An Amazing Story of Tragedy and Triumph

Some people seem to be unscathed by the storms of life.

Walking together on the beach a friend said, "I never have any problems."

At that point, I was facing some gut-wrenching heartaches and

I secretly squelched my envy.

Her life overflowed with prosperity, love, and happiness but

Years later life jerked her around as she faced multiple loss and heartbreak.

And I was touched deeply while remembering that day on the beach.

Yes, that's what life is all about.

The high road,

The low road and

Sometimes in between.

 Like a lovely tapestry, 

Life is made up of

Colorful threads of love, joy and peace but woven

Amidst life's splendor are

Dark threads of trial and suffering.

I've just read a book about trials, tenacity, and triumph--
And it was so gripping I'd like to share:

Order from Amazon

A well-written page turner, 

This memoir immediately draws the reader into

A journey of riveting sadness and triumph. 

With anticipation, you wonder if the author will

 Allow the cruelty of life to kick her down for good,

Or as she valiantly responds each time,

Hop back on the road of life and

Conquer the challenges. 

(She not only reacts to life, 

But she's admirably proactive.)

Shellie Blum is a spunky spitfire with a

T-e-n-a-c-i-t-y rarely matched today.

At the end of the book,
You want to shout with joy,

"She made it" 
And give her a big hug of congratulations!

On Twitter @shellieblum

I'm glad I purchased the hardcover because

I relished the story more thoroughly,

Loved the pictures and

Want the book in my library so

I can share it with other women...
What amazing inspiration and encouragement!

Thank you, Shellie Blum

For sharing your unforgettable story of

Trials, tenacity, and triumph.

May you enjoy a life of peace--

That you so richly deserve.

**********

P.S. I'm sure your Dad is very proud, as everyone who knows your story.

Priceless Treasures--What Are They?

1800's Gold Town in Colorado - Rocky Mountains

Searching for wealth was difficult

Today I'm thinking of wealth, riches and priceless treasures.

Treasures remind me of the old gold mining towns in the Rockies,

Where the early pioneers trekked  across

America in search of riches.

Those are out-of- the-way-jaunts Hubby and I love to explore.

(And by the way, today, some still find golden nuggets.)

Tenacious pioneers of yesteryear

Were certain if they found gold and silver amidst those rugged and remote regions,

The treasures would satisfy their financial needs and heart longings.

Remote Gold Regions Today

As much as we love to trek the remote backcountry of the Colorado Rockies

And seek all kinds of treasures,

May I share some

Treasures that I found today--

Right here in my home?

These are treasures that have touched me deeply--

They've provided laughter, joy and warmed me with love.

And as much as I've looked for gold nuggets :) :) --

No amount of gold, silver or precious jewels 

Could touch my heart

As these have! 

Here they are:

"Paper Roses" -- Gifts from the Heart - from all ages, 4 years to 99 years.

 In our noisy, microwavable society 

With data zooming around the globe

At unbelievable speeds,

To have someone take the time to sit

And pour out their thoughts,

Their hearts,

Their love

In a note, a letter or what I lovingly call--

A "Paper Rose"--

Is absolutely priceless.

These valuable heart-sharings can not be purchased

With any amount of money.

They are

Priceless Treasures!

Have you written or received a "Paper Rose" lately?

If so, you have received wealth 

And something very rare today.

 ♥

 "More than kisses, letters mingle souls."

--John Donne, British Poet, 1572

Maya Angelou and Living The Remarkable

Photo by - Barry Polansky

 

 

He entered my office asking for food. Shabbily dressed with only a few teeth, his smile was captivating, his eyes sparkled and as we conversed, I was startled.

His vocabulary was laced with intelligence and his knowledge amazing. I was stunned by the brilliance of the toothless man who at one point referred to himself as “a scientist”; but who looked like he’d crawled from beneath a bridge and ate his last meal from a dumpster.

      I remarked about his vocabulary and he chuckled. “I’m an avid reader.”

     With interest piqued I said, “What do you read?”

 Obviously delighted that someone cared, he replied, “The philosophers” and named a few. Then “the psychologists” and named a few of those. I was stunned!

The man I was hearing should’ve been dressed in an expensive suit, sipping strong brew at Starbucks or dining at the Ritz-Carlton, rather than a shabby looking hobo. That “Diamond in the Rough” was truly a remarkable man–I shall never forget.

Another unforgettable person was Dr. Maya Angelou. She died in 2014 but because she was such a remarkable person, her words live on to encourage and help motivate us.

   “Love is that condition in the human spirit so profound that it allows me to survive, and better than that, thrive with passion, compassion, and style.”

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”

           “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”

      “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination filled with hope.”

      “One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but with potential. Without courage, we can’t practice any other virtue with consistency…”

“When I found… that I was a child of God…understood that...internalized that…I became courageous.”

“You can't use up creativity. The more you use the more you have.”

“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”

“My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive.”

Maya Angelou did not complain, lean on others, or act like a victim of circumstances.

• Through Maya’s writings we can learn how to enjoy each day to the fullest
• Make this world a better place and
• Help Others along the way--to "not only survive but to thrive."

Thanks to the Toothless Man who was truly a Diamond–and to Maya Angelou, I have seen the remarkable.

How have you been encouraged by the Remarkable?