What A Difference A Niece Makes...

The week of Thanksgiving brought the last of the trees shedding their leaves. Those blustery winds sent the leaves helter skelter. Emily was put in the bucket along with leaves gathered up to be carried out to the street for pick up by the city. We had fun scooping, throwing and playing for a while. Then it became serious business to just get it done... it gets dark so early now.

I miss the colored hues of the fall leaves, and dread the cold winter weather. The only thing that keeps me going now is the joyous thought of SPRING !

I am THANKFUL for Emilys' playfulness...

What A Difference A Kitten Makes

Meow... please welcome little Belladora. She is a sweetheart of a kitten who loves me unconditionally; this I know from the lick of her sandpaper textured tongue on my face each morning. (It's a bit of a painful wakeup call, but does the trick.) The other cats have adapted well and love her playfulness.

As you can see Bella is entranced with the computer; she has composed emails all on her own!

I am thankful for my new family member !

What A Difference A "Girls" Weekend Makes

It is very important to keep that connection with girlfriends, especially when they were at one time related to you. Holly was my sister-in-law; we are no longer "related" but find our friendship endures all. Holly, Judi, Emily, Mary and I recently spent a long weekend up north at the Hunt Inn (a property Holly and I formerly owned in partnership together). It was a wonderfully relaxing and exceptionally enjoyable weekend. Yes, we are a bunch of silly women who just love being together.

I am thankful for the "sisterhood" of friends...

What A Difference Halloween Makes

I love Halloween; it's always been my favorite "Holiday". More than likely it is because I have a severe sweet tooth, however the decorations and colors of this event do intrigue me and draw me in. Black cats, orange pumpkins, the dark of night contrasted with the glow of purple, white, yellow, and orange lights. It is a fun time of year when you can play pranks on people without them getting too agitated!

I am thankful for those who are creative and take the time to "BOO" others...

What A Difference Deanna Favre Makes!

Deanna Favre recently published a book titled "Don't bet against me! Beating the odds against breast cancer and in life". No, I've never had breast cancer but I do know several women who have had this tragic illness impact their lives, or lives of loved ones. The morning of Saturday, October 13th, I was one of many hundred people in line at the "Family Christian Store" in Appleton Wisconsin. I'm not one who usually waits in line for much of anything, however I made the decision quite easily to wait in line for Deanna Favre to personally sign a copy of her book... for me.
She was only there from 10 a.m. to noon, and only signing books for the first 300 people in line. I got there by 9 a.m. to hopefully make sure I'd be one of the 300; I was number 125! The line moved very slowly; Deanna was taking time to personalize the books with special notes for those battling breast cancer, or breast cancer survivors. While waiting in line I struck up conversations with those around me and found out it is a small world indeed. The 3 hours I was there in line reminded me that patience truely is a virtue, and God brings messages to us in unexpected ways. The time invested was well worth it. Deanna spoke kind words of encouragement to me as she signed books which I will lovingly be "gifting" to others.
I am thankful for the wonderful opportunity to meet Deanna Favre, I was able to personally thank her for all she does for others!

What a difference the love of a BROTHER makes!

Without the watchful eye of my brother I'm not sure I would have tolerated my surgery and hospital stay. When coming out of surgery/recovery I was blessed to have my mom (Clara), brother (Jeff), his significant other (Gail), and my good friend (Sue) there to validate I had indeed made it through. The surgery was late in the day and took longer than expected so these valiant troopers spent hours waiting... and waiting. A good many of the days (and nights) post surgery are hazy to me and blend together. I do remember many a morning (or upon my waking) that my brother was in my room, peacefully watching me or just sitting there reading something. I remember many evenings he was the last one there, again, to tuck me in and kiss me good night. When I couldn't talk, he spoke to me or encouraged me with a tender smile. On one of the occasions when I actually was able to carry on a conversation, late at night, we talked about my dad. We reminisced about how ill he had been at the end of his life, and what a good patient he had been during his many illnesses and hospitalizations. I was really trying to be a good patient, modeling myself after the patient I had watched my dad be. I confessed to my brother that I hoped my dad was looking down upon me and hoped he was proud of my efforts.

I am thankful for the gift of a compassionate, giving brother. I LOVE him very much.

