A HAPPY AND BOUNTIFUL 2010 TO ALL...

WITH ONE VOICE

In the adorations and benedictions of the righteous

The praises of all the prophets are kneaded together.

All their praises are mingled into one stream,

All the vessels are emptied into one ewer,

Because He that is praised is, in fact only One

In this respect all religions are only one religion,

Because all praises are directed toward God's light

.

~Rumi

MARRIAGE COUNSELING FOR THE CLAUSES...

Training video for marriage therapists...

GOD'S BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL...

-

ANOTHER HISTORICAL DISCOVERY...

Mrs. Della Cate Brandon

Mother of Fred(see previous post) and his twin Ed

I was going thru some songbooks when I came across the songbook my Grandmother used when she would sing in church AND the local radio station's "The Joe Gunter Hour"...She could be seen on Sunday morning walking to town to sing on the radio.   Her favorite song to sing was "Where is My Wandering Boy Tonight?"

Not mentioned in the article was her love of sports.  She could be found at the local ball fields day and/or night enjoying the softball games and visiting with friends and neighbors.  She became a "regular". 

This picture was taken around 1963, she lived to be 89 years old.

A LITTLE BOY WINS A CONTEST...

Eighty years ago a little nine year old boy won a prize for best costume.  That little boy was 89 years old Nov. 22.  He is my Uncle Fred and my Dad, Ed's twin brother. 

A GREAT DUO...

An unexpected surprise from Colbert of Colbert Report...he can sing!

Elvis Costello

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor U.S. Speedskating

A NEW BIRD!!!!....

THE AMERICAN BITTERN
I don't live in South Dakota, but you must see the pace at which this bird moves, she recently spent a few days on our creek, as she was migrating southward, looking for a winter retreat!

Look closely to see the American Bittern!  Well-camouflaged, getting its picture proved to be quite a challenge, so I have posted just below this picture a web photo of the American Bittern.

HELPING YOU LAUGH TODAY...

VOICES OF ANGELS....

A very pretty song

MAMAS AND BABIES...

Click on the "full screen" button as slideshow loads and get a better look at our friends.

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Need a lift??......

If you can get through this without laughing out loud, then your funny bone is broken!!!

OLD DOGS, CHILDREN & WATERMELON FiiiiiiiNE....

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CONGRATS JOHN...

Good Luck in your new job...and never forget this sage advice from your folks!!

LOVE KIDS? LOVE CAJUN?

I love a musician that feels the music. Thanks Tom for passing this along.

A SUMMER DAY...

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STILL GROWING...

IN LOVING MEMORY...

Yea, tho I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;

for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

~Psalm 23:4

Today we lost our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and husband of 70 years to his wife Beulah. Oliver Campbell passed away today at the age of 95. A self-made man, a Christian man, who, with a sixth grade education, built his own business from the ground up. Campbell Construction Co. eventually was joined by both his sons. Their contributions to our community and those surrounding us include churches, schools, hospitals, and many of the buildings on Main Street.
Oliver and Beulah had 3 children: Bo, Peggy, and Richard.
They have 4 grandchildren: Bob, Penny, Bart, and John
And three great-grandchildren: Kristen, Coleman, and Webber

He was a kind and loving man. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and

loved him.



Father & Son...

Oliver & Richard (2005)









John David with MawMaw and PawPaw (l988)

REST IN PEACE, PAWPAW

WHAT I LEARNED ON MY SUMMER VACATION...

Eagle at Drayton Harbor, Washington...

During my visit to the state of Washington recently, my friend and I went out shopping...yes, we did! When we checked out, she had one item, I had two. When the clerk rang up my purchase she asked if I wanted a bag. It seemed a strange question to me, and I responded, that yes, I would like a bag. As we were leaving I commented to my friend that I found her question a little strange. Growing up in a small town, I had always been taught that all merchandise bought must be carried out in a bag...and that is where my thoughts STOPPED... My friend patiently and tactfully explained to me that there is a movement in Seattle to discourage folks from using the plastic store bags when possible. Well, of course!!! What a great idea. I have never liked the thought that many years after I am gone from this old world that my kmart, kroger, etc. bags will still be around for future generations to wonder about...to wonder why previous generations had been so careless and thoughtless and lacking any imagination . Now when I go into a store for an item or two, I think about that trip and turn down the bag...I can't tell you how righteous I feel!!! One less bag in circulation.

Yes, I have reusable bags, they are in my car, I even laid one in the front floorboard but yet, I don't ever seem to think of them till I am in the checkout lane.

Just recently Seattle wanted to tax each bag at .25 a bag, fought by the plastic bag companies, the attempt was voted down. Big business gets its way once again, at least for the time being. Its clear that Western states are years ahead of us here in the South. And I thank you, Marcia, for educating me once again! HAPPY SHOPPING !!!

HALF ITS SIZE AND STILL GROWNING...

Webber admiring THE watermellon...what IS he thinking???

CELESTIAL ARTISTRY...

Sunset on Drayton Harbor, WA.

