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  • BLOG 188—The Wisdom of Joy and Play

    With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
    I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way.

    *** Remember, to read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
    *** If you are not my Facebook friend yet, please, befriend me.
    *** Thank you, my wife, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
    *** I was hit by two different trucks, one involving a 37-day coma.
    *** The happiness I am experiencing in my life is a marvelous thing!
    *** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
    *** Secrets to unfold and good news!

    BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
    ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

    ********************
    INTRO TO THIS WEEK
    In recent blogs, I covered subjects such as death and God. I want my blogs to be here to inspire and help you bring on a better life.

    A constant choice for each of us – to see the joy in life – or pain and difficulty. Look for and find the pleasure, joy, and happiness that is right there in from of you.

    A few ways to bring yourself the happiness you are looking for >>

    1 – Stop waiting to be happy.
    There are always new opportunities to find happiness. Imagine life is like a train station. You have happy times that arrive around the clock. Chances are the opportunity to be happy has already arrived. Sometimes it’s right in front of you; keep looking.

    No matter what is happening around you, you can feel happier, be more productive, attract success and enjoy yourself during the process. When you shift your focus and the way you think – your perspective changes. When shift happens, your life changes. So get your shift together.

    2 – Make your self-care part of your daily routine.
    Being able to take a moment for yourself to
    make changes is something we all need to do now and then. Taking a timeout to give yourself a moment of relief or relaxation is only part of the battle. We carve out time for happy hour, but it ends up being less than happy because you are thinking about the last couple of emails you didn’t get to be there.

    Learn to shine and make sure you’re not stressing about miscellaneous, small to-do’s while you’re trying to get them done. Get yourself sorted so that your “me time” can be as effective and joyful as possible.

    3—Stay in a joyful state of mind.
    A
    n overjoyed life is the best existence we can hope to achieve. It’s the kind of life that produces positive and feel-good energy, and it encourages us to look to the future with great dreams. True joy might seem like a fleeting emotion, even if you only feel it for a moment at a time, but you can hold onto it.

    4—Stop worrying.
    Happiness
    can be much like love, it can have mysterious ways. However, science and psychology tell us that brain chemistry alters emotion. But in order to activate those chemicals, we have to talk about habits first.

    There is a happiness formula that lies in changing thought patterns. Your thought patterns—what you do and think and say every day—determine how happy you stay. It’s got nothing to do with what’s around you, but everything to do with your thinkingyour inner voice.

    5Appreciate the small things.
    We all have them; those small moments
    that go unnoticed. What if we made it a habit to embrace and celebrate the little things? Real life is happening all around us while we’re waiting for the big thing we hope is going to give us some sort of inner peace, contentment or joy. Remember that all the little things add up to great things.

    6Stay around positive people.
    You must realize that happiness is an individual choice. And every choice is influenced by other people in our lives. If you change your life power for the better, you can dramatically increase your chances for happiness and success.

    I’ve found that positive social connection is the greatest predictor of long-term happiness and success. Welcoming a positive new influence into your world can be one of the most important choices for happiness you share.

    7—Laugh bigger and more often.
    As you would know, laughing makes you feel good. Try to think about the last time you really laughed. Bemused with all of our grownup responsibilities, we adults just don’t express mirth as often as we did when we were kids.

    Laughing can reduce stress, enhance immunity, improve blood flow and strengthen relationships. Bring laughter back into your life, if you don’t often enough. This will add so much to your life.

    8—Love more often with more people.
    A few Ideas about love >>

    Use words of affirmation.
    When words of affirmation are your love language, words build you up. Helping others is the way. You thrive on spoken affection, praise, encouragement, and compliments. Harsh words and criticism can bother you for a long time.

    Helping others.
    Anything that others do willingly to ease your workload is a sign of love to you. You feel cared for when your friend vacuums before you get to it or makes you breakfast as a surprise.

    Giving and receiving gifts.
    When you speak this love language, a thoughtful gift shows others that you are special. In contrast, generic gifts and forgotten special events have the opposite effect. This love language isn’t necessarily materialistic – it could be as simple as receiving your favorite snack after a bad day. Just care about others.

