[dutchess]

Welcome to the Finest. Today let's sit back and "Celebrate Living"...reflecting on life's little pleasures... Please stop in and enjoy ours and maybe add your own... ( I'll add one...a successful FR fundraiser in less than a week...remember when they took well over two????)

[dutchess]

Sorry I got started so late today. Tried to post the first time around midnight....computer kept freezing up...Hate when that happens...Happened several more times this morning...guess it's time to get a new one...

Anyway I'm here...it worked and sure would LOVE a cup of coffee...hint hint!

[The Mayor]

Forgetting those things which are behind . . . , I press toward the goal.

Instead of living in the shadows of yesterday, walk in the light of today and the hope of tomorrow.

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Dutchess

[iceskater]

Hmmm....where to start? Some of my favorite things these days.
When my cat, Lucy, jumps up on the couch and keeps me company.

Pretty much any time I skate. I've been landing a jump I've struggled with for what feels like forever. Inconsistently, but it happens with some regularity now. I've even had witnesses which means it's "real." LOL

My performance review - really positive.

And I'll feel a whole lot better once I get the results back on some tests I've had to have done.

[Aquamarine]

Beautiful, very well done!
I've found if the music is playing while trying to post it can lock things up, that may have caused your problem last night.

Found some more sayings from 'Life's Little Instruction Book' (which was one of my dad's favorite little books that he gave away as gifts).

Whenever you hear an ambulance siren, say a prayer for the person inside.

Hold a child's hand when crossing the street.

Don't forget that a couple of words of praise or encouragement can make someone's day.

Remember that a minute of anger denies you sixty seconds of happiness.

On your birthday, send your mom a thank-you card.

Never criticize your country when travelling abroad.

When you hear a kind word spoken about a friend, tell him so.

When loved ones drive away, watch until you can no longer see the car.

Keep a backup copy of your personal address and telephone book.

Never buy a coffee table you can't put your feet on.

Say something positive as early as possible every day.

Regardless of the situation, remember that nothing is ever lost by courtesy.

When staying at a hotel or motel, don't accept a room next to the ice or vending machines.

Enjoy the satisfaction that comes from doing little things well.

Never go near a kid who's holding a water hose unless you want to get wet.

Never refuse a holiday dessert.

[Pippin]

GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY!

I know I was absent yesterday, I was on the Dementional Doorway thread most of the time. Great folks over there too! :O)

(just don't tell them because it might go to thier heads, HEE! HEE!)

Could'nt resist that, Darks! LOL!

What I do for happiness?

Ignore negative people (They'll alway get you down)

Look in a mirror and say "I love You" (It's not vanity, it's making it better for you to love others)

Unlike a certian Dem. candidate from Vermont, see EVERYONE as my neighbor, brother, and sister ( regardless of weather I agree or disagree with them!)

Say "Thank You" to God each morning for the new day.

Come to FR to get my perspective on what really matters. (And to get away from my liberal coworkers)

HAVE FUN!!!!

[The Mayor]

Join us at the Finest Every Day.

That is a must!!
Alot of good suggestions there, and look at todays Daily Bread it's kinda the same..

[Jen]

Beautiful and uplifting thread! Thanks dutchess. So glad you were able to find me under my new, assumed name. ;-)

[Billie]

Good morning, Sistahs, Brothahs, Cuzzins and FRiends.

Dutchess, this is so pretty and such a neat topic, and clicking on that song (thank you, Aqua for the music selection!) while reading it makes it perfect! Great job!

I have missed you and wanted to thank you for your mail and posts of concern since I've been out these last few days.

dixie, I read your post about your back spasms on yesterday's thread and hope you've gotten some relief by now.

T Man, give me another week or so before we arm-wrestle left-handed. LOL! (I still can use only one or two fingers on that hand)

[cyborg]

sorry I didn't read through the thread yet (just woke up and am caffeine deprived). I'm glad to be alive because just a few years ago I didn't care much about it. Now I'm glad I never killed myself because I can't very well explore the world that is Planet Earth when I'm dead.

[dansangel]

How beautiful ((((dutchess)))))) - I especially like the very last suggestion.

After I posted yesterday, the internet server at work went down. Then, I had to work *late*, so no time for FReeping last night.

I'm glad to hear that ((((Billie)))) is on the mend.

(((Hugs)))) to all - have a great day!

[LadyX]

A great theme today, dutchess!

In fact, as I was out and about this morning, I was dwelling on many of these things, driving along the back roads of bedrock America, here in South Carolina.

Decided to cruise to a nearby small town, checking out the landscape...some winter grass crops emerging...a lone field strewn with cotton bolls that had evaded the trip to a mill, looking like thready snow....resting ones, soon to feel the plow for a new year of productivity.

I paid tribute to all those who had settled this and other lands all over America, full of hopes and dreams, seeking a modicum of prosperity.

God bless them all for their courage and actions, and creating the land we so appreciate and love!

The question that comes to mind is one each might ask - what have I done in my life to perpetuate this?

Thankfully, those who gather at The Finest share the dreams and have taken worthy actions in their lives.
For that opportunity, we are especially indebted to our military personnel, present and past, for ensuring our safety and freedom.

Thanks, dutchess and Aquamarine, for the lists, to which will be added dozens of more thoughts as we hold high the torch and pass it to upcoming generations.

[deadhead]

Lovely thread, dutchess. Life, a beautiful gift given to us all.

I have been very busy lately, planning a big 50th b-day party for my brother. Have not been here as often as I usually am.

Sending Get Well wishes to Dixie Sass, Billie and St.Louie1

Billie, this weekend will be a good time for a conference :-)

Maggie, hope your heating problems are resolved.

Hello to All, have a wonderful evening!

Colleen

[Mama_Bear]

An inspiring post today, dutchess. Love your bubbly border too.

I haven't had a chance to read all the replies or my pings on this thread, but I hope everyone is doing well. Billie, is your wrist injury improving?

Dixie, sorry to hear about your back. Are you doing better?

I see I have mail from two of my sistahs. Will answer it as soon as I get back from my MIL's. Gotta run.

Finest (((((((hugs)))))) all around.