Ch...ch...ch...changes

Ch..ch...ch...changes.....remember the song? The lyrics of my life are different than David Bowie's but the changes surrounding me are real enough. I woke this morning trying to figure out what time it was in Germany and where my daughter was at that moment...had she arrived, was she on a train, or wandering about wondering how to get where she needed to be?  I also wondered who still lived in my house and how many people were sleeping downstairs?...

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The Winding Down of Summer

I have a love/hate relationship with the end of summer.   What I dislike about summer ending...(hate is such a strong word for this): ** end of BBQ and grilling (meat and salads are such a great combo!) ** waking up to warm sunny mornings ** sitting outside at night and watching the stars ** boating ** summer clothing goes in storage ** end of a bountiful fruit season ** leaves...falling....all over the yard ** putting socks on **...

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My Family Circus

I didn't buy a zoo....I inherited a circus... I promised my mother I would marry someone whose name she could pronounce AND who would speak English....it was always a concern for her :) Interestingly, when I married my Russian/Ukrainian/Australian love of my life, he could speak English...but his name translated is a form of the word "wild"...hmm...four children later and we are a wild family :) When we lived in Russia in the early 90's, we stayed...

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Blueberries, Lemons and Summer

Today will be our hottest day this year...and my good friend and garage sale partner-in-crime and I picked blueberries before the 100 degree weather hit.  Grey skies and cool temperatures accompanied us as we picked 11# of the delectable, juicy fruit.  We could have picked another bucket, but decided to call it a day before the sun showed it's glowing face and we melted.  Our preserving method of choice was to freeze them, but I...

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Estate Sale Memories

Today I went to an estate sale with a good friend.  I did the Estate Sale 101 talk as we walked room to room.  Yes, this is more expensive...this sale is the result of someone passing away; their relatives hiring someone to organize, price and sell the accumulations from their loved ones' life.  A percentage goes to the estate people and the rest to the deceased's family.  It is a business.  But a business that helps a grieving...

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Wrecked for a Purpose

We are here for a purpose.... There is more to our life's story than what we are currently living.... We want our tombstone to say more than "he loved his car".... We want to make a difference....for eternity.... Has there been a Divine Moment that changed your entire life's course... Do you want to be ruined or wrecked for the ordinary? I just began reading this book I am a quarter of the way through it And I strongly recommend it I've...

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