    Quality time
    Nothing says you’re loved like undivided attention from another person. When this person is truly present (and not looking at their phone), it makes you feel important. Failure to actively listen or long periods without one-on-one time can make you feel unloved.

    Physical touch
    Holding hands, kisses, hugs, and other touches are your preferred way to show and receive love. Appropriate touches convey warmth and safety, while physical neglect can drive a wedge between you and your partner.

    9—Find joy.
    See the world through a different lens. It’s the feeling of feeling completely in the moment. It’s being alive. As you can, enhance your overall well-being.

    You see, happiness has two factors. The first factor is life satisfaction, which is the sense that your life is going well (you are the one in charge of that.) The second is the experience of frequent positive emotions, which include pride, curiosity, enthusiasm, tranquility, and joy.

    10—Plan your happiness.
    We put money
    away.
    We take vitamins.
    We exercise.

    We hope these precautions will protect us as we age.
    But as we safeguard our money, bones, and blood pressure, we forget to safeguard the one thing that can make a difference in the quality of our lives as we get older: our happiness.
    Keep your joy and keep it growing throughout your whole life.

    LIFE IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME – ARE YOU KEEPING UP?
    ********************
    WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
    Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

    I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.

    Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

    I hope to inspire you with my words. Words have power.

    Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
    At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

    How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determines everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

    When you improve the quality of your thinking,
    you change the quality of your life—sometimes instantly!

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!

    You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

    To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, and to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

    Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

    Remember, you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind.

    Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.

    REMEMBER – Even if you start late, are uncertain, and/or different – YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!
    VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

    ********************
    I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT JOY INSPIRE YOU >>

    1. “Find ecstasy in life: the mere sense of living is joy enough.” Emily Dickinson

    2. “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. Henri Nouwen”

    3. “Go find your joy. Whatever that is, go find your joy. Are you going to have a good day or are you going to have a great day? Because it’s completely up to you.” Sandra Bullock

    4. “Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be filled with joy.” Anonymous

    5. “If you carry joy in your heart, you can heal any moment.” Carlos Santana

    6. “To have joy in your heart, one must know how to appreciate the small things in life.” Anonymous

    7. “Let your joy spring forth from within.” ATGW

    8. “Find joy in the journey.” Anonymous

    9. “Find out what gives you joy and do it.” Anonymous

    10. “Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.” Joseph Campbell

    11. “Joy is not in things; it is in us.” Richard Wagner

    12. “Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home. It’s your responsibility to love it, or change it.” Chuck Palahniuk

    13. “When we are centered in joy, we attain our wisdom.” Marianne Williamson

    14. “Joy is untouched by circumstance.” Anonymous

    15. “Find joy in the ordinary.” Anonymous

    16. “Joy; the kind of happiness that doesn’t depend on what happens.” David Steindl-Rast

    17. “Spread joy. Chase your wildest dreams.” Patch Adams

    18. “Learning to love yourself first brings more joy and peace than trying to love someone else.” Anonymous

    19. “The healthiest response to life is joy.” Mark Twain

    20. “Where there is love, there is joy.” Mother Teresa

    21. “It is not joy that makes us grateful. It is gratitude that makes us joyful.” Anonymous

    22. “Be committed to living in constant joy.” Pam Brout

    23. “She found joy and wonder in every little thing. And joy and wonder always found her.” Katrina Mayer

    24. “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Theodore Roosevelt

    25. “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think.
    When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” Buddha

    26. “Innovation comes from people who take joy in their work.” W. Edwards Deming

    27. “We can choose to live in joy.” Joseph Campbell

    28. “A joy that’s shared is a joy made double.” Proverb

    29. “When work is a pleasure, life is a joy. When work is a duty, life is a slavery.” Maxim Gorky

    30. “Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness, and self-control. To these, I commit my day.” Anonymous

    31. “A joyful life is made up of joyful moments gracefully strung together.” Brene Brown

    32. “Whether you know or not, you are the infinite potential of love, peace, and joy.” Annie Ray

    33. “If you can’t find joy in the path you are on and what you are working toward now, how do you expect to find joy once you get there?” Anonymous

    34. “When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.” Jean Shinoda Bolen

    35. “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” Russel M. Nelson

    STOP MAKING EXCUSES—YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE STOPPING YOU!
    COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
    YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

    ********************
    MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
    9/10—A Saturday. What a distinctive find—we came upon an Arrowhead Orbweaver spider. It was magnificent, as you see from the photo.

