September begins the fall season. I am ready for some cooler weather and crisper air. Let's end September with some humor. Since we discussed pet ownership this month, I thought I would share some humorous animal and pet quotes. Some of these really crack me up!

ENJOY!

"I never married because there was no need. I have three pets at home which answer the same purpose as a husband. I have a dog which growls every morning, a parrot which swears all afternoon, and a cat that comes home late at night." 
- Marie Corelli, Author, British Novelist -

"I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals."
- Winston Churchill,
Former British Prime Minister -

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read."
- Groucho Marx, Comedian -

"The trouble with a kitten is that eventually it becomes a cat."
- Ogden Nash, American Author -

"I love women, but I feel like you can't trust some of them. Some of them are liars, you know? Like I was in the park and I met this girl, she was cute and she had a dog. And I went up to her, we started talking. She told me her dog's name. Then I said, 'Does he bite?' She said, 'No.' And I said, 'Oh yeah? Then how does he eat?' Liar."
- Demitri Martin, Writer and Actor -

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful." 
- Ann Landers, American Author -

"In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this." 
- Terry Pratchett, English Author -

"Some dog I got too. We call him Egypt. Because in every room he leaves a pyramid."
- Rodney Dangerfield, Actor -

"I looked up my family tree and found three dogs using it."
- Rodney Dangerfield, Actor - 

"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down."
- Robert Benchley, American Author - 

Hope you enjoyed a few humorous quotes about pets. Pets are wonderful gifts from God, but they are not for everybody. After reading some of these quotes, I wonder if cats are for anybody. (LOL) 

Do you have a funny story about your pet? Do you have an unusual pet? Please share your thoughts, experiences, stories, about your current pet or a past pet. See you in October!

XOXO

As we get older we sometimes forget what it feels like to be in love. We get so wrapped up in the day-to-day that we overlook one of the most important things about being human, love. In many cases, we give up on love, on ourselves, and our dreams. God doesn't give up on us. Sometimes if we open our heart and mind to all possibilities, we find that we are only beginning to understand his plan for us. Whether you are 50, 60, 70 or more, you will find that your life is a constant learning opportunity, filled with blessings. You just have to have your heart open enough to receive them.

Wealth is not found in things, it is found in your heart.
 - Sheryl -

Do you shut yourself off from the opportunities that God presents because you are too busy or fearful? Can you name one instance where you took an opportunity in the face of fear or some other obstacle and were glad you did? Share your stories in the hope of encouraging other women to open their hearts.

XOXO

Many people look at their pets as part of their family and they should, because they are. My terrier, Leona, is my constant companion. As I write this, she is sitting in the recliner looking at me. I am her whole world. She loves me without making any demands on me other than food, water, a good petting, keep her shots up to date, and an occasional trip out doors to take care of personal business.

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself." 
- Josh Billings, Author -
(Pen name for 19th century American humorist Henry Wheeler Shaw)

I was in my mid-fifties when she joined our family. I wasn't looking for another new pet after my two small poodles had passed.....long story.  I wanted to be free with my empty nest and my husband without anyone to "take care of", at least for awhile. Then I inherited, Leona. Now in my early 60s, I am thankful for this little gift from God. She fills a lot of holes in my world.
There are lots of great reasons to own a pet, even when you are over 50. A pet can provide companionship and sometimes meet a medical need as in the case of seizures, stroke, and heart attacks.  However, pet ownership should be considered with great care.
Taking on a pet is a serious consideration, no matter what pet we take, and even more so as we get older. The benefits of owning a pet are great, also, more so as we get older. So, we wonder - what's the right choice?

Here are some Pros and Cons to consider. This is not a complete list, but it will help in deciding if pet ownership is right for you.

PROS
    1.    Companionship - provides physical contact with another living thing, mutual                 unconditional love, and combats loneliness.
    2.     Security - some pets will let you know if a stranger is near or at your door. Some                 may provide protection against intruders.
       3.     Special Needs - Dogs can be trained to warn their owners of a coming seizure, can be trained to assist the blind, as well. There are many other valuable medical benefits from owning a dog
.
CONS
    1.     Expense - Some pets can be expensive to             maintain. Food, vet bills, grooming,training,         boarding, spay/neutering, vaccinations, etc. 
    2.     Physical needs - Some pets need to be                    walked, handled, bathed, etc. This may be          difficult for an older adult to keep up with.
    3.     Traveling - An older person may not be able            to take their pet with when traveling, finding           someone to care for your pet may be challenging. 
    4.     Death - What happens to your pet if you should die? Sad to consider, I know, but who will take care of your pet if something should happen to you?
There may be other considerations, but these are the most common. Taking on a pet in some cases is similar to taking on a child. They have a lot of the same needs. While a bird may require less attention, everything above still applies to them. A fish may not require a lot of money, it still needs someone to care for it if you are gone for more than a few days. Dogs and cats provide the most reward, but they also require more from us.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
    1.    Space - Do you have the space for a pet? For a dog, cat, or other animal that needs            outdoor space, do you have that available? If it's a bird, fish, or other totally inside animal, do you have space in your home to provide adequate space for this pet?
    2.    Lifestyle - Are you home a lot? Do you travel more than you are home? Are you physically able to care for a pet? Do you live alone or with someone else? You must take the other person's needs into consideration, as well; especially, if you have grandchildren living with you.
    3.    Your Physical Health - Are you allergic to feathers? To cat hair? Fur dander? Can you give the pet the attention it needs? Walking? Changing litter boxes? Do you have a dependable person to help you with things you are physically unable to do?
    4.    Your Home - If you rent, are you allowed to have pets? Insurance, in case,someone get's bit or scratched?

