people will deny having any need, but a few minutes of your time or a plate of cookies or small token will do wonders to bring them joy.

Give of yourself. Sonja