    9/11—Did not go to church again. Beth likes to relax on this day of the week, so I allowed her to do just that.

    9/12—Today, I put up my 100-gallon rainwater collector. I was surprised at how quickly this did save water. I also built a filter, and we drank to our heart’s delight.
     
    9/13—
    Off we went to get our wilderness fix. This much be accomplished at least once a week. Dorn Creek was our destination. Jemma did like this outing, much.
     
    9/14—Beth and I are a three-car family (actually, two vans and a car.) We saw that we did not really need the car, so I gave it a good cleaning and fixed it up.

    I guess I could have improved the car while we still had it. Strange to me that so many people will fix up a car or their house spectacularly when they are going to sell it. Why did they not do this for themselves when they lived in that abode?

    That is something that Beth and I do continuously, fix up and improve the home we live in. Do you do the same?

    9/15—A duck without a home, how terrible. We connected the person who was getting rid of the small duckling with the new home. We gave this little ducky friend a limo ride to his new home. Now all are happy.

    *******************

    YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
    Send Beth a birthday present.
    It occurs on September twenty-five.
    *******************
    NEXT BLOG >>
    We are getting new windows next week.
    You will learn more . . .
    *******************

    THIS WEEK,
    MAKE YOUR LIFE
    SOMETHING
    THAT YOU CAN
    WRITE ABOUT!


    0
  • BLOG 187—My Last Day on Earth?

    With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
    I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way.

    *** Remember, to read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
    *** If you are not my Facebook friend yet, please, befriend me.
    *** Thank you, my wife, Beth, for
    editing and adding to each weekly blog.
    *** I was hit by two different trucks, one involving a 37-day coma.
    *** The happiness I am experiencing in my life is a marvelous thing!
    *** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
    *** Secrets to unfold and good news!

    BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
    ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

    ********************
    INTRO TO THIS WEEK
    My last day on earth,” a statement that, if you keep in mind, you will appreciate and live every day fully. As we are getting older, more and more people we know are passing away (a nice way to say, Dead.)

    Just yesterday, Beth found out about two more friends who are gone from life. Upsetting for her, of course. And, my wonderful Aunt Ruth lived her last day recently. In 2014 I found out my mom died. What a shock it was for me; I never saw life without Mom.

    When I was younger, I never thought about death and dying; never thinking such a thing would happen to me. Death will eventually come to everyone; prepare now and, until then, live your life aiming to bring yourself as much joyfulness as you can. Finding joy in life is the key.

    Yes, the key is to bring as much joy as you can into your life for as long as you can; as you bring happiness to others, as well. I have seen so many that are so seriness and think they can’t even have fun in life.

    From my book series, Beyond Your Potential >>
    Changes. During some operations in the past, I was comfortably asleep under anesthesia and knew nothing, which is how I believe death will be; the long sleep and knowing nothing.

    Human life is a finite condition; death is imminent, which is a subject seldom discussed. PREPARE YOUR MIND.

    Have you thought about your own death?

    Or what you want to accomplish before that end result? Time to get to what you want to realize in the time you have left—NOW—while you are still alive?

    I have never believed in any of the gods that humans have developed. This idea of heaven and ending up there is a comforting thought, but that is not what will occur.

    Prepare now and live in joy for as long as you can.

    When recovering from injuries and serious setbacks in my life, At times, I have been quite upset about my losses. I did think about suicide at times—how easy it would be to just let go and “pass away.” I would no longer have to work or worry or suffer, and no more great tragedies would befall me.

    SUICIDE WOULD HAVE BEEN THE EASY WAY OUT.

    After thinking more about it, I saw that suicide was the most selfish and lazy thing one could ever do. You get relief, but all those who know you will suffer your demise.

    Beth says, “Suicide is not lazy nor is it selfish. It is one of the hardest decisions some people will make. Beth has known people who have taken their own lives and saw the struggle leading up to it. We must never judge another person’s experiences. It is a deep-seated fear and sadness that envelopes a person from which they see no way out.”

