Once upon a time, in a kingdom far away, (I always wanted to write those words) there lived a beautiful princess and a handsome prince. But this story is not about them. We already know they lived happily ever after, as is the way with such things. This cute and sweet, yet powerful and moving […]
Bloggaria ~ A fairy tale of bloggers! Introduction
community
The Most Dangerous Loaded Weapon … FEAR!
Fear dilutes common sense often including one’s own personal sense of responsibility … even as it strengthens the emotions of hate, cruelty, disdain and indifference … sadly at the expense/risk of yourself and others.
With so many troubled souls, so much turmoil and terror currently in our world it seems to me that by encouraging love, understanding and forgiveness; by strengthening friendships and coming up with thoughtful measured solutions, we can confront mutual problems and situations and through unity bring about peaceful resolutions for a more prosperous world for all.
No, not easy by any means, but I truly believe most doable. I also believe in the loving human spirit existing within humanity as a whole, resting deep within the hearts of billions of every day people … just like you and I.
“Don’t allow the emotion of fear to become a weapon against yourself, your neighbors and your fellow humans. We are all in this together, truly!”~ Plh
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Thank you kindly, I wish you well!
~ Penelope
~ Plh
The Way Forward
It’s been an interesting time period, I’m thinking. There’s a palpable unease in the air filtering through our emotions, thoughts and actions.
We’re feeling uncomfortable about a wide range of things (most related to what I refer to as “a money thing” but that’s a whole n’other story) and politically speaking it doesn’t matter where you are in the whole conservative/liberal spectrum. It really doesn’t. What matters (at least to me) is that there is too much division between friends, communities, states, countries. This current state of affairs is most unhealthy – rather obviously, one would think … so how best do we move forward.
In my humble opinion I like to think it’s a matter of going back to the root of things. Nourish the base. In our case it’s families first. What can we do to positively improve our families immediate culture. After that it’s community. What can we do to positively impact others that are needing support.
So often it’s small things that make a huge difference. One person, one thing, one day at a time. This is the way forward. Not finger pointing, shaming, or blaming. Just getting out there and making what you do count. In a positive proactive way.
The strongest roots of the healthiest trees are deep and kept fertile. Time to go back to our roots. remember some basics that we each can accomplish. Values in a home environment. Support in a local community. Love and concern and action for those less fortunate. We can each become the nourishment to strengthen our human roots.
So doable. So possible. We can do this. Yes we can.
Think well of yourself. Think well of others. Begin from there,
I wish you most well,
Penny
Every Day Wisdom – Taking Responsibility, a Key to Success!
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When you see a problem, you address it, hands on. If you find a solution to the problem then you put it in motion, following the process through, making sure it’s the correct way to go. If you are unable to find a solution to the answers you seek, you don’t stop there, you ask for help from those who are better equipped to assist you with your problem. But you don’t stop until there is complete resolution.
The one thing you don’t do is stick your head down and wait for someone else to fix a situation that left unresolved may turn into a more serious problem down the road.
Those that take responsibility for not only their own individual actions but also by seeking out solutions to other problems in their immediate environment, job or community, contribute to the further well being of themselves and all those around them.
If you’re an entrepreneur, and take personal responsibility for resolution and problem solving you’re creating a proactive, productive and creative atmosphere for both your employees and/or potential customers. A good trade off I’d say. Best of all you can go home feeling very good about a day’s progress.
On a final note: Opportunities are everywhere. When you take personal responsibility for figuring out how and what you’re going to do next – even with the “inspite of’s” (such as unemployment, student debt, unanticipated crises, illness, or any combination of these) you are well on your way to success whether you know it yet or not. You will be successful because you’ve created the best mental and emotional attitude possible for becoming successful. You’ve decided to be responsible for the actions in your own life by doing whatever you need to do to make it happen (and not blaming where you are – in the moment – on other people or factors) ~ Anything is conceivable if you believe it to be so. Always remember this. It’s a powerful affirmation to know and believe in. Trust me on this one.
