I Shall Not Walk Alone

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.  Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved."...Helen Keller

No matter what individual beliefs we hold, the poem "Footprints in the Sand", by Mary Stevenson, I'm sure we can all agree is not only beautiful, but one we can derive strength and comfort from.

There are times in life when our natural curiosity looks to find answers concerning our existence; "what is our purpose?", "how did we get here?", "what will happen at the end?"...there are many different, yet similar religions available to study to help guide our spirituality in the direction we choose to believe. 

I personally believe that no matter our specific religious differences, we are all here for a common purpose and that's to keep evolving as a species that represents a shared vision of goodness that is necessary to ensure both the survival of our planet and of all humanity.  I believe we are all given something at birth, whether we call it a soul, a guided spirit, something that will witness and measure how we're doing throughout our gift of life.  I think all our actions and intentions are accumulating somewhere as we go along,  therefore we should never "claim" to be "a good person", but rather acknowledge that we should always try to be better.  Our conscience will also be our guide to not only keep us from straying from the right path, but will, when asked, provide us with an extra source of strength during the times when we need it most.  I feel through our actions we are responsible for our individual journey, but through our beliefs, we are not alone during it.

I hope this wasn't too deep for a Wednesday morning!  I think it being the last day of the month, and as we're approaching another new beginning, I was just feeling a little more spiritual than usual today.

Today's video is a very beautiful song, which I discovered on my favourite show Lost from season one's episode "Confidence Man".

The song being played at the end of the episode is called "I Shall Not Walk Alone", performed by the Blind Boys of Alabama, a wonderful gospel group whom I have just found out today are actually all blind.  The lyrics are beautiful and extremely moving...here is a bit of it as it was featured on Lost.  Enjoy!

Have a wonderful day!

Linda

Admitting Mistakes - Part Two

"It is the highest form of self respect to admit our errors and mistakes and make amends for them.  To make a mistake is only an error in judgment, but to adhere to it when it is discovered shows infirmity of character."...Dale E. Turner

What a picture...sure glad that's not me!  But I know the feeling.  She's just discovered a critical error that she is responsible for.  The question is, what will she choose to do next?

Hopefully none of you are thinking she should close her office door and start scheming, shredding, rehearsing excuses or calculating who to best blame it on!  And no it's not the time to lie and say you have to go attend to your sick grandmother for a week or two and leave someone else to clean up the mess.  If you do that, you may be cleaning out your office when you get back! 

Even though we know we should do the responsible thing, admitting mistakes can be very difficult, whether our career is young or well established.  We never want others to view us as incapable or unreliable, so we hope to hide our imperfections for as long as possible.  Depending on the nature of the errors and how they affect others could cause such fear of the consequences that one may panic, make matters worse and ultimately suffer even greater repercussions.

If you find yourself in this situation, as tough as it is, you should without hesitation go to your boss (the person you normally report to) and admit what has happened.  This will immediately shift your energy from worrying about an event that you cannot change (living in the past) to focusing on making amends (living in the present).  Doing this will define your work ethic as both trustworthy and responsible.  This will lead to a greater feeling of security and confidence in yourself and can only enhance your career in all future endeavours. 

Here are a few pointers about how to "fess up" and deal with your mistakes: taken from lifehack.org

• see things from someone else's perspective:  if you made a promise and failed to keep it, put yourself in the other party's shoes and see how things look from there.  How would you feel?  What would your response be if you were them, and what action would satisfy you?
• be sympathetic:  Realize that your mistakes may affect many more people than just you, and recognize the pain you've caused.  A little bit of sympathy can be the opening you need to set things right.
• Take responsibility:  Don't try to weasel out of it, and don't try to look around wildly for someone else to blame.  Even if your failure came about because someone let you down, you're ultimately responsible for the projects under your authority.
• Accept the consequences:  It's hard I know, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet and take your lumps.  Few actions come without any consequences at all; be prepared to embrace whatever befalls you as a result of the mistakes you've made.
• Have a plan:  Taking responsibility means being prepared to clean up the mess, which means you need a plan.  You should have a clear idea of what went wrong and how you can fix it - and how you can avoid it in the future.
• Be sincere.  Don't pretend to feel sympathy or act phony so that the other person can see how deeply you care.  Don't play the martyr.  Show honest emotion - the first step to rebuilding the trust lost.
• Apologize.  No, really.  A lot of people go to great lengths to make up for their mistakes - or to hide them - when a simple "I'm sorry" would do the job and cause a lot fewer hard feelings.