    Over the years, the idea of writing this book helped to keep me on track, and even kept me alive. Helping you through my thoughts became a new passion, and I had to make the time to finish this collection of words.

    Because of my major accidents, I lost some of my time and saw that we do have a limited time here on Earth. With the time remaining to me, I wanted to accomplish something that could help the human race, which is part of why I wrote this book.

    With advancements in medical technologies (which ultimately saved my life), humankind can live longer than we ever have. I was on the threshold of death a few times, but was kept alive; I had to keep going. If the doctors had “pulled the plug,” I may not be here today.

    I was told that if my first accident had happened five years prior to when it did, I would not have made it. When someone is in an irreversible coma, should the plug be pulled?

    DEATH IS THE ONE THING THAT SCARES MOST PEOPLE ON EARTH.

    In Western society, which is materialistic and progress-oriented, death is often ignored, not talked about, evaded, and denied.
    WE CAN’T COUNT ON ANYTHING IN LIFE —EXCEPT DEATH.

    Yet, wouldn’t it be a hard life if you went on living forever? It would also get quite boring, too, don’t you think?

    During my recoveries, I decided I wanted to do something to help people on this earth we live on. I once read a fabulous quote by Horace Mann: “Until you have done something to advance human life, you should be ashamed to die.”

    LIFE IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME – ARE YOU KEEPING UP?

    ********************
    WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
    Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

    I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.

    Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

    I hope to inspire you with my words. Words have power.

    Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
    At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

    How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determines everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

    When you improve the quality of your thinking,
    you change the quality of your life—sometimes instantly!

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!

    You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

    To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, and to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

    Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

    Remember, you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind.

    Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.

    REMEMBER – Even if you start late, are uncertain, and/or different.
    YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!
    VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.
    ********************

    I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT DEATH INSPIRE YOU >>

    “Death may be the greatest of all human blessings” – Socrates

    “How people die remains in the memory of those who live on” – Dame Cicely Saunders

    “Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them” – George Eliot

    “It is natural to die as to be born” – Francis Bacon

    “Death is the wish of some, the relief of many, and the end of all” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca

    “No one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow” – Euripides

    “Death, they say, acquits us of all obligations” – Michel Eyquem de Montaigne

    “The goal of all life is death” – Sigmund Freud

    “After your death, you will be what you were before your birth” – Arthur Schopenhauer

    “No one here gets out alive” – Jim Morrison

    “Nothing in life is promised except death” – Kanye West

    “I want to be all used up when I die” – George Bernard Shaw

    STOP MAKING EXCUSES—YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE STOPPING YOU!
    COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
    YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

    ********************

    MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
    9/3—Another week is here. Time seems to go so quickly; although time does not change, always the same, it is.

    9/4—Jemma and the cats are connecting better, she does not quickly chase after them anymore. I think I trained in that way; good to know.

     

     

     

     

    9/5—Jemma Saves the Day
    (Beth wrote these words.) We put our yellow-belly turtle, Tallulah, outside in the kiddie pool so she could sunbathe and swim the backstroke and have more room to exercise. Her 55-gallon aquarium is quickly getting too small for her. Or, she is getting too large for it.

    She’s going to need a pond, and that is on Kit’s “to-do” list. Normally we can leave her alone in the yard, as I have put a section of fencing over the top to contain her and provide shade. When I went out to check on her about an hour later, she was gone!

    I screamed for Kit.

    He came out, and we started looking over the yard. No signs of her dragging her body through the grass. No sign of her going under the fence; she is really too large to fit through any of the fences. We could be out here for hours looking for a turtle who blends in with the woods.

    I figured she was gone.

    But, Jemma could find her! Jemma can find anything.
    Kit called Jemma to come out and showed Jemma that we were looking for something and she needed to help us. (Kit speaks “Jemma).

    She went all over the yard, sniffing different places. She went outside of the fence and sniffed all along the bottom. When she got to the other side of the yard she stopped and concentrated on one area.

    No way Tallulah could have gotten over there. She must have crawled under another fence and through both dog yards to get to the other side. Kit said Jemma found something, and we needed to check it out. Jemma put her nose on Tallulah.

