On the Anniversary of September 11th

Remembrance

9/11/11

by

Nan

Lift up our country and keep us safe.

Give us grace to remember 9/11 without hate.

Recall and bless each soul that was lost and honor the valiant who defended our nation.

Continue to lead us down a path of healing and hope.

Help us discover ways to live in good will and transcend the past.

Grant us strength to deal with the future.

Protect our citizens from violent inclinations,

yet help us maintain our alertness and preparedness.

Create peace in our hearts, minds, and actions.

Peace, a force that reverberates in others, until it spreads to every corner of the earth.

Snap Judgements, Live in the Here and Now

I recently spoke to a friend about my desire to view all things that are presently taking place as neither good nor bad, just as happenings. I have discovered through past experiences, when I'm able to look at events and other people's actions without judgement, I tend to stay centered and respond appropriately, rather than react. After all, the only one I can control is me. 

Quote for today: "I have lived in this world just long enough to look carefully the second time into things that I am the most certain of the first time." Josh Billings, American humorist

Hot DVDs for Summer

Following is a list of DVDs I've seen this summer, ones I found the most interesting.

Casino Jack- Both the documentary and the one with Kevin Spacey
Company Men-Ben Afleck at his best
Kings Speech- Academy Award Winner and deserving of it.
Down Low- Robert Duval in a juicy role
Freedom Writers- Redeeming
Crazy Heart-Love that Jeff Bridges in a gritty, strong part
Gran Torino-Clint Eastwood plays a racist Korean War veteran who's forced to confront his own prejudice.
All Good Things- Murder Mystery-suspenseful
Up In The Air- George Clooney being charming and surprises to come
Conviction- The critics missed the boat with this one. Hilary Swank and Sam
Rockwell give fine performances.

This list doesn't include movies I've seen in a theater, only those watched as DVDs. These films were entertaining and helped me stay cool indoors. Thanks go to my local Blockbuster video store for my frequent at-home movie viewing. Blockbuster offered a customer appreciation "free viewing" period through July 4th. Here's their website, in case you're interested. http://www.blockbuster.com/

Now the quote for today- "Everything I learned I learned from the movies."
Audrey Hepburn

Happy viewing folks!

Hazy, Lazy Days of Summer, Books Fascinate Me

I'm grateful during these hot (110 degrees) days of early summer, I can put my nose in a book and be transported, learn something new, recall something I've forgotten, and/or be entertained or inspired. One such book I'm currently reading is Anne Lamott's, Plan B Further Thoughts of Faith. This collection of essays rings true for me and contains the qualifiers listed above.
See some of Lamott's work at http://dir.salon.com/topics/anne_lamott/

I'm also intending to re-read Elizabeth Berg's novel, Once Upon a Time, There was You. She's one of my favorite authors. I like to revisit her characters, who are chiseled with vivid qualities that help me understand others and myself better.

What books are you reading this summer? Can you recommend any and what are your reasons?

The quote for today was listed on the Quote Garden. Look for other great quotes there too. http://www.quotegarden.com/


"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. " Charles W. Eliot



In Health and Peace, Nan

Time to Write, Motivation for Writing

Today I'm supplying 6 writing prompts for the creatives out there or would-be writers. An invitation to get your feet wet and go wild writing.

Here they are....

1. My pet peeve or peeves are blank
2. I remember how he or she looked, spoke, acted.
3. When will I learn  blank?
4. If I knew blank before, I would or could have blank.
5. I wish I could go to blank and here's the reason why.
6. Happiness is increasing because blank.

Today I have two quotations. The first is from Steve Jobs, founder of Apple. "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."


The second quote is, "Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation."
Oscar Wilde

And before you go, remember to comment, offer other writing prompt suggestions, or share what one of the prompts inspired you to write about.

This post has been shared at the Merry Monday Linky Party #23. Here's the link
Merry Monday Linky Party. See many great DIY projects, recipes, helpful tips for home, garden, and family friendly ideas for fun.