This has been a week of milestones. As defined by Google, a milestone is"an action or event marking a significant change or stage in development." I can attest to at least five in the last seven days.
I had the privilege of flying to Michigan and staying at my son and daughter-in-law's home for the first time. The occasion that took me to the land of snarled traffic and snow was my sixteen year old granddaughter's lead in her high school musical production of Newsies. For those unfamiliar with that Disney film and Broadway show, it is about the boys who sold daily newspapers in New York City and the strike they launched in 1899.
My granddaughter had the female lead. To my amazement, she sang, she acted, she danced, and to my son's frantically beating heart, she was kissed four times! That is 4x6! Six performances which will find her daddy upfront and focused on his teen-age daughter.
Meanwhile, in the same household, my fifteen year old granddaughter spent the week-end bonding with the varsity competition cheerleading team. It was a retreat held in a huge home on a lake, two hours away. My husband, their Papou, and I, their Yaya, drove up early in the Fall to see her cheer at a varsity high school football game. Now it is competition season! Another Milestone for her is that she is driving a vehicle with her instructor beside her. She seems far more motivated to get that license than her older sister.
Lastly, in terms of that family unit, my first born son turned 47 years old while I was there!
In celebration, Granddaughter #2 and her parents and I had dinner on Sunday afternoon. It was a rustic restaurant with deer and moose antlers on the walls and a large, stone fireplace. I had just completed knitting my second red hat for the girls. Their high school colors include red. Suddenly a memory flashed of bringing my newborn son home from the hospital in a handmade red bunting with a white silk ribbon holding the bottom together. And now he is the father of five. And our cheerleader is his baby.
I Ubered to the airport from my son's office on Tuesday. The driver was a very humble, middle aged man who explained that he is a foreman for a landscaping company during the good weather and drives the rest of the year. He is from Gambia and values his citizenship, freedom, and opportunities here in the United States. When he arrived he was illiterate and people have embraced him from day one. He has educated three adult children and wants to give back to those less fortunate.
Upon arriving at the Orlando airport, my husband informed me that our first stop would be our primary care doctor's office. Every time I leave him behind, something physical happens to him. He has survived a stroke, two heart attacks, and concussions from softball mishaps. This time he had a splinter in his foot. He was fairly certain it was from a toothpick. No great answer as to why there was a toothpick on the floor? They worked forever to get that invader out but all was well eventually.
He has since played golf twice so I can assume he has very little, if any, discomfort from his wound.
Today is my baby's 46th birthday. The thing about having two sons is that one has the title and honor of being the oldest son and they other will always be Mama's baby boy. He still participates in the activities I watched him develop as a child. We forced two years of piano on both boys after which they both abandoned that instrument. Now, Son #2 is a tenured music professor at a college South of San Francisco. His sound mixing students are striving toward careers in the music/film industry.
I might add that this Son began his family later than his big brother and bigger half-brother. (We don't really use half or step in connection with family relationships. His biggest brother simply isn't my biological son. We are all one family!) Now, this son and his sons, ages nine and six, play soccer-on separate teams, of course. As far as milestones, I was told that my nine year old grandson scored his first goal on a week-end when my Son scored a goal as well.
Lastly, my first crime/romance novel has been submitted to Amazon. My editor and I will have copies to proof by the first of the week. It should be available for purchase, dear friends, by December 10th. "The Christmas Slayings" fictionalizes a story of six murders the week before Christmas in 1992. Now, I do write to the woman who is in prison for life and has been on my heart all these years. You won't want to miss the 25 year later Epilogue.
Let me hear about your milestones. God is so good. Keep the faith and run your race. I am bound and determined to complete mine- the destiny the Lord has in store for me.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Another milestone has passed. Dan turned 78 years old on Saturday and we celebrated at Lake Griffin State park with about 35 friends and grandchildren. He has thrown his own birthday picnic for seven years! It has been traditionally held on the last week-end of October. Sunday, the shelter house protected us all from a brief, pop-up thunder storm. It could have been much worse.
Dan is a walking miracle. He endured esophageal cancer surgery almost 24 years ago after being informed that he had a slim chance of surviving five years. We met that year and married early the next Spring. We are blessed. We do not take a day for granted. We know God has a plan for our lives and we will run the race until He takes us home.
