Allow even the smallest bit of encouragement to be the thing that keeps you afloat.
Amber Alert
Thought of the Day - 10/29/09
Where there is great love there are always miracles.
~~ Willa Cather ~~
Thought of the Day - 10/28/09
You can be proud of being a bit wiser than certain people -- but if you get too cocky about it, you're sure to end up making a fool of yourself.
Thought of the Day - 10/27/09
Single but fine when we go out to dine,
Your always there with us so we don't make quite a fuss!
~~ Cassandra, 8, written for her mother (me) on 10/17/09 ~~
Thought of the Day - 10/26/09
People respect other people who can keep it real.
Just Do It
It was probably a busy mom who handed Nike that successful line of advertising, "Just do it." It wouldn't surprise me if she'd thought of it while racing between the grocery shopping and picking up her kids, before heading home to knock out the second half of her sixteen-hour day. We busy moms don't waste a single minute moping or calculating how hard it will be -- we just do it. I believe most families have little awareness of how much Mom really puts into handling the details of their lives. If you need to get something done -- and done right and in record time -- go hand it to a busy mother.
Thought of the Day - 11/2/09
Cancer is the worst thing that you will ever need to explain to your children. Telling them the news of your own impending death is plainly not right. You shudder internally. It shakes you to your core. It helps to read up on what the experts recommend, but in the end, you, the parent, must rely on your intuition, strength, and faith to see it through. Even then, it will be a horribly painful experience, one which there is no way out of, one that you must go through. Like all storms, it must be faced directly, and headed straight for, lest it chase you down. This conversation is not a storm you can outrun.
Taken from Hope Journal written while dealing with cancer, 2003-2004.
Between Me and the River
Between Me and the River
Living Beyond Cancer: A Memoir
by Carrie Host
"I do have a future, and the picture of that future is made up of a multitude of tiny dots called 'right now.'"
~~ Carrie Host ~~
"Carrie knows that the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness takes a split second to change your life, as well as the lives f your partner, partners, children, and all who love you. Packed with inspiration, advice, comfort, and hope Between Me and the Rive is Carrie's candid and uplifting memoir of how she found the strength and fortitude to triumph over a rare form of cancer, and craft a new and meaningful life."
When I got this book I was really nervous because I have dealt with cancer personally. (I had cervical cancer. My father, my aunt, my grandmother, my godson, and more had cancer.) I was afraid I would cry throughout the whole book. Yes, there were times that I needed the Kleenex. There were many more times where I sat there nodding my head up and down, totally understanding and connecting with Carrie. The book is poignant and tender, honest and insightful.
This is a beautiful, compassionate story about a woman who is supported by friendships, love of family, and dedication of doctors. This powerful, thought-provoking book stays with you.
Excellent book!
Rating (1, lowest; 5 highest): 5+
Thought of the Day - 10/25/09
The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.
Today I Am Thankful - 10/24/09
Today I am grateful for...
My friends:
- Thank you, Alan, for showing up in the middle of the night so I could go take care of a sick and hurt friend.
- Thank you, Mike, who despite your own life's tribulations and being six hours away still calls every day to check on the kids.
- Thank you, Marcy, for starting a new adventure with me.
- Thank you, Rick, for fixing my car despite the fact I didn't have enough money to pay the bill. (Yes, I will be making payments.)
- Thank you, Teresa, for the support of my Christmas passion and helping host our annual Christmas Open House.
Make a BIG Difference!
Big Brothers Big Sisters Makes a BIG Difference
Teachers who were surveyed about children who are matched with a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple said:
- 83% have improved their academic performance.
- 66% have better self-confidence.
- 32% are better able to make decisions.
- 33% have better relationships with their peers.
- 33% are better prepared for school.
Big Brothers Big Sisters' mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth and to assist them in becoming confident, competent, and caring individuals by providing committed volunteers.
Thought of the Day - 10/24/09
Too much credit is given to the end results. The true test is the struggle that takes place between the dream and the reality. That struggle is a thing called LIFE!
Gas Vouchers

I need your help.
Gas Vouchers Program
The cash earned from this program will benefit SOS/Save our SplashPark (local pool at Memorial Park, Butler, PA) and also help me get a more secure vehicle for my family.
This is an never-ending program at this time. Send your gas receipts to me. Email me at storm2c [at] zoominternet [dot] com for my address.
Duplicates of receipts can be used if you need the original receipt for personal or tax reasons. For security, you can black out the credit/debit card numbers (though the receipts only show the last four numbers).
Anyone in the United States can participate.
Ask family, friend, neighbors, and colleagues for their receipts too.
Receipts/vouchers are turned in on a monthly basis so please mail your gas receipts to me on a regular basis.
I will update you on our progress monthly.
Thank you for your help. The children of Broad Street Elementary School and the neighborhood children thank you.
Have You Ever Been Grumpy
Have you ever been grumpy for what seemed like no reason?
Well, there is probably a reason. It could be that someone triggered something inside of you or someone is mirroring a part of you that you have not accepted. It could simply be that you need to drink more water or you ate a food that your body did not digest properly.
When you feel grumpy for no reason, take a few minutes to do have some meditation time, i.e., One Minute Meditation, with the intention to get clarity. Because there probably is a reason. Before getting quiet, ask what is in the way of my being happy or what does my body need to feel better? Then do your meditation and let go. After doing the meditation, pay attention to what shows up in your life. It may show up now or later . . . be open.
Let me know what you notice.
Thought of the Day - 10/23/09
Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.
~~ Mahatma Gandhi ~~
Thought of the Day - 10/22/09
Family is everything to me. My children make me rich in that aspect.
Today I Am Thankful - 10/21/09
I am thankful today for...
- Lilly because of her perseverance and faith in God.
- Alan because of his humor, help around the house, and kindness.
- Marcy because of her acceptance of me, faults, quirks, and all.
Thought of the Day - 10/21/09
The ONLY difference between a good day & a bad day is your attitude.
(This is a hard one for me to remember.)
Thought of the Day - 10/20/09
Fear is a habit; so is self-pity, defeat, anxiety, despair, hopelessness, and resignation. You can stop all of these with two simple resolves: I can and I will!









