She writes: "My girlfriends and I all have Bucket Lists. ... But what is the point of the list, if you don't actually work to check things off of it?
So here's what I want to know: What have you done in your life that was worth doing? I want to know the moments in your life that you hope will be the ones to pass through your mind when your time comes. ... I want to know all the moments, big and small, that make life sweet! If you don't already have a running list of these in your mind, you should! These moments help you remember how much your life is worth living, and we all deserve to enjoy it."
So here's what I want to know: What have you done in your life that was worth doing? I want to know the moments in your life that you hope will be the ones to pass through your mind when your time comes. ... I want to know all the moments, big and small, that make life sweet! If you don't already have a running list of these in your mind, you should! These moments help you remember how much your life is worth living, and we all deserve to enjoy it."
I'm grateful for my friends and family.
1. Although my sister is (and has been) 'on the road' with her husband for most of the last few years since they retired, our cell phone conversations keep us 'connected' and close. She calls when she's 'walking a mall' so we can 'shop' together ... driving down the highway ... settled into a new campground ... taking in amazing sights she wants to share ... turning in for the evening ... and/or making plans for the next few days. It's not the same as 'being' together, but it's certainly 'good enough' for now. This image reminds me of the 'swing' in our back yard as kids ... and that triggers a 'host' of family memories ;--)
2. Monday was 'Retired Gals' lunch ... (2nd Monday of each month for the past 7 years)... and 7 of my friends gathered to 'catch up' with one another. Little did I know decades ago when I entered the field of 'education' that I'd encounter such wonderful people and enjoy their company years after we no longer 'worked' together.
3. Yesterday I joined with 11 of my Red Hat Sisters at a local college theater where we all enjoyed an excellent performance of 'Gypsy' ... and afterwards visited over dinner at a nearby restaurant ... making for a wonderful Sunday afternoon & evening of fellowship.
4. Fur-friends like Molly & Ms. Kitty currently ... (Ralph, Charly, Zonker, Clyde, and Jesse in the past) ... fill my life with joyful experiences and memories.
* * * * *
I'm grateful for the 'serendipitous'
way my life unfolded
6. Although I didn't 'intend' to become a teacher, I have fond memories of my 34 years as an educator ... way too many to attempt to enumerate here ... but it's 'reassuring' to realize I've encouraged (and assisted with) the learning process of many kids & their families.way my life unfolded
5. The 5 years I worked as a 'playground director' as I attended college ...(studying History and Literature)... introduced me to the joys & challenges of interacting with children of all ages and led me to the 'classroom' initially.
* * * * *
I'm delighted to be Happily Retired currently
I'm delighted to be Happily Retired currently
7. Attending the Taos Writers Retreat last summer ...(and the Maui Writer's Conference in the Fall of 2001)... remain vividly life-altering experiences. I met wonderful people ... gained inspiration & self-confidence ... and here I am BLOGGING ;--)
8. Reading opened up me up to the larger world. Writing encouraged me to explore my inner 'territories' ... and each has generated 'memorable' moments I can revisit at will.
9. Gardening relaxes and inspires me. I'm grateful for my yard and the opportunity to cultivate this hobby in recent years. It's been fun to share flower photos on each of my blogs.
* * * * *
As I create this list for my 3rd Fun Monday, I realize it's the small things that come to mind most readily this morning ... but putting words to page doesn't do any of these experiences 'justice' ... nor does this post begin to convey the depth of feelings generated by today's challenge. I'm reminded of my list of
101 Things About Me created for my '101st Post' and realize it's just not possible to fully 'capture or convey' the essence of these moments here, but perhaps some of what I've shared will 'resonate' with similar events from your own life and/or cause you to check out some of the links I've provided over time in the About Me section of my sidebar where more 'details' exist. I've opted to focus on 'pleasurable memories' today ... but I'm vividly aware of the truth in these words ..."Things that were hard to bear are sweet to remember." Seneca
* * * * *
Don't forget to check with participants of:
today too ;--)
Don't forget to check with participants of:
today too ;--)Thought for Today
"To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for it's prime function of looking forward." Margaret Fairless Barber
"To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for it's prime function of looking forward." Margaret Fairless Barber
![[premio-dardos_thumb1--aline.jpg]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjW81dYN-lRYB34FAZKsEcTZK6syODVDvMZUqP-xRVHuT4SElhjIGWtbKV4pk2zDDKHE0rPq07a5KKCKT79xcGu6WvPTyzhAkO1CuQ5_9nvLhA4zkf_nJgw7MKeZPD_Mc8sjhPPT4dXqg/s1600/premio-dardos_thumb1--aline.jpg)
27 comments:
That sounds like a wonderful relationship with your sister. I often wish I had a sister~ it's not quite the same with a brother!