If you have read this post, I would appreciate a response. Tell me your survival story! I would love to hear it. And don't forget to add the path you have chosen to take and the outcome, to date.
Yaya
Dan is a walking miracle. He endured esophageal cancer surgery almost 24 years ago after being informed that he had a slim chance of surviving five years. We met that year and married early the next Spring. We are blessed. We do not take a day for granted. We know God has a plan for our lives and we will run the race until He takes us home.
If you have read this post, I would appreciate a response. Tell me your survival story! I would love to hear it. And don't forget to add the path you have chosen to take and the outcome, to date.
Yaya
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
The Final Quarter of Your Life
I am turning 75 today.
Instead of reflecting back on what I did or did not do- said or did not say; where I went or did not go; when I failed or when I succeeded. I look forward to the next 25% of my life on earth!
It is said in faith-based circles that we don't pray big enough or bold enough! God has more for us than we could ever dream but first we must request of Him. I, hereby, challenge my followers today to pray enormous prayers for yourself and others.
Ask and you will receive, according to God's plan for your life.
Knock and the door will be opened. This may mean another one is closed. You may not understand why your prayer is not answered...yet.
Seek direction and you will find insight and wisdom to guide your path toward your destiny.
My New Year has always begun on September 17th, not January 1st. This tradition coincided with the beginning of my children's school year, my own twenty years of schooling and my career as an educator and psychologist. And the journey has not ended.
Please let me know your thoughts. I hope you are creating balance and purpose for this season of your life. Leave your worries behind and find joy and meaning in your remaining years.
Instead of reflecting back on what I did or did not do- said or did not say; where I went or did not go; when I failed or when I succeeded. I look forward to the next 25% of my life on earth!
It is said in faith-based circles that we don't pray big enough or bold enough! God has more for us than we could ever dream but first we must request of Him. I, hereby, challenge my followers today to pray enormous prayers for yourself and others.
Ask and you will receive, according to God's plan for your life.
Knock and the door will be opened. This may mean another one is closed. You may not understand why your prayer is not answered...yet.
Seek direction and you will find insight and wisdom to guide your path toward your destiny.
My New Year has always begun on September 17th, not January 1st. This tradition coincided with the beginning of my children's school year, my own twenty years of schooling and my career as an educator and psychologist. And the journey has not ended.
Please let me know your thoughts. I hope you are creating balance and purpose for this season of your life. Leave your worries behind and find joy and meaning in your remaining years.
Friday, May 3, 2019
The Merry Month of May
May 3, 2019
Have you ever heard of an elevator speech? It is a thirty second or less promotion of your recently published book! The Writers League of The Villages sponsored a contest. If you could not complete your promo in thirty seconds, you got "gonged". I came in one second short of third place. 19 seconds actually.
Here it is:
\
Did you know worry and anxiety have reached epidemic proportions in the United States? Fifty percent of what we worry about never comes to pass.
My book: Worry, Fret, and Fear...No More!
provides practical solutions for eliminating the habit of worrying and overcoming your fear.
Then you will experience more joy, peace, and meaning in this season of your life.
Available at Amazon or directly through Me.
Make May a month of experiencing new horizons without hesitation or trepidation.
I know you can do it!
God loves you and so do I.
Yaya
Have you ever heard of an elevator speech? It is a thirty second or less promotion of your recently published book! The Writers League of The Villages sponsored a contest. If you could not complete your promo in thirty seconds, you got "gonged". I came in one second short of third place. 19 seconds actually.
Here it is:
\
Did you know worry and anxiety have reached epidemic proportions in the United States? Fifty percent of what we worry about never comes to pass.
My book: Worry, Fret, and Fear...No More!
provides practical solutions for eliminating the habit of worrying and overcoming your fear.
Then you will experience more joy, peace, and meaning in this season of your life.
Available at Amazon or directly through Me.
Make May a month of experiencing new horizons without hesitation or trepidation.
I know you can do it!
God loves you and so do I.