What a difference SURGERY makes!

In late June I found out that I had a GIST tumor (gastro-intestinal stomal tumor) in my stomach, which needed to be surgically removed. The beginning of August I underwent major surgery which removed the tumor, upper third of my stomach, and one inch of my esophagus. Thankfully, the tumor was benign. My family and friends have spent the past two to three months following my "story". There are many things which come to mind as a result of this learning experience. Here are my top two:

Past life experiences have forced me to "take charge" and "be strong":

• You can only imagine my distress when things started happening in my life which seemed coincidental, things I couldn't control, things I didn't really want to happen.
• I found myself unsettled and unsure.
• Through the first six months of this year I have slowly but surely given up control of my life, realizing that I don't need to be in charge.
• While choices are sometimes placed before me... God is in the drivers seat.
• I have found that God is an excellent driver and I welcome him as my "chauffeur".

This surgery was a gift in many ways:

• It made me slow down and be more soulfully reflective
• It made me take a deep breath and thank God for so many things
• It made me realize for the first time that there are many, many people who care for me
• It made me realize how much I am loved

I thank God for those challenging life experiences he has placed (and will continue to place) before me. Although often painful, these experiences have nutured me to grow in so many ways!

What a Difference A Happy Mother Makes :)

Last fall my mother had this "vision" of wanting a Yellow VW Beetle. Well, the whole idea laid dormant until winter had passed. She didn't want to be driving a new car in the Wisconsin snow!

April found my mom and I venturing out to do some car shopping. Lo and behold we stumbled upon a 2006 USED vehicle. While it wasn't Yellow... this buttercream version was even classier. The whole shopping, decision making, negotiating, all the way through to the final sign on the dotted line "it's yours" was quite an adventure. Yes, my brother put his saintly patience hat on and stepped in to take the lead (thanks little "Loren").

Last week my mom took delivery on her "BEETLE". It was a memorable event; the story will be told over and over within the family. Here is my mom with Roy, the wonderful salesman who worked with her!















I am thankful that everything fell into place so that my moms vision became a reality!

What A Difference Running in Honor of A Friend Makes...

SOLE BURNER - May 2007 Race Results

Race/Walk day dawned a bit cool and breezy (which is actually good run/walk weather)! This is the first year I've been able to participate in memory of my friend Kathy; typically I work the Saturday before Mothers Day.

Yes, I could have walked but I decided it was more appropriate for me to RUN. While running I found myself remembering Kathys' positive attitude during her illness, and the fact that she almost never complained no matter what trauma she went through. She ENDURED all. So... it was a bit emotional for me (eventhough it's been 5 years since Kathys' death). I thought of how easy it is to run downhill (Lawe Street) with the wind at our back; I thought of how hard it is to run uphill (Drew Street) with the wind in your face. The correlation to life and illness are obvious to me. Don't take life for granted, embrace the day and be thankful. Yes, be thankful for your health. In an even stranger sense, be thankful for your struggles.

RACE RESULTS: There were 366 women in my age group who participated in the SoleBurner. I am proud to say that even though it was slow going for me up the Drew Street hill (yes, I confess I walked the hill, and there were times during the race where I was slowed down as my eyes filled with tears which then rolled down my cheeks) .... of the 366 women I came in 43rd.

I am thankful that Kathy was there in spirit cheering me on!

What A Difference A Vacation Makes !!

FINALLY... a vacation! During late April, early May my mom and I flew out to Maryland to visit my sister. What a wonderful getaway from work and my normal humdrum daily routine. We traveled to "St. Michaels" on the Chesapeake Bay for a day.



Most often we were off to Annapolis, as it's close to my sisters' house. Here are a few of the many front doors of Annapolis historic homes which participated in the "MAY Day" contest. The owners of the homes/businesses in the historic area place fresh flowers on the front door/home and are judged.

I am so blessed to have had this time with my mom and sister; even more importantly I am THANKFUL to all family/friends who helped take care of my cats so that I could have this time of relaxation...

What a Difference Easter Makes

This year Easter found me breaking out of a historical pattern I've followed for many, many years. Typically I host the family Easter gathering/meal at my house. This year I did not spend Easter with my family, and no meal was served at my house! It's time for allowing new experiences to happen; this year Easter was a blessing in disguise.