Sounds like you are busy making memorable moments every day and that's a good thing. We are blessed to have so many friends and a lot of love in our lives. Have a great Monday...
it sounds as though you have done many wonderful things, and continue to do so. I cherish the relationship with my sister dearly. They do make life special!
That is wonderful that you have so much to be thankful for....I don't have a sister and often wished I did.
I can imagine that being a teacher for so many years leaves you with more memories than you could ever recall! It's wonderful you have great group of friends to hang out with. Lovely post!
I love this post Virginia. It says so much of what you're about...and what a warm and connected person you are. From sister to friend and member of social organizations...it tells a lot about your caring nature and the love you have for people. I feel very lucky to be a part of it and so very blessed to have found you my dear friend....
ChrisB – I’m the youngest of 3 … so I had a brother too. I’ve written of that relationship elsewhere. As kids the ‘age difference’ kept us from having much in common, but as adults we grew closer … leaving me with wonderful memories.
EllenB – Methinks that’s the point of reflecting like this because all we really have is now. I love Spencer Johnson’s book THE PRECIOUS PRESENT and used to read it aloud to students every year around the Christmas holidays … early enough in the school year to make it a valuable ‘reference’ throughout the year.
Heather – I’m most grateful for my sister … and my friends. My mom, dad, and brother have all ‘passed’ so it’s just the two of us left in my nuclear family. I believe that relationships give everything else in life relevance and meaning.
Pam – Not all sisters share the same bond, but I do feel blessed by my connection with my sister.
SwampAngel65 – Thanks. I enjoyed this ‘reflective’ challenge while creating my post this morning and my visits to other participants throughout the morning ;--)
Joy – Ditto my friend! I love the ‘connectedness’ with you and your kids … and always find the comments your ‘readers’ leave on your posts almost (though not quite) as fun to read as what you write.
I’m delighted to find your comments as I think about fixing myself some lunch. I hope you’re all having a ‘marvelous’ Monday … and if I’ve not yet been to your blog, I’ll be there eventually.
Hugs and blessings,
I'm going to call my sister, today!
I do the same thing with my mom that you do with your sister. I usually call her once a day - we're a lot closer now than we were when I was growing up.
You know... if you did "1000 Things About Me", you probably STILL wouldn't scratch the surface!
Friends are so important aren't they?
34 years educating children! I bet you DO have many stories and memories. I envy you having a group that you can pal around with. I hope that after I raise my kiddos that I take time to develop a circle of girlfriends. Does it work that way?
I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Jennifer
I enjoyed your Fun Monday and being able to look back on a little bit of your life through your writing and picture sharing. You always make your blog so interesting the way you illustrate everything.
My Fun Monday is posted, but I didn't get as creative with mine as you did. For one thing I got a late start. It takes time to put together a really good post.
So when might we see a Storytellers Book tour? Sound as if you are enjoying your friend filled life.
I love this post...I have always wished for a sister, but I am blessed with a wonderful sis in law. Thank you for all your years of teaching...I am sure you have made a difference in many people's lives.
I very much enjoyed your list of memorable moments. I don't think I'll get to do much of a post today, since I'm exhausted from a busy day at work, then moving my mom from the extended care facility where she was for two weeks, back to her assisted living home, which is ever so much nicer.
So I'm thankful about that. Just sorry I can't really blog, due to tiredness. I will try to do something nice tomorrow.
I just stopped by your place to see what you had to say. :)
Oh...how I enjoyed reading about these memorable moments in your life! You certainly have the disposition to have been an amazing educator. It sounds like you are surrounded by beautiful lasting friendships, including your sis. The writers retreats sound like great learning experiences..., and who wouldn't love Maui?? Sounds like a life well lived! Hugs!