Oftentimes when you do confess, you will find you are not in as much trouble as you imagined (whew!), mistakes happen and your boss will at least be grateful that you kept him/her apprised.  However these tips will not prevent the worst from happening, it is always possible that you will still lose your job or your client, but at least you will have done so with dignity instead of disgrace, allowing you to walk away with your head held high, and your reputation intact.

In part one, I featured (to the delight of my husband) Jean Luc Picard as the best leader on television.  Today I will feature the first female captain of the Star Trek Universe, Captain of the USS Voyager, Kathryn Janeway:

And I love the theme music for this show much better than Star Trek TNG, it's a beautiful instrumental piece composed by Jerry Goldsmith:

Have a wonderful work week everybody,

Cheers,

Linda

click here to read: Admitting Mistakes - Part One

Admitting Mistakes - Part One

"The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way."...Dale Carnegie

We are all human beings, imperfect and prone to making mistakes.  Some days, like yesterday, I make them even before I've taken my first sip of coffee!  I let our dog out into the backyard as I always do early morning, but this time the gate was left open all night and I didn't check first.  Then I proceeded to make a pot of coffee, unload the dryer, pour my coffee and finally sit down at my computer.  Oh yeah, just before that I closed the kitchen door, not realizing our little Penny had not come back inside!  Luckily, I soon realized something was missing that morning, like a little tongue licking my toes while I work, and after frantically waking up the household to help me go look for her, she was found safely a few houses up the street a few minutes later.

My mistake was at the time very painful to admit to my family.  Mistakes that affect other people are often the most difficult to admit to and take responsibility for.  In the middle of a crisis, whatever it is, the first response could be to finger point, blame others or make excuses.  I could have easily blamed this on whomever left the gate open, or made an excuse for myself like it was dark outside or I was still sleepy.  However, when we accept responsibility, we are accepting the blame for our actions and also accepting the responsibility for making changes and improvements in our lives.  This applies to both our personal and professional lives.  The manner in which we handle our errors makes all the difference.

Why is it so difficult to accept responsibility for our actions and admit our mistakes?  Is it because we care so much for others to have a high opinion of us, that we feel we'll lose our sense of value and importance if someone discovered we're not perfect?  This will only lead to insecurity and being unable to admit mistakes out of fear of being perceived as weak and losing the respect of others.

However taking responsibility is definitely not a sign of weakness, rather it earns you respect.  Who would you have greater respect for, a person who takes responsibility for her actions, owns up to it and promises to do better in the future, or someone who continually denies involvement in situations when it's obvious they may be responsible?  It is a sign of personal growth and maturity to own up to mistakes and accept responsibility for them.  It is an important quality in leadership.  A good leader will admit mistake and move on.  A great leader will admit mistake, learn from it and never make it again.

In the work environment, perhaps it is the fear of the consequences that hold people back from admitting their errors and taking responsibility.  I think this holds true no matter the occupation, from bank clerk to doctor.  It may be a tough pill to swallow in the immediate, but better to do it and begin making amends than the alternative, which will only put your future career growth and reputation at risk.  Having courage is also a quality of strong leadership.

Do you find you have a difficult time admitting mistakes and taking responsibility?  Don't worry you're not alone and there is a lot you can do to change.  In part two on my next blog, we will continue the discussion and learn the best ways to overcome this and you will soon feel yourself more vibrant and confident than ever before.

I will leave you with a short clip of whom I consider to be the epitome of a great leader on television, Captain Jean Luc Picard of Star Trek, The Next Generation.  He believed "it is both our mistakes and triumphs that make us who we are today".



Cheers,

Linda

click here to read Admitting Mistakes - Part Two

Love, Hope and Believe

"My friends, love is better than anger.  Hope is better than fear.  Optimism is better than despair.  So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.  And we'll change the world."...Jack Layton, in his final letter to Canadians, written on August 20, 2011.

Yesterday, Canada lost one of its most courageous and inspirational leaders to cancer.  "Jack Layton will be remembered for his personality and his dedication to public life.  We have all lost an engaging personality in a man of strong principles."..Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Harper also commented that he and Jack Layton were both musicians however, their busy schedules regretfully got in the way of them getting together to "jam".  He says it's a reminder for all Canadians to make time for friends and loved ones -  before it is too late.