I am thankful for the invitation of a new friend and the heartfelt welcome of her family ~

What a Difference A Kitten Makes

The week before Easter found me cat sitting for "Pooh". Isn't he just adorable?

Yes, although I have three cats, Pooh would be more than welcome in my home. I almost "catnapped" him. Pets are such a comfort, they welcome you when you arrive home and love you unconditionally (of course the fact that we "feed" them might have something to do with it!).

I am thankful for the companionship and affection which pets bestow upon me ~

What A Difference A Month Makes

It has been over a month since I blogged anything so I have a lot of catching up to do! During the month of March I spent a wonderful stamping/scrapbooking weekend in Wabeno Wisconsin with a bunch of wacky women (that's a "wssw" in "ww" with "ww"). To see the attached photo album click on the link here http://picasaweb.google.com/bygore/WabenoTrip

I also got to spend a day with my sister traveling to the state Capitol in Madison. This day was capped by seeing sights that triggered memories of my father. Let me explain; growing up my dad always encouraged us to study hard and apply ourselves. He pointed out that if we didn't get a good education we would "end up working at the Octopus Car Wash". This Appleton business was closed many years ago. Lo and behold, guess what my sister and I found in Madison??? An Octopus Car Wash...

And even better yet, we passed a "Spence" Motel (my fathers last name). I am convinced that he was traveling with us on our trip, you see my sister had a job interview working for the State of Wisconsin and my dad was looking down from above with a nudge to ensure our journey was a memorable one.

Last but not least, I had several interesting discussions with God during the month of March :-) wouldn't you like to know what they were about...

I am thankful for Warm Wonderful Memories !

What A Difference Family Makes

Another blog about how important my family is to me.
I thank God every day for their presence in my life.

What a Difference Welcoming Faces Make

Here are new friends who have welcomed me with open arms as an "Impact" Youth Group volunteer.

I celebrated Valentines Day 2007 with about 150 youth as a volunteer serving dinner which consisted of Penne Pasta, Red Sauce, Caesar Salad, French Bread and last but not least dessert. One of my tasks was supplying the 150 cupcakes! Needless to say it's a good thing I like to stay up late and bake.

I am VERY THANKFUL to Gail and Mom for taking on some of the baking to help me out!

What a Difference a Handy Man Makes

I am thankful for the talented carpenter who gave me a "mud room"...

Under Construction

My back hallway got a facelift the week before Christmas; final touches were complete late in January. To see the step by step, up close and personal, whole picture photo album just click on the picture above "Under Construction".

What a Difference an Uplifting Setting Makes

I am thankful

for peaceful moments during hectic days

While attending my recent LEAN training I had the opportunity to take short breaks in a wonderfully peaceful setting. A real baby grand piano was playing, water trickled down a beautiful marble wall, and soft lighting abounded. My favorite was the saying pictured on the sculpted stone wall... From His heart shall flow streams of living water

What a difference EDUCATION makes

Long time NO blogging! Sorry life is hectic here in my little world; 2007 has certainly started out with similarities to a pressure cooker. I confess some of it is self induced as I love being busy. I spent a full week being educated by instructors from Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) in every aspect LEAN. These long sessions totally saturated and wore out my brain. After 5 days of 7:30 am to 5 pm the real kicker were the 5 tests I had to take. The second and final week is scheduled during February. The crazy thing is that I absolutely LOVE learning this interesting approach to business.









My cube before the "5 S" process

My cube after the "5 S" process (shocking isn't it!)


I am VERY thankful to work for an employer who supports further education; who gave me the opportunity to particpate as a part of the first group to learn the concept and methods of LEAN.

What A Difference My Faith Makes

While I don't make New Year resolutions, I do believe it's important to set goals. This means having an inkling of what steps are necessary to reach each goal. Following that thought pattern I confess that I have tried to "plan" out the path of my life.













Joseph Campbell said "We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." I am letting go of old visions of what my life should be, and opening myself to the possibility of a life I've never imagined.

I am thankful for the influence of God in my life; my goal is to follow the path he is waiting to lead me on ...