    Yep, she was exactly where she could not have gone.

    We came upon a delicate display of some glorious mushrooms.
    These come i
    n so many styles and tastes.

    Also, in the photo, you can find two small snails.
    Who will be the one to find them?


    9/7—Today, we went again to the morning meeting of the local group that gets together each week to talk and connect. I thought, since there was a kitchen there, we should all make a nice breakfast for everyone.

    Today was the day. Everyone brought something, I had made biscuits and gravy, which seemed to be a hit. Things went well as people consumed their morning meal. Looks like it will be an ongoing thing.

    9/8—Today, I finished building the two other above-ground gardens. Next year we are already looking forward to growing a lot of food. Did you ever build your vegetable garden area?

    Once again, here is how I build the above-ground gardens >>

    I make my gardens with free pallets I can get. I make these at a height so you can sit on them when they are built. So much fun to watch plants grow—yes?

    The process is to cut each pallet at 22 inches longways. Then I use 3-inch drywall screws to secure the pallets to each other – two on each side and one on each end. I use a staple gun to put plastic on all the insides of the pallets to hold the dirt in.

    Then, leave the bottom open for worms to enter your garden. Put cardboard down, in that it attracts worms.

    Then, green paint is applied to all sides. To finish them, I put on 2”x6” wood on top, which I stained beforehand.

    Start adding organic material – leaves, branches, old tree branches, tree trucks cut down, and materials like this. Later you add garden soil, and the stuff below will eventually break down and turn into compost.

    If you have any questions, let me know, and I will help >>
    kitsummers@gmail.com

    9/9—Cutting more bamboo today, I use this unique material for building and such. And, I cut up an old tree at Nancy’s to use for firewood this winter.

    You see, we are not going to depend on electric, water, or other services provided by the government.

    Things are getting shut down all over the earth.
    We will depend on ourselves and help you how we can.
    You may also
    want to plan and prepare in this way.
    *******************
    YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
    This week, look at your own life and upcoming death.
    Are you accomplishing what you want before your
    end?
    Look toward the future and make plans for your joyful approaching life.

    *******************
    NEXT BLOG >>
    Hmm—will we ever get out to the wilderness again?
    Stay tuned; it will be reve
    aled.
    *******************

    THIS WEEK,
    MAKE YOUR LIFE
    SOMETHING
    THAT YOU CAN
    WRITE ABOUT!


    0
  • BLOG 186—Water, Water Everywhere?

    With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
    I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way.

    *** Remember, to read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
    *** If you are not my Facebook friend yet, please, befriend me.
    *** Thank you, my wife, Beth, for
    editing and adding to each weekly blog.
    *** I was hit by two different trucks, one involving a 37-day coma.
    *** The happiness I am experiencing in my life is a marvelous thing!
    *** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
    *** Secrets to unfold and good news!

    BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
    ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

    ********************
    INTRO TO THIS WEEK

    You might say to yourself, “This could never happen here.”
    I just saw a story
    concerning Jackson, Mississippi—no running water! So, yes, you must prepare. Water is so very important to live, you can go without eating for weeks at a time, but with no water – you die.
    see >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2ZQ9aLnDZA&t=33s 

    The world is currently in crisis. Things look like they will be worse and worse. Plan and prepare now for upcoming changes. People will still help each other, no worries about that.

    Beth and I are always here to help you; turn to us to help if you need. If more people bring on this attitude we will all be alright with the changes.

    Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed people can change the world; indeed, it’s one of the only things that can help humanity. Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world. Be a part of helping.

    LIFE IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME – ARE YOU KEEPING UP?

    ********************
    WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
    Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

    I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.

    Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

    I hope to inspire you with my words. Words have power.

    Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
    At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

    How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determines everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

    When you improve the quality of your thinking,
    you change the quality of your life—sometimes instantly!

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!

    You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

    To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, and to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

    Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

    Remember, you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind.

    Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.