I never thought I would ever completely agree with Stephen Harper on any matter, but this one I do.  It was just two days ago, my girlfriend and I went out for lunch, shopping and a movie, something we had not done, just the two of us, in well over a year.  We said exactly that - let's make a point to see each other more often because, well, we're getting older and it's important we stay together now more than ever before.  There is nothing more special, and more needed than time well spent with a loved one.  And time with a special friend surely fits that description.

Mr. Clayton, if there is a special way to honour your memory, I will carry on your wish to be "loving, hopeful and optimistic".  I share that sentiment and ask that my readers remember the same when they see this picture on my blog - my gratitude rocks held in the hands of my two children:

And I would also encourage my readers to call a friend and make plans for a special get together.  If I can recommend a move to you, my friend and I saw "The Help", and it was the best movie by far that I've seen in a long time.  It will make you laugh.  It will make you cry.  Perhaps those two things are what we need most right now.  Here is the trailer, if you would like to consider this fine, superbly written and acted movie:

Canada will miss you, Jack.  Canada will also never forget you.

Linda

Vacation For Thought

"Our memories of the water will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone."...author unknown

My son and I were relaxing on the boardwalk at about sunset on the last evening of our vacation when I took this peaceful shot.  It was a perfect end to our vacation experience, which turned out beautifully and left us with many cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

A while back I wrote a post about my husband's favourite expression, "the best things in life are free".  Don't worry - I haven't had too much sun to know that a vacation is definitely not free!  But a vacation affords us the luxury to step back and smell the roses, and that's worth every penny.  It gives us the time to enjoy and remember life's simple pleasures.

When you take the time to stop and look around, the beauty of our natural environment will relax you more than anything else.  We took a cruise on our first evening and spent ninety minutes just taking in the view, the water, the sunset, the trees, the air, the birds, and virtually every sight and sound was simply breathtaking.  It is not that these things are unavailable to us all throughout the year, we just do not stop to appreciate them.  I'm going to take a minute each day from now on to stop and take in the environment I previously have taken for granted.

A vacation reminds us of simple moments that bond a family.  For example, when was the last time your whole family sat down and enjoyed the togetherness of eating every meal four days in a row?  We never do it, and that is something that will soon be changing at our house!  What better use of twenty minutes can you find to connect and show you care than appreciating a home cooked meal together as a family?

A vacation allows us the opportunity to remember that life is amazing because we share it with those we love.  A swimming pool only comes to life when you hear the laughter and joy from your children splashing around in it.  I watched my children knowing that they're growing up and building their childhood memories.  I could continue to watch from the sidelines, or know that it's more fun to join the party and participate with them.  So I entered the cannonball competition every afternoon and danced and got silly in the pool when the staff encouraged the parents to.  And I know from the look on my daughter's face that she was happy I did.  I played with my son in the pool and lake and let him splash me about a hundred times and took him across the island on a guided nature hike that we both loved.  At night we competed with other families and played Family Feud.  The more time we spent together, the more I wished it was always like that.  All this reminds me of that old expression "a family that plays together, stays together."  I will keep that in mind from now on!

A vacation does not have to cost thousands of dollars to leave you with thousands of wonderful memories and new ideas to keep those feelings alive all year long.  It is a reminder to all of us that time is limited, so use it well.  And when you do, peace and happiness will follow you.

I will leave you today with one more vacation photo - my daughter participating in her cannonball competition, which she won.  It was actually a cannonball flip, which impressed the judges and me!

Wow!! How did she do that?  When it was my turn against the other parents, I knew I was not going to win...I'm not very athletic, but I wanted to be in the spirit of having fun and making memories, so as I jumped, I yelled out "whoohoo!!!".  I didn't win, but the judge said I showed great enthusiasm and deserved the prize for best "sound effects".  My daughter and husband could not stop laughing!!  Glad to be of entertainment!

Cheers and have a great weekend!

