Life's Loving Memories

  H ALLOWEEN, HALLOWEEN, HALLOWEEN " Evil has o nly the power that we give it." — Ray Bradbury, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” What fun it is to dress up at Halloween. Being someone spookie, cuddley, a musician or a sports player takes some imagination and some thought. Being a teacher for some thirty years I always dressed up for Halloween. Perhaps my favorite costumes is when I dressed up like a musician from Queen. In fifth grade some friends and I dressed up like the adams family and when trick-or-treating as a group.  Today it is fun to decorate the house and have the neighbors over for hot cider. It is also fun to see the imagination that has been handed down to the kids of today. What analogy may we get from Halloween? Celebrating with others, sharing our creative talent, and remembering to take time to have fun! “ There are three things that I’ve learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin.” — Linus, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Cha

  PUMPKINS, PUMPKINS, PUMPKINS “Pumpkin dreams and cozy autumn scenes.” --Insta-Worth pumkin sayings Pumkins come in all sizes and colors. They live together in patches all over our continent. Such a variety, and they bring so much happiness to others. What a great analogy for life, living together in patches that work for everyone. Pumpkin pie, carmel apples, and family and friends to share it with. October is a wonderful month. Have you carved pumpkins At least one time in your life? By yourself or with many people, it usually brings such joy and laughter. Whether they are amusing, sad or extremely scary, the fun always bubbles over. "Sirituality is our choice. It is ours for the asking. We may have been raised in a religion that doesn't work for us but that doesn't mean we aren't spiritual; it means we haven't found the right fit. When you find that something special that does feel like home, you reap your spiritual harvest."    Sandra Lindsey Smith,  - -Li

 BEING OR DOING? "To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best." Christian Larson,          - -The Optimist Creed As you sit binge-watching the new series you have heard was so wonderful, and you keep saying to yourself, "oh, just one more", are you being or doing? Perhaps the difference lies in whether you make it a daily habit (perhaps all day every day) or whether it is the one hour a day that you relax into something for leisure sake. What is the actual difference between being and doing? Deep inside I think all of us want to make a difference in the world, and so we often get involved in worthwhile projects in out community. It might be organizing a fund raiser at a child's school, being involved in a road cleanup program,  or working to improve the ecology of the city or state we live in. Whatever it is, does it make your heart sing? Or, do you often find yourself saying yes to every opportunity that comes along, only to

  AUTUMN LIGHT “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” – Albert Einstein Leaves falling, squirells playing tightrope on the telephone wires; leaves transforming into their bright orange and yellow fall colors; seasons changing as we contuinue to change. As we partake of all the good things that life has to offer; as we remember the kindess we share with others; and as we are open to learning new things, we grow. Life has its cycles and to me, fall represents letting go of the things that no longer serve us, and making room for promising new adventures. Do you remember how curious you were as a child? Did you discover caterpillars and how they metamorphosed into butterflies? The world was filled with new ideas and places to explore. Let your mind wonder and wander to experiences that enhance your life and revive your love of learning.. "We can look at the garden that is choked with weeds, and see no hope of it ever getting better, or we can muster the courage t