    REMEMBER – Even if you start late, are uncertain, and/or different.
    YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!
    VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.
    ********************

    I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ON WORLD-CHANGE INSPIRE YOU >>

    “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion for reaching for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman

    “I believe it’s time that women truly owned their superpowers and used their beauty and strength to change the world around them.” – Janelle Monae

    “I spend my life building the world I want to live in.” – Robin Chase

    “No one changes the world who isn’t obsessed.” – Billie Jean King

    “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall

    “Knowing what must be done does away with fear.” – Rosa Parks

    “We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.” – J.K. Rowling

    “You can make things happen. You’re in control of change.” – Dyllan McGee

    “I believe in change. I believe in the power it has to unite us and ignite us.” – Uzo Aduba

    “Women speaking up for themselves and for those around them is the strongest force we have to change the world.” – Melinda Gates

    “Every single person has the power to change the world and help people.” – Laura Marano

    “Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change.” – Shonda Rhimes

    “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai

    “The greatest danger to our future is apathy.” – Jane Goodall

    “Remember, each one of us has the power to change the world.” – Yoko Ono

    STOP MAKING EXCUSES—YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE STOPPING YOU!
    COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
    YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

    ********************

    MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
    8/28–Beth’s friend, Barbara, died a few days ago. As we are getting older, more of our friends and family are passing away. That is life, a short life, then death takes us. I have many things I want to accomplish before that end time, how about you? I will let Beth write her own words about her friendship with Barbara >>

    “Barbara Kuhn-Volponi and I grew up on the same street, just a house away from each other, when I was about six, and she was around 14.  I wanted to hang out with Barb and her friends, the big kids, so one day, I hurried out to be with them, but they had already gone. Many years later, this became our famous story, of the day she ditched me! She doesn’t even remember this day, but it had become one of our favorite funny memories.

    Throughout the years, we went our separate ways but stayed in touch off and on. This is the best kind of friendship because it lasts forever. Well, until someone breaks the pact and dies. Barbara was with me through a terrible divorce, bankruptcy, two major moves, and more.

    I drove to PA to pick her up and bring her to SC when she struggled with severe depression. Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery, and she loved it in SC. That’s when she and her husband decided to move here, to be near me, and my former husband. We did everything together. In 2015 their son drove down to move them back to PA, as their health had been declining. It was time for them to be near family.

    I believe that she died of a broken heart and not a stroke, that reportedly caused her death.  When your heart breaks, it leads to other health matters. Barb and Randy,  her husband of over 30 years, were inseparable. They had a deep love for each other that most couples only dream of. Randy passed away suddenly one year ago in September.

    I realize that people die, but it is difficult when it’s someone close to you, and you certainly didn’t expect it. Appreciate the family and friends that you have in your life. You just never know.

    I think that after many years of choosing unwisely, I have found the person that will stay with me through everything, bad and good, for the rest of my life. I can only hope that Kit and I will be as loving and caring as was seen with Barbara and Randy. I will miss her forever.”
       
    8/29—I worked
     on my rainwater collection system. One is set up, and it collects 50 gallons of rain. The level of contamination in the water collected was less “bad” than in our faucet water. In the future, I will build a filter so that the rainwater will be excellent to drink.

    As you know, a person cannot live without water. With all the changes and difficulties in the world, this is a great way to ensure you do not run out of H2O.

    The rain coming down from the sky is essentially clean, although, to drink it, we will put it through a filter, turning out very clean drinking water. Water is one of the basics of life, I am glad to be able to save the rain.

    Here is about the rain collector we bought >>
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MKN5XL6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

    I first bought a 50-gallon barrel. We are waiting now for the 100-gallon rainwater container, which is on its way. I was surprised at how much water ends up in the 50-gallon container; 100-gallons will be plenty to last us.

    I built a stand for each rain collector. Each stand is about five feet tall; that way, the water is gravity feed, down and out of the faucet. You can also buy a small pump to get the rainwater out. Using an “L” bracket, I secured each stand to the house.

    When rains come, so much hits the roof and funnels collectively to the gutters. Say, we get a small rain of one-half inch. The roof is such a broad area, once the rain travels to the gutters and there is so much!

    8/30—My facial hair grows quickly. As you know, I decided to shave the entire beard off. Well, today, I decided to let it alone again. When I am clean-shaven, I have to shave twice a day. When I have a beard I only do a trim about once every two weeks, which I do like better.