Yaya
Friday, April 26, 2019
Our Resurrected Lives
Some of my fondest memories were related to the Celebration of Life...The Resurrection of Jesus!
From the time I could read English, I attended Greek School. This was not a religiously oriented function. It was meant to teach us the language, the culture, and the customs of the Greek community in Toledo Ohio. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, my little friend and I rode the bus after school to the Greek church's community center. It shouldn't surprise you to know that I married that friend, George. If you have read either of my books, you will see the full picture of my young life.
I am no longer fluent in Greek but I use phrases to express my feelings. Xristos Aneste (sorry that is the best way to show you how to say Christ has risen in English) is practically shouted from the church upon attending Easter Services. The response, Allethos Aneste, means He has risen, indeed.
At Casa Hope, where I volunteer with the men living in that Christian transitional living house, I say Sa ga po pollie... which means I love you very much. Many enjoy learning a third language since Spanish is their primary language and English is secondary.
I say, Kali Mera and Buenos Dios.
I say, Ef haristo and Gracias.
I remember gathering grape leaves from the vines with my Yaya. She made stuffed grape leaves and to this day it is my favorite dish. We grew up on lamb and pilaf. My Yaya made lamb stew every Friday, unless my Papou shot a pheasant, which she pronounced "phesal".Every week my Papou would say, "Woman, I don't like peas in my stew!" Yaya would say, "Neh, neh" which sort of means yes, she understands. But for forty-four years, there were peas in the weekly dish. As a psychologist, I often use that as the example of "passive-aggressiveness". In other words, one agrees to anything but continues to do it the same way.
I would love to hear about your traditions. My heart is full of gratitude that Christ died for my sins and that I have a merciful, loving Father who never gave up on me. Thank you for taking the time to read my posts.
Doctor yaya.
From the time I could read English, I attended Greek School. This was not a religiously oriented function. It was meant to teach us the language, the culture, and the customs of the Greek community in Toledo Ohio. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, my little friend and I rode the bus after school to the Greek church's community center. It shouldn't surprise you to know that I married that friend, George. If you have read either of my books, you will see the full picture of my young life.
I am no longer fluent in Greek but I use phrases to express my feelings. Xristos Aneste (sorry that is the best way to show you how to say Christ has risen in English) is practically shouted from the church upon attending Easter Services. The response, Allethos Aneste, means He has risen, indeed.
At Casa Hope, where I volunteer with the men living in that Christian transitional living house, I say Sa ga po pollie... which means I love you very much. Many enjoy learning a third language since Spanish is their primary language and English is secondary.
I say, Kali Mera and Buenos Dios.
I say, Ef haristo and Gracias.
I remember gathering grape leaves from the vines with my Yaya. She made stuffed grape leaves and to this day it is my favorite dish. We grew up on lamb and pilaf. My Yaya made lamb stew every Friday, unless my Papou shot a pheasant, which she pronounced "phesal".Every week my Papou would say, "Woman, I don't like peas in my stew!" Yaya would say, "Neh, neh" which sort of means yes, she understands. But for forty-four years, there were peas in the weekly dish. As a psychologist, I often use that as the example of "passive-aggressiveness". In other words, one agrees to anything but continues to do it the same way.
I would love to hear about your traditions. My heart is full of gratitude that Christ died for my sins and that I have a merciful, loving Father who never gave up on me. Thank you for taking the time to read my posts.
Doctor yaya.
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
April 9, 2019
I have found a lovely new praying place! It is not in a closet. As a matter of fact, it is not in the house. It is on my swing in the back yard facing the farm. My dear husband built this swing made for two..... I love just a swingin' and a thinkin' and a praying. I never tire of watching the birds and wondering what God's divine plan is for the rest of my life.
How about you? Do you like to swing? When was the last time you did so? For some of us, it brings back sweet memories of a simple childhood. I remember stretching out on a padded swing in my Yaya's backyard. Her garage had an overhang on the side and the swing was attached to it. This provided protection from the sun and the rain .I could place my shoe against the pole and keep it moving. For whatever reason, "Blueberry Hill" is a song I sang at the tender age of ten while I swung very gently. It probably has to do with having a brother ten years older who danced with me in the living room after school most days.