Just know I’ll be rooting for you because I know you can do this. That you have what it takes … YOU GO ON!
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Have a great week ahead,
With much affection,
~ Penny
Love & Forgiveness
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“OMGosh! I just realized that as a thinking, caring human I have the amazing ability to love and forgive – Who Knew!!!!”~ Plh, 2015
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Make all your todays and tomorrows loving ones ~ it does a body good!
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Have a wonderful weekend, take care of you and remember to be grateful for all you have.
With much affection.
~ Penny
When Elephants Cry
Did you know that elephants cry?
They do. And even though many scientists attempt to scientifically explain away these reoccurring elephant tears towards a non emotional based rationale, most people do recognize the truth.
Elephants are intelligent, caring and loving mammals. Period!
Which leads me to wonder if they know of their own plight towards extinction. Don’t be too quick to discount the wisdom in nature.
I believe, at some level of awareness they do know, as do other damaged and endangered species.
My hope and dream is that we can do more to stop and overcome the cruelty and killing of not only our own kind but all life on this, our awesome planet.
“When the heart is filled with love embracing life, there is still room for caring and sharing … always.” ~ Plh
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Thank you,
~ Penny
I Remember When
Every now and then
I remember when
it simple used to be
in thinking I was free ♡…
…life it all has changed
and has rearranged,
or is it really me,
yes, now at last I see ♡…
… freedom has a price
one we all must pay,
care for one another
every single day ♡…
… we can not survive
if hate and greed fill hearts,
freedom only works
if we’re not torn in parts ♡… ~ Plh
We are all of ONE Worldwide Community ~ let us care for one another! ♡
Be good to you too, have a great week ahead!
Thank you,
~ Penny
Quotes by the Dalai Lama ~ to share!
The most caring and compassionate person I have ever met! The Honorable Dalai Lama! His kind and loving spirit, an excellent reminder to all of us on how to conduct our lives. (That’s me, the pale blonde on the right, the young lady next to me, my granddaughter!). Sharing here some of my favorite of his quotes:
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“Be kind whenever possible – it’s always possible.”
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“Our prime purpose in life is to help others, if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”
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“Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend – or a meaningful day.”
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I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.
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Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.
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We are Earth’s Children … shall we grow up now?
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Please read!
All of us, every single person, is born with amazing potential for growth!
Each of our lives – so very precious,
and necessary!
How can we know the significant difference any one person
when given love, opportunity and education
might make in the tomorrow of our days,
when we, like children, base many of our (adult) decisions
on our personal emotions and preconceptions;
and not on intelligent reasoning?
Poor “life changing” decisions are made:
… in the name of intolerance,
… in the name of indifference,
… in the name of power,
… in the name of religion,
… in the name of greed,
… in the name of hate!
It defies intelligence and logic to not preserve
the most valuable resource we possess.
The human race (in it’s entirety)!
The most
valuable commodity there is
“Every single one of us!”
Together
there is nothing we can’t accomplish
If we work as one!
We are Earth’s children! But are we still growing?
Faith can shape us, filling our souls with untold riches …
… unless fashioned into a weapon to be
used against others.
Our global citizenship can become a harvest of abundance …
… unless we stratify and divide within ourselves deciding we are superior based on the false premise of entitlement.
Our capacity for loving (and forgiving) can expand our futures!
Our capacity for hatred and fear can destroy it!
Shall we grow up now?
Penny L Howe, 2013
Acts of Kindness – Coffee, Small Business and a Little Bird!
Starting today, each Sunday I will write a post and present acts of kindness that you the reader tell me about. Check the category at the top of this page. Click on it and share any act of kindness that has happened to you or someone you know. I will share these the following Sunday.
We know there are all kinds of big problems in our world today, but the everyday acts of kindness (perhaps considered small ones) that happen to/by everyday people often go unnoticed. I wish to share these, as I can. There are two acts of kindness to report about today. The first a personal one; the second shared by Lesley Fletcher.