Linda

It's All About Empathy - Part Two

"People who receive empathy from others report feeling validated, supported and connected.  Having someone else understand the nature of their trouble reduces their pain or suffering or increases their pleasure.  A person receiving empathy feels enriched, loved and understood."...author unknown

EMPATHY IS... Mirroring, following what the other person is saying (words, body language, voice tone) as closely as possible, stating to the person your closest approximation of what you hear her saying including nuances and thoughts that are only beginning to form, in addition to listening and offering reflections, empathy is staying with the person through a completion of what he or she wants to say, and empathy is judging the success of your responses by the degree of direct feedback that you receive from the other that she does indeed feel understood.

EMPATHY IS NOT...talking about yourself because you think what you say is "like" what the other person is saying, guessing about the person's hidden thoughts and motives and telling them what they really mean, insisting you "understand" when the speaker doesn't think you do, being sympathetic or sentimental--for these are emotions that are yours and not in the story being told by the individual.

I wanted to write this second part on the topic of empathy for two reasons.  First, from reading your comments and comparing them to how I felt while writing my last post, it appears many of us crave empathy from those around us, but find it's often lacking in our relationships, and second, I wanted to examine some possibilities as to why empathy does not always occur the way we'd like it to and consider what we may be able to do to change that.

Before we can begin to understand the reasons we may not be receiving enough empathy from the people in our lives, we must first know how to give empathy to others, for I don't believe it's as simple as it appears.  I think most of us feel we are doing a better job at being supportive than we really are.  One reason may be that we are mistaking empathy with sympathy and though related, they are quite different, and sympathy may often be the farthest thing someone would want.  Receiving a friend's pity risks bringing down the relationship to a superior/inferior level and empathy is about relating to each other "as equals".  I fear it would lead to a communication breakdown if one is left to feel smaller than the other.  True empathy gives the friend strength, it should never weaken her.

Have you ever had someone show you true empathy when you really needed it?  Do you remember how it happened and how it made you feel?  A long time ago, shortly after my son was diagnosed with autism and feeling beyond worried, I visited a very close friend of mine.  This friend does not have children with special needs, so one may believe that she would have trouble relating to me on this issue.  But I remember us going outside, getting away from all the distractions, and having a good uninterrupted talk.  To this day, I still remember how well she listened and responded to me, and it wasn't with sympathy, she was using reflective listening, as I described in part one.  Throughout the conversation, I could feel the back and forth connection of mutual understanding.  She helped me pinpoint my greatest fears by her reflection "I sense from what you are saying that you are mostly anxious about how well you will be able to help him and care for him...." and she had it exactly correct.  She was later able to offer just the right amount of encouragement as she said "you'll find all the answers because you have a brain and you know how to use it!"  That simple statement completely reversed my insecurities and left me feeling uplifted and inspired because it was said after she affirmed she cared, after she suggested we talk in a less distracting environment, after she listened attentively, after she offered her interpretation of my problem, after I confirmed she understood, after empathy was fully realized.  If she had made the exact same statement without all of that, I most likely would have left feeling offended, hurt and rejected.  From that, I would conclude that empathy is a whole process, not just an end result and timing is everything.

When you have a close friend, and you feel in need of support, the time and setting will make a big difference in the conversation outcome.  Look for an environment free from distractions.  Calling your friend from your cell phone car on the way home from work is definitely not the time for a deep conversation!  However, you can any time call your friend and instead of unloading your troubles at that moment, call to make plans to talk or get together later on.  You could say "I have a lot on my mind and I really would like to talk to you...is there a good time for you later today?"  And of course, do the same for your friend in need if she calls you at a time when you cannot adequately attend or your time is limited.  I think setting the tone this way distinguishes the conversation from simply needing a few minutes to "vent", or calling for specific help or advice, neither of which are about empathy.  It's important to send out that correct message from the start so there is no misunderstanding of what's needed.

I've learned a lot about myself and friendship from reading articles about empathy over the past week.  We all can benefit from strengthening old friendships or deepening existing ones.  When you have at least one close friendship with someone in whom you can confide (not just a pal with whom you only talk shared interests), it makes it far more likely that you take joy in life and are happy.  And that's definitely worth the effort!

  

It's All About Empathy featured a video of my childhood girlfriend crush "Mary Richards", played by Mary Tyler Moore, so today it's only fitting that I feature her best friend "Rhoda Morgenstern", played by Valerie Harper.  After a few years with Mary on the MTM show, she went on to have a show of her own, simply called "Rhoda", and it was equally terrific:

Love the part when she's running through New York City in her wedding gown!