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me

You know when I sit and when I rise

You perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down

You are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely

O Lord

You hem me in-behind and before

You have laid your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me

too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Where can I flee from Your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, You are there

if I make my bed in the depths, You are there

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there Your had will guide me

Your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say "Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night around me,"

Even the darkness will not be dark to You:

the night will shine like the day

for darkness is as light as You.

For You created my inmost being:

You knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from You

when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

Your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written in Your book

before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.

When I awake, I am still with You.

Psalms 139

STILL GROWING...

YELLOW IS THE COLOR...

of my true love's hair, in the morning, when we rise, that's the time I love the best...

~Donovan~

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IT'S MY FIRST!!!....

Baby Watermellon!!! Now this is cute...I tell you, cute... RC says its called a Rattlesnake watermellon, 'cause of the ragged stripes...I'll let you know how it tastes...

JUST FOR FUN...

Marcia and I liked this, hope you will too...

BLUE IS THE COLOR...

of the sky in the morning when we rise, that's the time I love the best...

~Donovan





Its also one of my favorite flower colors. Standing next to the yellow snapdragon is a very special flower known as "Forget-Me-Not", a favorite among legends of true love...
Leaves that are very bitter used for medicinal purposes including snake bites.

Here's a new discovery for me, the Asiatic Dayflower...introduced from Asia, this wild ground cover has beautiful blue flowers that last only one day...hence the name.

Found on the side of the road is the lovely blue herb known as Chicory. Often used as a non-caffine drink, as a substitute for coffee.

CELEBRATING WITH FRIENDS...

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A TRIBUTE TO A 70'S ICON...

Rest in Peace Pretty Lady

Farrah Fawcet and her contributions to the experience of cancer has been shamefully overshadowed by the death of another celebrity who, in my mind, offered little to the world in comparison.

Farrah was a role model for every young woman when in Charlie's Angels.

We learned that women could do many things with their lives including the really tough jobs.

And let's face it, she was a beauty and I will admit to trying to copy her hair style, I am sure there are pics, just don't know where. I have chosen a more mature Farrah for this post. I so admired her courage, particularly when she was courageous enough to allow all phases of her illness and her fight to be recorded...in the hopes that it would help others. She will be missed. Condolences to her son, Redmond, whom she dearly loved with all her heart and to Ryan O'Neal and all who loved her. .

THE MIRACLE OF LOVE...

Thanks Marcia for sending this...so very heartwarming...

CONGRATS MY FRIEND MARCI...

I preferred Kool & The Gang but they won't let me embed their video...so here you go...corney but funny....................in your honor...Congrats on your retirement

THE FLOWER WITH A FACE...

Pansies grown and photographed by Sharon

The Pansy, which means "to weigh or consider" reminds us to think things through before acting. The bloom is open-faced, encouraging us to be open to all possibilities in life. Keep things simple for opportunities are all about...

CELEBRATING MEMORIAL DAY BY...

BY CELEBRATING LIFE, JOY AND MUSIC...

Thanks Marcia for sharing this with us...

MEET THE NEWEST MEMBER...

of my flower garden...

The Peruvian Daffodil

also known as Spider Flower

Member of the Lily family and has

a wonderful fragrance.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY...

The lovely Calla Lily...purity and benevolence...
(grown by Sharon)
The fact remains that the birth cycles of all sentient beings are beginningless, and that countless times in previous lives we have each fulfilled the role of a mother. The feeling of a mother for her child is a classic example of love

For the safety, protection, and welfare of her children, a mother is ready to sacrifice her very life. Recognizing this, children should be grateful to their mothers and express their gratitude by performing virtuous deeds.

~Dalai Lama

WORDS OF WISDOM...

A good refresher:

photo by Sharon

INNER STRENGTH
>
> If you can start the day without caffeine or pep
> pills,
> If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
> If you can resist complaining and boring
> people with your troubles,
>
> If you can eat the same food everyday and be
> grateful
> for it,
>
> If you can understand when loved ones are too busy
> to give you time,
>
> If you can overlook when people take things out
> on you when, through no fault of yours, something
> goes wrong,
>
> If you can take criticism and blame without
> resentment,
>
> If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
>
> If you can conquer tension without medical help,
>
> If you can relax without liquor,
> If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
>
>
>
> well...hell...you are probably a dog!


Have a great week!

A FAMILY CELEBRATION...

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FOR THE BIRTHDAY GIRL...

A little tune by one of your favorites Nora Jones and one of my favorites Bonnie Raitt...what a wonderful blend of voices...hope you enjoy my friend, see you in July.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARCI!!!

IT'S EARTH DAY...

Resolve to contribute to a cleaner, greener Earth: Plant a tree, Recylce, Expand your recycling program, Pick up litter, Call your reps. in Washinton and ask them to support the Clean Water Act...be a part of a better world...there's no end to the ways we can all help. What will you incorporate into your daily life to help?

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It's "I Love this Blog"Award time...I am very happy to give this award to Sarah Sofia for two of her blogs. She has a very insightful and helpful blog called " A healthier way of life" where she and her readers discuss personal experiences with health issues and share knowledge that is helpful to all.