Every Summer Yaya had a garden and the rabbits would try to steal the lettuce! She would take her apron off and swat at them. Every Friday she made lamb stew for my Papou. And every Friday he would say to her, "Yenecka (which is "Woman" in Greek), I don't like peas in my stew." And every Friday night she would answer, "Neh, Neh, Neh" which was supposed to mean, "yes, yes, yes". But you guessed it, for forty-four years she served him peas in his stew.
Let me hear from you about your memories of swinging. Perhaps you were pushed on a rope swing by your big brother.
If nothing else, find your praying place outdoors. It is Spring and there are blessing awaiting us!
Don't wait. Don't allow yourself to have regrets.
Your Sister in Christ,
Phyllis
I have found a lovely new praying place! It is not in a closet. As a matter of fact, it is not in the house. It is on my swing in the back yard facing the farm. My dear husband built this swing made for two..... I love just a swingin' and a thinkin' and a praying. I never tire of watching the birds and wondering what God's divine plan is for the rest of my life.
How about you? Do you like to swing? When was the last time you did so? For some of us, it brings back sweet memories of a simple childhood. I remember stretching out on a padded swing in my Yaya's backyard. Her garage had an overhang on the side and the swing was attached to it. This provided protection from the sun and the rain .I could place my shoe against the pole and keep it moving. For whatever reason, "Blueberry Hill" is a song I sang at the tender age of ten while I swung very gently. It probably has to do with having a brother ten years older who danced with me in the living room after school most days.
Every Summer Yaya had a garden and the rabbits would try to steal the lettuce! She would take her apron off and swat at them. Every Friday she made lamb stew for my Papou. And every Friday he would say to her, "Yenecka (which is "Woman" in Greek), I don't like peas in my stew." And every Friday night she would answer, "Neh, Neh, Neh" which was supposed to mean, "yes, yes, yes". But you guessed it, for forty-four years she served him peas in his stew.
Let me hear from you about your memories of swinging. Perhaps you were pushed on a rope swing by your big brother.
If nothing else, find your praying place outdoors. It is Spring and there are blessing awaiting us!
Don't wait. Don't allow yourself to have regrets.
Your Sister in Christ,
Phyllis
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Today is the first day of Spring, so they say. In my little corner of the world, Winter never came in 2019. At least not literally.
However, my husband's season was a bit rougher- not a gentle breeze with flowers in bloom.
He ended up with a slow heartbeat to the tune of 42 and a quick procedure to implant a pacemaker.
Ah,medical science's answer to a slow or erratic heart rate! And now, he can pick up his feet and pick up his pace...that is, he can strut again, instead of shuffling ahead with his head down.
Let me explain, Dan is a man after God's own heart...not a perfect man but a devoted man.
Devoted to God, his family, his friends and to those he serves in the name of Jesus. He had no doubt that his heart would be regulated so he can finish the race. Yes, the race set forth for him by the Almighty God who knit him in his mother's womb and knew the days he would be blessed with.
Today, this first day of a new Season of our lives, we give thanks. And if you have read this post all the way through, we pray you, too, will enjoy the Blessings that are unfolding for you!
To erase any doubt, please read Jeremiah 29:11
Yaya
However, my husband's season was a bit rougher- not a gentle breeze with flowers in bloom.
He ended up with a slow heartbeat to the tune of 42 and a quick procedure to implant a pacemaker.
Ah,medical science's answer to a slow or erratic heart rate! And now, he can pick up his feet and pick up his pace...that is, he can strut again, instead of shuffling ahead with his head down.
Let me explain, Dan is a man after God's own heart...not a perfect man but a devoted man.
Devoted to God, his family, his friends and to those he serves in the name of Jesus. He had no doubt that his heart would be regulated so he can finish the race. Yes, the race set forth for him by the Almighty God who knit him in his mother's womb and knew the days he would be blessed with.
Today, this first day of a new Season of our lives, we give thanks. And if you have read this post all the way through, we pray you, too, will enjoy the Blessings that are unfolding for you!