Storyteller,
I enjoyed your Monday memorable moments and more. I was especially touched by your entry about your sister. My sister, Tara, lives on the other side of the country, but that distance is not an obstacle to our very close friendship. She is my best friend and thanks to the modern day gadgets you mentioned on your list, we are able to keep in touch at the spur of the moment!
Lovely post! :-)
Hugs,
Tina
Mama Zen – So … did ya call … and have a wonderful phone visit? I certainly HOPE so!!!
Sayre – I’m happy you & your mom are close. My mom died when I was just 44 and I miss her even now.
Aoj & the Lurchers – Yes they are … and it’s certainly worth the time and energy it takes to cultivate and maintain friendships in our lives.
Jennifer – I’m not sure how it works for ‘moms’ who stay home with their kids. My sister has friends she made when her kids were young …(from ‘Mommy & Me classes and the neighborhood)… but also from her days as a teacher …(like me). Some folks keep friends from their youth, but I’ve totally lost track of friends from my childhood and high school days. I do think it’s important to fill your life up as you ‘parent’ your kids because kids learn from what we DO … not always from what we say.
Betty – What a nice compliment! (can you see my big smile as I type?) You’re right about the time it takes to create these posts. Fortunately I’ve HAD time recently, but I don’t always. This was the first time I created Tuesday’s post on Monday afternoon rather than in the morning when I got up.
IamwhoIam – Hmmm … no ‘book’ to ‘tour with’ yet … though I’ve certainly got a STACK of journals waiting to be ‘mined’ for gems to share.
Alison – Thanks so much for your kind feedback. I’m glad you enjoy a good relationship with your sister-in-law ;--)
Joyce – I appreciate you stopping by today …(especially now that I know what you’ve been doing and how tired you must be)… and I hope you’re cutting yourself some slack. We all have times when we need to pull back and it seems as though YOU need some ‘down time’ right now more than anything else. The blogs will be there when you’re rested and refreshed.
Greatfullivin – Thanks so much for your a lovely response to my post today ;--)
Tina – I’m happy to know you and your sister share such a close bond. Thanks for you feedback.
I'm delighted to find your comments this afternoon. I'm taking a break for lunch after walking Molly ... and have been visiting Heads or Tails participants this morning. It's challenging to keep up ... but fun to meet new folks and visit with familiar friends too. Hope you're having a wonderful week.
Hugs and blessings,
I have conversations by phone with my sisters in the oddest places (the bathtub for instance) and miss the one who is gone.
Reading and Gardening call me, too.
What a wonderful list! And it just keeps getting better, doesn't it!
Pamela – Hahahah … I do relate to this!!! I always crack up when I hear a toilet ‘flush’ on the other end of the cell phone line. Public restrooms are especially hilarious because they’re LOUD and echo ;--)
Karen – Thanks … and YES!!! I feel soooooo blessed to be living the life I lead these days.
Thanks to both of you for sharing your thoughts belatedly on my Fun Monday post. I had fun revisiting it this morning!
Hugs and blessings,
34 years as a teacher! Wow that's an accomplishment!
Lisa Marie – I suppose so. I really enjoyed every one of those years … and I love being ‘happily retired’ now ;--)
Hugs and blessings,
A close relationship with a dear sister, and a lifetime of memories from teaching = a life well spent! Toss in great friends for future times and it looks like you are living well.
Patience – Ah … yez, that I am! I almost missed your comment here but am delighted that I didn’t because I’ve just visited your last two Fun Monday posts and found them both entertaining. Thanks so much for visiting Small Reflections. I look forward to future visits to your blog.
Hope you’re having a wonderful week.
Hugs and blessings,
I love that your sister calls you from the mall. It sounds like you have such a wonderful relationship.
MPJ – Finding your comment here this morning prompted me to ‘revisit’ this post myself and that was fun … so thanks! As for our relationship, the only down side is that she’s so far away making ‘seeing’ one another challenging. My friends continually suggest ‘Skype’ … but we’d each need to either buy new computers with cameras (or attach cameras to our existing laptops) and she’d need to get over her ‘absolute aversion’ to using ‘electronic’ devices. I guess I’m grateful she’s willing to use the cell phone regularly.
Thanks for stopping by ;--)
Hugs and blessings,
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