Today in History

      According to today's entry on the American Memory webpage, U. S. publisher Condé Nast was born on March 26, 1874. As a successful advertising executive for Collier's, he introduced the concept of "lifestyle magazines," which were geared to readers of common interests and/or income levels.  
     Nast purchased Vogue in 1909 and House and Garden in 1913, with Vanity Fair making its debut in 1914. Each magazine featured trends in fashion, the arts, politics, and entertainment.  In 1915, Vanity Fair was said to have featured more advertising than any other U. S. magazine.
     Vanity Fair faced financial difficulties during the Great Depression.  In 1936, Vanity Fair was merged into Vogue Magazine. 
     The photograph below was taken by Carl van Vectan and shows an elegant formal gown in a timeless design.

Beginning the Day

With a grateful heart,

I rise,

Wondering what the day will bring.

Centering Prayer

sets the tone,

for strength, for courage.

Then, oatmeal, an orange, and green tea,

nourish my productivity,

and focus my attention.

Gratitude on Passover

The theme for this year's Passover for my group is "Prepare to Receive Blessings."  On that note, I made a gratitude list of 100 things:

1.A mind swimming with possibilities

2.Hope

3.That I can be patient

4.That I found the right realtor

5.That my mammalgram was fine.

6.Good health.

7.My family.

8.OA

9.Abstinence

10.Centering Prayer

11.Being the speaker at a meeting

12.Phone meetings

13.The theme for today's marathon: "prepare to receive blessings"

14.Maya

15.Having a stationary bike

16.Registering to become a certified arthritis exercise instructor

17.Unitarians

18.Presbyterians

19.Episcopalians

20.Fried apples

21.Protein drinks

22.Harris Teeter where I get super fresh food

23.Artichokes

24.My neighbors, the Filbruns

25.Trying to forgive

26.Hope

27.Solitude

28.Rest

29.God

30.My parents

31.Hospital chaplains

32.My antique furniture

33.All the cleaning I did yesterday

34.A good book to read

35.Raleigh

36.Willingness

37.Seeing my belongings with new appreciation

38.Getting angry

39.Speaking up

40.Tossing some things

41.My mother's antiques

42.Dialogue

43.Appreciating differences

44.Alaska

45.OA friends in Raleigh

46.A desire to visit Cuba

47.Being kind to myself

48.Passover

49.step 11

50/Canned salmon

51.Changes in attitude

52.Water aerobics

53.My body

54.My mind

55.Volunteered to lead 2 Unitarian services

56.Volunteered to moderate on the marathon today
57.I'm grateful for Lawanna
58.Wren
59.For one day at a time
60.Prayer
61.Calm
62.Mozart
63.Centering Prayer
64.Mindful Meditation
65.My sponsor
66.Lee
67.Passover
68.Reflections
69.Scott Peck
70.St. Francis de Sales
71.Martha
72.Step work
73.Perseverance
74.Deep breaths
75.An affordable house payment
76.Wanting to change
77.Trusting God
78.Letting go.
79.Hope
80.Discovery
81.Trying new things
82.The gym
83.Walking
84.Matisse
85.Picasso
86.Willingness
87.NPR
88.the classical music station
89.Brazil
90.The music of Brazil
91.John Lennon
92.The Beatles
93.My hands to type
94.My legs to walk
95.My feet to stand
96.My muscles for strength
97.God for inspiration
98.Hospital chaplins
99.Asking God to guide me
100.Taking action and doing the footwork
101.Trust
102.Faith
103.Turnips
104.Sauteed Veggies
105.Tofu
106.Getting up at 6 a.m.

Faith

"Failure is impossible."  -- Susan B. Anthony

     Faith is the thing that keeps us going.  What ever we believe is possible, is indeed possible.  With that thought in mind, there can be no failure.  When things don't turn out the way we want, we just keep on going.

     With that framework, I look forward to the future. 

   

Courage

"Courage is resistance to fear -- not the absence of fear." -- Mark Twain

     We dare to push past the fear because we want a better life.  For today, there may be things we are still afraid of, but we have overcome fear before, and we will again.  Yes, we can do this.

"For Today," March 26th, p. 86

A Meditation from St. Francis de Sales

Do not look forward to changes the

and chances of this life in fear;

rather look to them with the hope,

that as they arise, 

that God will deliver you 

out of them.