Cheers!

Linda

click here to read Part One - It's All About Empathy

It's All About Empathy

"Leadership is about empathy.  It is about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives."...Oprah Winfrey

In recent posts from last month (Choices, Getting Along), the concept of empathy was introduced as one tool to help us relate, understand and communicate better with those around us, those we live with, work with, and share our lives with.  I feel empathy is the foundation for building meaningful connections with people and creating supportive relationships.

Since we all have different life experiences, how is it possible to "feel" what it's like to take a walk in someone else's shoes?  Occasionally it's possible to relate to someone's specific problem or conflict, if we have "been there", but never completely.  Empathy can be tricky.  People who demonstrate a lot of empathy are very good at tapping into their own experiences in order to relate to what someone else is experiencing, but use it only as a starting point and not as the end itself.  If you are empathetic, you use your own experience as a guide, but always "check out" whether your interpretation of another person's feelings or thoughts is accurate.  You maintain the thought that another person might feel differently or think differently than you do in any given situation.

One skill we can all learn to become more empathetic, is through reflective listening, listening while trying to hear from the point of view of the person speaking.  When you use reflective listening, you let the other person know that you understand them, without actually saying "I understand".  By verbally rephrasing what has been said to you (in your own words), you are instantly communicating with that person that you care to understand and accept their perspective, that their thoughts and feelings are important, that they are important.  It also helps the person clarify their own thoughts and feelings.

Learning how to have an empathetic ear takes practice.  Here is an exercise you can try out at home with a partner:  1/  Find a topic you have differing opinions (this is when it's most hardest to listen, as often times it becomes more about being right, winning or influencing, rather than understanding) 2/  Begin the conversation with one person sharing their perspective on the issue, and then the partner will take as much time to offer their interpretation.  3/  Repeat the perspective and then the interpretation until it's fully understood.  4/ Switch roles in the conversation.

I have found this exercise to be difficult at times because it involves removing our own opinions, experiences and problems from our mind to completely focus on the other person.  That's easier said than done!  But with practice, it is possible to learn and in my opinion, this skill can truly improve your relationships with others and your understanding of yourself.

It was difficult to find an entertaining video to go along with empathy, but I think the television personality many people seeked out for an understanding ear was Mary Richards, now she definitely was someone who got lots of practice listening to a variety of opinions, emotions and problems!

When I was a young girl, I wanted to grow up and become a person just like Mary Richards.  I used to get teary eyed when I would hear this opening song because it reflected what a great person she was.  The lyrics go "who can turn the world on with her smile?  who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile?  Well it's you girl, and you should know it. With each glance and every little movement you show it.."  What a nice thing to say to somebody!!

Cheers!

Linda

Happy Birthday Husband!

"The best husband is the one who can sense when you need a good laugh and then has the skill to deliver a great line"....lulu

Yesterday I was feeling a little stressed and worried about something in the car.  Suddenly, my husband pointed out something funny for me to look at, and instantly I felt better.

When you share a long life with someone, what else could be more valued at this stage than sharing a good laugh?  And my husband, he can really tell a good joke.  But more incredible, he has a quick wit.  I on the other hand, tell the worst jokes.  I totally blow the delivery and get all mixed up.  So today if I had one wish, I would wish to be a funny lady like Lucille Ball and tell my husband a really good joke for his birthday.  Since I know that's not possible, I decided the next best thing would be for me to contact some funny people and ask for a couple of good jokes.  So, I contacted these funny ladies:

They were happy to give me a couple of suggestions, so here it goes.  What did the lawyer name her daughter?  Sue!  Ha Ha that's a good one, right?  O.K. now that I've warmed up, here's the big joke:

...An old man went to the doctor complaining that his wife could barely hear.  The doctor suggested a test to find out the extent of the problem.  "Stand far behind her and ask her a question, then slowly move up and see how far away you are when she first responds."  The old man, excited to finally be working on a solution for the problem, runs home and sees his wife preparing supper.  "Honey", the man asks from 20 feet away, "what's for supper?"  After receiving no response, he tried again from 15 feet away and again no response.  Then he tried again at 10 feet away and again no response.  Finally he was 5 feet away "honey, what's for supper?"  She replies, "For the fourth time it's lasagna!".

I hope you enjoyed my joke and I give credit to all the experts!!