She also has a blog called "Living in Scandinavia" that gives folks like myself who don't travel much a pictoral and descriptive tour of Denmark and surrounding area, including Germany and Paris and that's just in the last couple of months. She and her family have a Bed and Breakfast business and are located in an area with many beautiful scenes. Thanks Sarah Sofia for finding me! and sharing your life, your stories, and your hopes with us. Thank you for your friendship.

I also want to give the award "I love this blog" to my friend Tom. He has been a faithful reader of my blog and has been very supportive. What I love about "What's Going On Here Today" are the posts about local events...especially the music events, even tho, no matter how hard I try, I can't get him to feature ME...the REAL star!!!! Tom and his wife, Miss Priss travel often and they, too, share their trips with Tom's readers. They are delightful folks and good friends.

Check these blogs out, think you will enjoy them and tell 'em Sharon sent you!

http://www.livinginscandinavia.blogspot.com

http://www.ahealthierwayofliving.blogspot.com

http://www.whatsgoingonheretoday.blogspot.com

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL...

Dolly Pardon, one of my favorites, and a woman to be admired for all her success in life...coming from very humble roots. If you don't get chills listening to this song...then you must be dead!!!

THIS IS A MUST SEE...

Look closely, there is a lady to the left of the piano player, she is playing the bass on the piano with her right hand, the fella next to her is playing the fiddle fret board with his left hand, and the melody on the piano with his right. The young man behind the piano player is playing the bow. My only question is, where is that young man's other hand and what is IT doing???? Everyone should see this video...it is a HAPPY scene. ENJOY!
Thanks Tom for sharing this with all of us...


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THE KING!...FISHER...

OK OK, I know its not the greatest photo in the world but I was sitting in the middle of the road hanging out the window of my vehicle and had only a few seconds before he does what he always does when its picture time, he takes off!!!

Meet the Kingfisher...

Long-time symbol of peace and prosperity.. If a Kingfisher enters your life, your will have new sunshine and prosperity unfolding within your life. You may find yourself with a new opportunity and like the Kingfisher when she dives in the water for food, you may feel that you want to take a dive and see what happens...

In Greek mythology. a woman by the name of Halcyone married Ceyx. Shortly after their wedding, Ceyx had to make a voyage. During which there was a great storm and Ceyx drowned. Halcyone walked the shores of the beaches longing for her husband. Then one day his body washed up on the shore. Halcyone was so grieved that she threw herself into the ocean. The gods were so moved by her love for Ceyx that she and her husband were given new life as Kingfishers.

They rose out of the ocean and flew off happily into the blue skies. It was declared the seas would be calm and the sun would shine for seven days before and seven days after the shortest day of the year. This time came to beknown as the Halcyon days. Today, all sunlit days upon the water are considered Halcyon days.

May your life be filled with opportunities that sparkle like the sun on the waters of halcyon days!

Narcissus...

Daffodils (narcissi) are a flower of folklore that can predict your luck for the coming year...If the first daffodil of the year is seen with its hanging head turned away from you, you will have a year of good luck! Also, if you are in the business of ducks and geese and you have eggs to hatch, don't bring the daffodils into the house or you will have no luck in the coming years. Wonder if that goes for bad luck, too?

The fragrance of the daffoldil has been used as a relaxant. It is expecially helpful for folks who have trouble winding down brain activity at the end of the day. So for a relaxing evening, go pick some of those daffodils and fill your home with the calming aroma of the daffodil. Aroma therapy at its finest!

SMARTY PANTS DANCE...

A MOUNTAIN SUNSET...

Each setting sun marks a Rite of Passage. This is the time when day passes the Sacred Pipe to the night. The twilight marks a sudden stillness that shows Mother Nature holding her breath, waiting to exhale the Sacred Pipe's smoke. The hushed silence signals the time for each of us to return thanks for the things we have been able to accomplish, the opportunities we have grasped and the lessons we have learned.

Children of Earth,

You have grown during this passing Sun.

You have successfully moved through this day's Rite of Passage

Rejoice!

And may you never be the same again.

~Jamie Sams

"Earth Medicine"

A COLORFUL REMINDER...

iGoogle Widgets

A BIRD OF ANCIENT TIMES...

PILEATED WOODPECKER

A Woodpecker was sitting high in a tree enjoying a piece of honeycomb. He noticed a toad sitting at the base of the tree looking at the honeycomb wistfully. The woodpecker called down, "Would you like some honeycomb?" and the toad nodded his head eagerly. With this the woodpecker lowered a small basket down for the toad and pulled him up. But just as the toad reached the honeycomb, the woodpecker let go of the basket and the toad landed with a thud on the ground. The little toad was furious at this trickery and began to drink. Soon he had drunk up all the rivers and lakes in the country and there was a severe drought everywhere. The little toad was so happy at his revenge that he began to dance and as he danced, water began to pour out of his body until finally the drought was over. And the moral to this story is...