He has kept you hitherto.  Do you but hold

fast to his dear hand and

He will lead you safely through

all things, and when you cannot

stand, He will be bear you in His arms.

Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow;

the same everlasting Father who cares for you today,

will take care of you tomorrow.

Either He will  shield you from suffering or 

He will give you unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and 

imaginations.

---Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)

A Time to Move

There's a time to move

And a time to stay

 There's more to life

Than I can say...

But just not here,

not here...

Whatever lies ahead

Will be easier to bear

with God beside me,

behind me,

and around me.

Persevere,

And rise to the challenge

For what is in store.

My Neighbors, the Filbruns

     Last week, I found out the news that my wonderful neighbors, the Filbruns, are moving back to Ohio.  Minor concerns about Tarboro (the school system, the rather closed attitude of the people here, and better opportunities all around), clinched their decision.
     Why is it that this town drives away talent?  When Bob Filbrun came to town 4 years ago, he got busy to re-vitalize the Town Market.  He breathed new life into it, attracting new vendors and creating a vital space for the selling of local produce, and homemade food items, and crafts.  However, when Bob approached the "powers that be" about purchasing a vacant food store across the street for a market space, he was quickly shot down.  A great idea brought to a halt.
     He and his wife Jeni quickly became involved in community projects that benefited the entire town.  Bob led the Master Gardners program run through the Cooperative Extension office where he worked, and Jeni took on the task of creating a historic garden at the Blount-Bridgers House, a beautiful old house that also serves as the area's arts council.  Besides that, Bob and Jeni organized wreath making workshops at Christmas, and Bob had a regular column in the local paper.  And he was a bee keeper, leading sessions about this important practice in locations around the town.
     They did all this in addition to renovating and up-dating their home, and turning the grounds into a beautifully landscaped wonder.  They built a greenhouse, got chickens, and helped the community in countless ways.  Jeni even developed a small business last summer selling organic produce.
     Their daughter, Cassian, age 9, carries her parents' enthusiasm for all living things that come out of the good earth.  A solid student, she has much to offer and will go far in life with her in-born empathy skills and intelligence.  She is going to be a stand-out at her next school because of these traits, and her creativity.
     Need I say more?  Yes!  These family members have been great neighbors, always having an open door, and good conversation!  They are among the most helpful and engaging people I've ever met.
     Ohio's gain is our loss.  The next time you see them, thank them for all they have done for Edgecombe County.

"Life"

Available for a limited time only.

Limit one (1) per person.

Subject to change without notice.

Provided "as is" and without any warranties.

Nontransferable and is the sole responsibility of the

recipient.

Many incur damages arising 

from use or misuse.

Additional parts 

sold separately.

Your mileage may vary.

Subject to all applicable fees

and taxes.

Terms and conditions apply.

Other restrictions apply.

 Author unknown.

George Henry White

http://dailysoutherner.com/local/x1456442051/George-Henry-White-tribute-to-a-great-American/print

An article I wrote on George Henry White.

Blessing

The blessing of truth be upon us,

The power of love direct and sustain us;

And may the peace of this community

Preserve our going out and our coming in

From this time forth, until we meet again.  -- Duke T. Gray

This was the blessing at the Unitarian Fellowship in Rocky Mount this afternoon.

Condo in Durham

I like this one!  New construction!  Wonder if it's near the Nasher?

http://www.trulia.com/property/3106674617-601-Finsbury-St-104-Durham-NC-27703

Located on March 9th

Condos in Raleigh

http://www.trulia.com/property/3102477285-3423-Mill-Run-Raleigh-NC-27612     


I found this condo on Trulia.  Like the colors!  And the size!  Hmmmmm.

It's on Mill Run.


And here is another:   http://www.trulia.com/property/3018404177-4120-Sedgewood-Dr-101-Raleigh-NC-27612#photo-9

Moving On

Going outside my comfort zone,

Seems the logical thing to do now.

I see what's out there,

In Raleigh and beyond,

To draw me in, to test, and inspire.

   

Hope

I saw a newborn bird today,

on this, the 8th of March.

Is this a sign of 

good things to come,

New life, new friends, new plans?

 

For hope is eternal,

It does not fade,

Or dim our daily trials.

Hope keeps us going,

United and strong,

Though the journey is miles and miles.

 

With heads held high,

And thoughts good and pure, 

There is nothing we cannot change.

Staying focused and positive,

We cannot fail,

And goodness will always reign.