Happy Birthday, to the best husband, father and funny man in the world!!

Love from your wifey poo,
Linda

The Squeeze of The Sandwich Generation

"Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and the wrong.  Some time in your life, you will have been all of these."...Dr. Robert H. Goddard

One thing that can honestly be said about living life in the sandwich generation, is that we often feel "squeezed", don't we?  We have so many responsibilities to our children, our marriage, our parents, our home and of course, ourselves.  I know, I put ourselves last on the list!  This writing is of course from my own perspective..sometimes yes I'm last, but not always.  Thinking about it, for the most part my first 32 years was all about me, my happiness, my choices, my goals and sharing all that in marriage.  The next 13 years has been mostly about raising our children as best as I know how, putting their needs ahead of my own as necessary and taking care of my parents (last nine years only my mother) as needed and to the extent that I'm able.  I'm in the sandwich, and while my mom's needs are growing, my kids needs remain about the same and that's why this Pickle at times feels squeezed. 

I just want to make one thing clear about me, I'm neither a saint nor a martyr.  I'm far from a Supermom, a Mrs. Perfect or a Mrs. Cleaver.  I accept myself for doing my best even though I do it imperfectly.  I do place others ahead of myself, but I leave some in my cup for "me" everyday and I'm not at all suffering.  I'm happy overall, sometimes tired, usually without a nice haircut, but indeed I'm happy!  I think it's okay to talk about struggles in life without complaining. 

While it is at times demanding, and will only get more difficult, when you have spent your whole life with a parent and you love them, what alternative is there but to help them in their time of need if that is possible?  I hope I am not offending anyone, because I do know it may not always be possible.  My recent experience with my mother following her hip replacement surgery and her extended recovery period has showed me that even the most independent people want to know that their children will be there to help when they both need it and wish for it.  I really didn't think our home and my care would be enough for her, but as it turned out it was exactly what she needed and wanted.  When it was all over last weekend, I was relieved that a weight had been lifted, but at the same time I felt happy for being able to give my mom something back, she's helped me many a time and it felt good to return her kindness.

So what will the next 10-20 years bring?  One never knows the future, but the sandwich will change no doubt.  I guess I'll slowly move from pickle to my favourite slice of bread that I'll share hopefully with many grandkids on the other side.  But, let's not rush things!!  Remember, one day at a time...

My video for today, well I had to pick one about a family, and the one I chose was the only one that our whole entire family growing up sat around the television and enjoyed watching together, The Waltons.

And yes, there were three and sometimes four generations living together happily under one roof.  I wonder if Olivia Walton ever felt squeezed?  Also, in my opinion, this show had the very best piece of instrumental music ever written for a television theme.  Here is the original theme from Season 1, Enjoy!

Cheers,

Linda

Happy August Civic Holiday!

Today is the first Monday in August and for us in Canada it is a statutory holiday.  It's basically a Family Day in the summer.  We don't have anything special planned, but we made it a tradition to go out for ice cream.  Luckily, Dairy Queen does not close during the summer, even on a holiday.

So my blog is now two months old!!  I'd like to wish "A Pickle..with a Puzzle" a Happy Anniversary:

I hope my blog survives just so I can hear that song over and over again.  It's too cute!

I have published 34 posts into this blog since May 31st.  I'm thrilled that so far I have managed to keep with my original vision of this blog when I welcomed you here on that date:

..."Above all else I wish for my blog to be a positive place for readers to visit.  A place that's fun and informative.  A place where I may share my opinions and experiences with you and I will listen to yours.  I wish for this to be a place you will want to frequently return."

Thank you all so much for your support!  I would also like to take this time to welcome all my new visitors to my blog.  You may email me directly with comments or suggestions for new and interesting topics I may consider tackling for our group.  I love to hear your feedback and I will absolutely consider all suggestions.

I would also like to draw your attention to something I added to the left side bar of my blog front page - the 10 most popular posts, which blogger statistically calculates based on most visits to it, are featured.  I also added one extra - Pickle's Post Pick, which I will change every week or so.  It's fun for me to see some of my golden oldies again, and for many of you, you missed them the first time around.

So it's the first of August, another new beginning.  Everybody today hug a loved one, a parent who helps you, a parent you are helping, your partner, a friend, and most of all - give your kids extra hugs and kisses and have a fun day!

Cheers!

Linda