To erase any doubt, please read Jeremiah 29:11
Yaya
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Valentine's Day has come and gone. This one was particularly memorable. I refused to tell my hubby where I was taking him. I feared, not really ( I do not fear!), that he would not look forward to an evening of writers. I knew he would enjoy the love stories to be read because he basically is a sentimental guy. Cries easily at "chick flicks".
Nine short love stories were selected by a committee. The entries were read by men and women who are affiliated with radio or broadcasting of one kind or another. They read very dramatically. What surprised me is that the stories were not traditional "Sally met Harry" love stories. One story was about a man and his dog. One was about a Russian woman and her two boys who had everything stolen or destroyed by the Russians. You can guess! A German soldier comes by and befriends her family. I won't tell you the remainder now but if you contact me, I will do so. A third story was about an old woman who visited her husband who no longer knew her. Upon returning to her home she listened to Glen Miller music and recalled dancing the night away. Again, I won't tell you how this story ends.
It truly was a special evening. My husband said that it is often difficult to recall what we did the prior year on Valentine's Day. He said he will always remember the 14th of February 2019 and be eternally grateful. I will too!
I thank my writer colleagues for taking the time to write and submit their stories. It probably interrupted the completion of a current manuscript and it certainly took courage to face possible rejection. Writers hate that! But Romance Ruled!
Nine short love stories were selected by a committee. The entries were read by men and women who are affiliated with radio or broadcasting of one kind or another. They read very dramatically. What surprised me is that the stories were not traditional "Sally met Harry" love stories. One story was about a man and his dog. One was about a Russian woman and her two boys who had everything stolen or destroyed by the Russians. You can guess! A German soldier comes by and befriends her family. I won't tell you the remainder now but if you contact me, I will do so. A third story was about an old woman who visited her husband who no longer knew her. Upon returning to her home she listened to Glen Miller music and recalled dancing the night away. Again, I won't tell you how this story ends.
It truly was a special evening. My husband said that it is often difficult to recall what we did the prior year on Valentine's Day. He said he will always remember the 14th of February 2019 and be eternally grateful. I will too!
I thank my writer colleagues for taking the time to write and submit their stories. It probably interrupted the completion of a current manuscript and it certainly took courage to face possible rejection. Writers hate that! But Romance Ruled!
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Dear Friends,
What has happened to January? It is passing so quickly. I believe this year will be a year of breakthroughs, prosperity, and purpose.
I am not simply practicing Mindfulness but I chose to live a life of Intentionality. I am being Intentional about how I use my time and my resources. More importantly, I am being Intentional about what I put into my mouth and what comes out of my mouth. I have been enrolled in a chaplaincy course to be trained to do the work of a chaplain. This can be in a variety of settings: Hospital, Rehab centers, Nursing homes, Prisons, and Armed Forces. I have learned that my role is to listen, listen, listen. My role is to reflect on what the person needs and provide comfort, hope and validation. It is not my place to convert, convict or convince the person of anything.
I sense that God had a purpose for placing me in that class "at such a time as this"..The course, unfortunately, has been cancelled. The teacher's part-time job as a prison chaplain has suddenly become a forty hour a week job. But in the month that I have been in his mentorship, if you will, I have gained much insight and wisdom. I will implement my new learning into other roles that I play in this stage of my blessed life.
I ask you? How much listening do you do in lieu of preaching or presenting your opinions?
Whose needs do you meet? Your own or the person you are called to encourage?
Join me in living a life of serving the interests of others without concern of personal gain.
God know your heart. He know what purpose your good works serves. Let's serve our "neighbors"
with joy. You will have such meaning in this season of your life.
Let me hear from you!
Doctoryaya
What has happened to January? It is passing so quickly. I believe this year will be a year of breakthroughs, prosperity, and purpose.
I am not simply practicing Mindfulness but I chose to live a life of Intentionality. I am being Intentional about how I use my time and my resources. More importantly, I am being Intentional about what I put into my mouth and what comes out of my mouth. I have been enrolled in a chaplaincy course to be trained to do the work of a chaplain. This can be in a variety of settings: Hospital, Rehab centers, Nursing homes, Prisons, and Armed Forces. I have learned that my role is to listen, listen, listen. My role is to reflect on what the person needs and provide comfort, hope and validation. It is not my place to convert, convict or convince the person of anything.
