COUNTING DOWN TO THANKSGIVING

As we countdown the days to Thanksgiving, I thought that I would share a story or two. We all have our holiday stories buried somewhere in our memories. Well this one places me in my hometown, Glen Allan, Mississippi many years ago. Anyway, my Mother short of taking me across her knee really chastised me upon discovering that I had not taught my daughter, her namesake, the basic essentials of cooking. I remember her words to this day when she said, "It's a down right shame for a woman in our family not to know how to cook!" You see during my daughter's adolescent years, I was extremely busy balancing corporate and entrepreneurial duties that we ate out a lot! For those of you who were building careers, you know what I mean; right? So off to the drawing board, the two Phoebe's (my Mother and daughter) went! "You and your Grandma are going to cook Thanksgiving dinner together baby girl. I will show you the ropes so pay close attention," my Mother told her. Excitedly, my daughter spent the next two days with her iPad writing recipes and cooking side by side with her Granny. Word spread around our diminutive town that "Little Phoebe was cooking Thanksgiving dinner." Many town folks came over to see and taste the feast. Drumroll please … Well the meal turned out perfect and my daughter has been cooking ever since...thanks to her Granny! My Mother stepped in and picked up the pieces. That's why God gave us the extended family (It does take a village) to help where we may fall short.

OUT ON A LIMB

By Vernalee

Are you out on a limb? Are you out there by yourself when everyone else is comfortably relaxing/sitting down in their Lazy boy recliners? Why? May I ask or is it none of my business?

Being out on a limb typically places you in a difficult, vulnerable position where you lack support. It's not a desirable position and can pose great risks. Oops, watch it; be careful that you don't fall! I just made an interesting observation: No one is facing the risks but you! Amazing, isn’t it? It's not the best way to learn survival techniques, but if you are out there, it will definitely teach you a lesson or two. Prevention and minimizing risks may be several lessons learned. Falling is certainly not a desired outcome. Injuries (both physical and emotional), are bound to occur if that happens. Balancing yourself on a skinny limb will also show you who’s on your side, whose not; and who (if anyone) will be there to catch you if you fall! Hopefully, the answers to those questions will illuminate before your very eyes. Who might it be; who will be your catcher/great protector? Hmm. A penny for your thoughts! Will you come up short? Hopefully not! People that you thought that you could count on and who would be there for you no matter what - can disappear with a blink of the eye! We learn as we live! The worst case scenario is that the hard ground will catch you ... bruises and all ... if all else fails. In the future, let’s limit our exposure! Better yet -Not putting yourself in risky situations depending upon others to assist should be considered.

Walking on solid ground is a better choice knowing that your well being starts with you. It’s safer too!

Photo credit: www.eespeaks.wordpress.com

POINTING FINGERS

By Vernalee

Are you pointing your finger again? "It's always somebody else's fault." I know that you have heard that quote before! It's so easy to see other folks' faults and mistakes. Strangely, you never see yours! Don't sweat it! When you point your finger at someone, three fingers are pointing back at you! Statistically, the three fingers pointing at you outnumber your one finger pointing to someone else! Bingo! Maybe, that should be a clue! Finger pointing usually occurs when one is judging, or "pointing" out others' mistakes. Some folks just can't wait to "point" out the negatives! Never once have they offer assistance to help the person make the wrong - right! It's not fair to be so critical/judgmental of others without examining yourself. Agreed? My Momma "checked" me years ago. She said, "You betta stop pointing your finger and judging other folks. Who told you that your hands were completely clean?" C'mon now! If you can point, you can help! Helping hands are always better than pointing fingers!

Photo credit: www.twitter..com