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This act of kindness is a personal one that I’ve been wanting to share for quite awhile. There is a coffee house – Barracuda Coffee, here in Richland, (Tri-Cities) Washington where they serve great coffee. And this weekend they are celebrating their 10th’ Anniversary.
But the act of kindness I’m going to mention began when we did not really know the owners personally. It was where “up until 3 years ago” my daughter’s husband Duane, would stop each afternoon to get her special cup of brew for her.
He’d always take a few minutes to joke and chat with them at the drive-thru
window while he scribbled “I love you” on those little tabs put in the coffee lid to keep the coffee hot. Which they (the owner and the workers there) all noticed. It was also 3 years ago that Duane lost his life suddenly (in an accident) from a careless driver.
A few days after the accident I showed up to get my daughter’s coffee for her, One of the owners Michelle, came to the window and said, “I’ve given directions to the staff that Christina will never have to pay for her coffee, ever! Our way of remembering what a loving husband he was to a loving wife.” (And to save her the money for the cost of her favorite drink she would no longer be able to afford to buy.)
As I mentioned, it’s been 3 years. Her coffee is still free, as it is explained to each new employee who comes to work there. And beautiful and affectionate expressions are frequently written to Christina on the side of her coffee cup! Their expressions and attitude are generous and loving when they hand her the free cup of coffee – 3 years later.
As I mentioned at the beginning, this weekend marks Barracuda’s 10th year Anniversary and I can’t think of a better way to thank them than to let the world know what an amazing and loving small business Coffee Shop they are. There is no doubt that this act of kindness to Christina comes from loving hearts. And my daughter and myself stay very appreciative.
Each day Christina drops by to get her cup of coffee, made just the way she likes it! She leaves, her day a little brighter and a smile on her face. Some individuals/small business owners are pretty awesome aren’t they?
And one more thing: Check this out!
Their physical location:
- 2171 Van Giesen St.
- Richland, Washington 99354
(And starting this weekend they are now serving beer and wine in addition to their deliciously brewed coffee!) If you’re a local, I encourage you drop by!
https://www.facebook.com/BarracudaCoffeeCompany
Please do check out and “like” their facebook page for the other acts of kindness (this community active small business stays involved with)!
As for us (Duane’s family), we can only humbly say, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
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The second act of kindness I am reporting comes from one of our fellow bloggers, the talented Author and Artist Leslie Fletcher:
Books & Art – Spirit & Soul: (In Lesley’s own words) “I was nice and kind yesterday. While I enjoy the songs and the sight of birds and even speak to them and whistle to them from a distance, I am a huge chicken and have a bit of a phobia (Thanks Mum 
) always fearing they will end up in my hair which has been described as a nest anyway.
Yesterday I was washing my car and fiddling in the front garden when I heard my phone ring in the back. It’s not normal for me to put things down to answer a phone call but I did.
When I reached the back yard I noticed a black thing in the pool. On further investigation I saw it was a small robin. It was trying with all its might to somehow get lift off out of the salty water. I reached for the skimmer on a stick with a net at the end and took my life in my hands (Yes I just said that) to lift the exhausted birdie from the pool. Of course I was ready to drop everything and make a run for safe ground should he attack me and said hair.
As it turned out the poor thing was so exhausted and traumatized he lay limp with his head down and wings spread. I thought I was too late and that he died.
Softly and gently I lay down the skimmer pole and backed up. Every half hour I checked on him. Originally I left him in full sunlight so that he may dry. My first visit back saw that his feathers were dry but he had not moved. He was cheeping very quietly and I took this as a good sign. I carefully lifted the pole again and moved him to the shade.
In all he stayed put for 3 hours. And then he flew. And it felt so great to have saved a life.”
Thank you Lesley, for saving his precious little life. A rich and fulfilling feeling. And Act of Kindness most definitely!
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And this concludes this segment of “Acts of Kindness for the week.” I look forward to hearing from you. Please share the acts of kindness you know of, I’m anxious to pass it on to others to remind us all that there are sharing and loving people out there who go unnoticed every day! Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed,
~ Penny
The Why About This 