I sense that God had a purpose for placing me in that class "at such a time as this"..The course, unfortunately, has been cancelled. The teacher's part-time job as a prison chaplain has suddenly become a forty hour a week job. But in the month that I have been in his mentorship, if you will, I have gained much insight and wisdom. I will implement my new learning into other roles that I play in this stage of my blessed life.
I ask you? How much listening do you do in lieu of preaching or presenting your opinions?
Whose needs do you meet? Your own or the person you are called to encourage?
Join me in living a life of serving the interests of others without concern of personal gain.
God know your heart. He know what purpose your good works serves. Let's serve our "neighbors"
with joy. You will have such meaning in this season of your life.
Let me hear from you!
Doctoryaya
Sunday, January 6, 2019
Let us Rejoice in the Blessing of a Fresh Beginning!
Here we go again! Tomorrow is the beginning of the the first full week of 2019.
Where were you last year on this day?
Do you even remember? If not, why not?
Was this day last year non-eventful?
Does there have to be a birthday or anniversary for a given day to be remembered?
Was your year non-eventful?
How in fact do you measure the importance or value of a period of time?
Were you satisfied with the manner in which you used your God given time, potential, resources?
I am keeping a Five Year Journal with six lines allowed for each day of each year..If granted five more years, I plan to reflect back on the year day by day beginning in 2020. It is not a diary of events but rather a way to track my thoughts, needs, prayers and relationships. Highly recommended and purchased from my writing coach!
Uh-oh! The door bell is ringing. I am interrupted so I must close. Hope to hear from you with feedback about your plans for the first week of 2019. My advice: Prioritize and develop boundaries!
Oh...Lastly, I am teaching Sat Jan 12 and Sat Jan 19 for The Enrichment Academy at Lake Miona Rec Center in The Villages, Fl. If you are interested in developing balance and purpose in your life, you may want to take my class. It is intended to help you find joy and meaning in this season of life!
Phyllis
Where were you last year on this day?
Do you even remember? If not, why not?
Was this day last year non-eventful?
Does there have to be a birthday or anniversary for a given day to be remembered?
Was your year non-eventful?
How in fact do you measure the importance or value of a period of time?
Were you satisfied with the manner in which you used your God given time, potential, resources?
I am keeping a Five Year Journal with six lines allowed for each day of each year..If granted five more years, I plan to reflect back on the year day by day beginning in 2020. It is not a diary of events but rather a way to track my thoughts, needs, prayers and relationships. Highly recommended and purchased from my writing coach!
Uh-oh! The door bell is ringing. I am interrupted so I must close. Hope to hear from you with feedback about your plans for the first week of 2019. My advice: Prioritize and develop boundaries!
Oh...Lastly, I am teaching Sat Jan 12 and Sat Jan 19 for The Enrichment Academy at Lake Miona Rec Center in The Villages, Fl. If you are interested in developing balance and purpose in your life, you may want to take my class. It is intended to help you find joy and meaning in this season of life!
Phyllis
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
I wish you a blessed, joyful, healthy, prosperous 2019. That sounds like you should expect a lot, doesn't it? That is my point! Pray Big. Believe Big. Never cease. Keep hope alive. This is the year of your break through. Praying in and of itself is not the answer. It is absolutely necessary but in and of itself, is not sufficient. Do what is within your control and leave the rest to God.
My personal goals are to be mindful in all areas of my life and to be intentional as to how I use my time, money, and resources. This means I will do things and think thoughts on purpose. I have allowed too many unimportant, irrelevant things to interfere with my journey.
What journey are you in the midst of? Do you know what your God given destiny holds?
Don't stifle it!
Let's enjoy the best year yet!
Warm regards,
Phyllis
My personal goals are to be mindful in all areas of my life and to be intentional as to how I use my time, money, and resources. This means I will do things and think thoughts on purpose. I have allowed too many unimportant, irrelevant things to interfere with my journey.
What journey are you in the midst of? Do you know what your God given destiny holds?
Don't stifle it!
Let's enjoy the best year yet!
Warm regards,
Phyllis
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