Please don't let the above scare you off from getting a pet, however, pet ownership is not for everyone. If you take these tips into serious consideration, you should be able to decide if a pet is right for you and what kind of pet you should have.

"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms."
- George Eliot, Author -
(Pen name of Mary Ann Evans, English novelist, poet journalist and translator.)

I love my little, Leona, but I do not think I will replace her when the time comes. Then again, maybe I will. ☺

Do you have a pet? Do you have a plan for this pet if something happens to you? Do you have the right pet for you and your family? Do you have any tips, comments, or questions about pet selection and ownership? Please share them so that others may benefit from your experience.

XOXO

At one point in time during your life, you heard or had a song that marked an event or a time. Now every time you heard that song, your mind goes back to event, that time, that place. A song can conjuer up mental pictures of people, places, things that no other media can. A picture tells a story, but a song can make you feel.

Here is an example of some songs and what I personally feel when I hear them:

    1.    Will the Circle Be UnBroken (Ada R Habershon, 1907) - brings to my memory,             my grandmother. It was her favorite song and was sang at ther funeral. It was also one of my mother's favorites and played at her funeral, as well.

    2.    Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon and Garfunkel, 1970) - we had to analyze this during my 11th grade literature class. It was an eye opener and introduced me to a new way to look at music.

    3.    As the Deer Panteth (Martin J Nystrom, 1981) - a spiritual hymn that mirrors my belief in Christ. A song I would want to be sung at my funeral.

    4.    Magic Carpet Ride (Steppenwolf, 1968) - my first real boyfriend. We would play this a lot while working in his parents garage on his 1955 Chevy. Some good memories there as well. It was my first exposure to that type of music and it reminds of that time.

  ​  5.    Joy to the World (Three Dog Night, 1970) - my first concert. I went to see this band and this is the only song that I knew before the concert. When I hear this one, I remember standing up and dancing in the isle with my date. 

    6.    The Star-Spangled Banner (Francis Scott Key, 1814) - reminds me that I live in the greatest country on earth that is protected by the bravest men and women in the world. Sends goose bumps down my body when I hear it.

    7.    I Want it That Way (Back Street Boys, 1999) - first concert with my beautiful daughter. I took her and several of her friends to this concert and I had as much fun as they did. (Of course, I had ear plugs in----and I still heard every word of every song. LOL)
​
    8.    Chariots of Fire (Vangelis, 1981) - played this a lot on hot summer nights laying on an old quilt in a beautiful park studying the stars when I was young and naive.

    9.    Born in the USA (Bruce Springsteen, 1984) - my son when he was 3 years old would sit in the back seat of our Honda Accord and sing this over and over and over again. He only knew the chorus, but every time I hear this song, it takes  me back.
 
There are so many beautiful songs that bring back memories, both good and bad. Each with their own history. Music is a powerful tool and can be used as medicine for the ill. Music has been proven to helps babies learn more, reach autistic children, teach a lesson, bring people of all backgrounds and beliefs together in peace and so much more.

Churches use music to teach or emphasize a lesson. The Bible tells us "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;" - Ephesians 5:19. Music must be important if God wants us to do it.

Take time in your life for music.
Escape within the lyrics and the notes. Live a life that is full of the inspiration that music gives us. Make memories marked by a song...those you will never forget.

Do you have a special song or songs that mark special events in your life? Do you use music to lift up your spirits? What types of music do you enjoy? As always, please share your thoughts.
 
XOXO

We all experience ups and downs in our lives. Some more than others. As we get older, it seems there are more downs than ups. This weeks' post is rather deep. It's somber. It's a lesson in pulling ourselves back up. It's a lesson in trusting ourselves, especially as we get older, for we have learned those lessons in life, and they have and will benefit us in the future.

For many years, I have kept a journal. When I started I only wrote when I felt really deeply about something whether good or not so good. For several years now, I have started writing in my journal every day, no matter what.

This is one my entries from my personal journal. I warn you, this is deep. I was going through some rough times. But in the end, you will see that i came out of it....much stronger, much wiser, and much better. Struggles are here, they are not going away, but we can survive them and be better because of them.
I hope this touches someone's heart and it helps you rise again from what you may be struggling with.
 
Again, this is an entry from my personal journal during a time when I was struggling.

"I understand people's frustration with me, I do. But what they do not understand is, I have lived so much heartache in my life, that I am tired. I want to be happy.
Happiness is not found in anyone else. It is only found within myself. But my self is scarred. It is damaged. It is unreconizable even to myself. The years come - the years go, I am still here. I hurt, but not as badly, with each disappointment it hurts less and less.
I fall for the world's promises. I crumble at its attacks. I rise up again, only to be hit again, harder and harder. Hurting, but less with each blow.
I will rise again, as the butterfly does in all it's beauty, knowing it's life is short and yet, it still lives."

No matter what struggles you are facing - health, relationships, tragedy, whatever it may be - know that it is short lived. You can rise out of it. You will struggle again and again. But with each struggle that you overcome, you will be stronger. You will also be more beautiful like the butterfly who once was a caterpillar.

Whatever struggles you have related to getting older. Hang in there, rise again, look for the hope within yourself, the happiness within yourself that can't be found in others. Cocoon for a while, if you must, because in the end you will once again rise into a beautiful butterfly. Please share your thoughts on this post. Help others who may be going through some struggles of their own.

XOXO