    Yikes, I guess I was playing where I shouldn’t have been.
    I’ve come down with a bout of poison ivy—Very itchy.
    Hoping it’s not
    Monkey Pox (although, I did desire a banana this morning.)
    Wishing it will clear up soon.

    Today Beth and I stopped by Bikes and Boards in Greenwood.
    https://www.bikes-and-boards.com/
    or
    https://www.facebook.com/Bikeman203

    The owner, Coleman, is very friendly and helpful; he talks to you like you were one of his family. He runs an excellent bicycle business. And, he is looking into opening a restaurant, too.

    We will be visiting in the future, for sure.

    8/31—Boulder, here I come? Cindy Marvel owns and runs the Boulder Circus Center, where the juggling festival occurs. She invited me to come out, but pretty much at the last minute. Yet, I wanted to go to present workshops to help jugglers. See >>
    https://sites.google.com/view/boulderfest
    and
    https://kitsummers.com/juggling-workshops/
    and, here is Cindy >>
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar96b_z-yVY

    But then, overnight, I thought about the long drive—1500 miles in two days then the same number of miles on the return. Remembering that I had been driving all over the country and getting that traveling itch again, I was on my way. I hope I did not disappoint Cindy too much by not coming.

    But, I am m
    arried to Beth now and have a new life. With my many projects at home and the time I would have to divert to driving, I thought it would be better not to go at this time. And, being married less than a year, I would miss Beth, much.

    Perhaps next year we can both go?

    As far as water, I am seeing that water will start to become hard to come by. I am finding ways to collect and use water safely and easily. You may want to do this, also? Personally, I usually only use about one gallon when I shower.

    So, speaking of projects, I am looking at the back of the house and seeing I can make it into our paradise; I will be building and improving all. For paradise, you must have water. I discovered this rainwater collection thing; it’s great!

    This waterfall is a nice shot of water. 
    I took this photo during my travels.

    To see about the rain barrel >>
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MKN5XL6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

    THE 100-GALLON BARREL HAS ARRIVED!

    Right now, I am setting up the 100-gallon rain collection barrel in the front of the house, mainly to use to water plants (my four vegetable gardens are out there.) The 50-gallon will be collecting rainwater in the back of the house to use for drinking water and for showering.

    Yes, you read that correctly, drinking and showering with rainwater? The rainwater can be used to directly water the plants and shower our bodies; it is clean. I am building a filter to produce clean/good/safe tasting water for us to drink.

    We have no near neighbors, and the back of the house is just woods. So, I will be show
    ering naked to the world (no peeking, you.) I will be setting up curtains or something for Beth so that the bears will not see her.

    I was wanting to have a company come and check out the grounds to put in a well, oh well; that is so expensive, and the rainwater collection is so easy and will provide us with more water than we need.

    How about you? Is this something you could set up at your home? Always, you are welcome to come over here to use our outdoor shower. If you have any questions or need help, let me know, at 610-400-3233.

    9/1—September, already?
    Also, I am so surprised it is already Thu
    rsday – again.
    Time to get this blog out to you, again.
    Do the words add to your life?

    9/2—Working much of the day on my water-collection system.
    Rains are coming; we must be prepared.

    And, I have been juggling!
    I can juggle 3 balls once again—very smoothly.

    *******************
    YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
    Look into what it would take for you to insert a rain barrel into your home—
    What would it take?
    How much would it cost?

    *******************
    NEXT BLOG >>
    My rain barrels should be set up, and we begin to save water.
    I will let you know.

    *******************

    THIS WEEK,
    MAKE YOUR LIFE
    SOMETHING
    THAT YOU CAN
    WRITE ABOUT!


    0
  • BLOG 185—I’m Just Getting Started

    With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
    I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way.
    *** Remember, to read past blog posts,
    go to >>
    kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook,
    check out my blog on my website.
    *** If you are not my Facebook friend yet, please, befriend me.
    *** Thank you, my wife, Beth, for adding to
    my weekly blog.
    *** I was hit by two different trucks, one involving a 37-day coma.
    *** The happiness I am experiencing in my life is a marvelous thing!
    *** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
    *** Secrets to unfold and good news!

    BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
    ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

    ********************
    INTRO TO THIS WEEK
    In thinking about life, I’m always thinking–
    “I’m just getting started.”
    Having this in mind
    keeps me young.
    There is so much that life has to offer.
    Not wanting to turn into an “adult”.

    To be a good writer you must do a lot of reading.
    In reading today I came upon a word that is strange to me.
    Crazy
    to me that, “whatsoever”, was made a word. Whycouldn’tthisalsobemadeaword?
    Once again, the English language is a strange creature.

    Not a lot happened this week, yet, I hope my words inspire you. Love and caring are such important things in life. I hope you are finding enough love for you.
    ========================
    From my book series, Beyond Your Potential >>

    Love, is so important in life, toward others and yourself.

    As I was coming back from various changes in my life, there were times when I became angry with myself; self-blame, and such. But, I knew I had to count on myself and like myself.

    Each of us is the one we have to like the most and be the friendliest with (although, I like you a lot, too.) I’ve known people who have never even spoken to their next-door neighbor. Others walk through a store, passing hundreds of people, and not once make eye contact or say “hi” to someone they pass.

    So simple to be pleasant, to acknowledge someone in a friendly way, but there are so many of us who do not. I BELIEVE THE FRIENDLIER WE ARE TO ONE ANOTHER, THE BETTER A WORLD WE WILL LIVE IN FOR ALL OF US.

    Love and passion are words that are often used together. When you bring on true love, I believe we need to bring on passion and make this person the most important in life.

    I love you, Beth.

    Many people do find this passion, but, after time, they allow it to slip away. I’m not just writing of a lover in our life; I mean we have to make people important enough in our life to bring on this passion of love.

    Right now, I am writing about friendship-love, romantic-love is a different thing. We can have many friendship-love relationships over time. I think the more that everyone can have of this sort the better the world will be.

    The more friendship-love you can bring into your life, the happier you can be in life. This friendship-love, for many people, is the only love that sustains and protects them through disasters, accidents, and bleak times of desolation.

    Remember, the more love you show, the more love you get.

    LIFE IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME – ARE YOU KEEPING UP?

    ********************
    WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
    Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

    I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.

    Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

    I hope to inspire you with my words.

    Words have power.

    At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

    How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determines everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

    When you improve the quality of your thinking,
    you change the quality of your life—sometimes instantly!

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!

    You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

    To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, and to get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

    Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

    Remember, you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind.

    Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.

    REMEMBER
    Even if you start late, are uncertain,
    and/or different.
    YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!


    VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.
    ********************
    I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS INSPIRE YOU

    “Love each other and help others
    to rise to their higher levels, solely
    by spreading love. Love is contagious
    and has great healing power.”
    Kit Summers

    STOP MAKING EXCUSES—YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE STOPPING YOU!
    COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
    YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

    ********************

    MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

    8/22—Today I worked on the rabbit hutch, which is in the 10×10 previous dog kennel. So, this is a hutch I built that is inside a big kennel. We put Clementine in the new hutch, she can be very mean with other rabbits, so, she is alone in the cage.

    A strange thing, Clementine pulled and used her fur to build a nest for babies! We
    know of no way she could have become pregnant, but she is acting like a momma. We will let you know the outcome later.

    8/23—Curious today. We had the TV on and Jemma was actually watching. The show was something about dogs, with some dog sounds. We just found it very unusual that this happened. Have you ever seen something like this occur?

    You can watch this about dogs and TV >>
    https://theconversation.com/amp/heres-what-dogs-see-when-they-watch-television-65000

    Where our house is there is much nature, having a forest right behind the house. Today we came upon a bright green spider, it was magnificent.

    You can see, in the photo, the spider is in my hand. In my research later, I learned that this spider is quite poisonous, whoops. No, I did not eat the spider and get poisoned, and the spider did not bite me to poison me.

    You can learn about the orchid spider here >>
    https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=Venusta-Orchard-Spider

    8/24—We met Nelson recently, who sharpens chainsaws; ours needed sharpening, so that is how we met. I had just made some, so I brought him some of my salsa.

    It ended up that he likes hot, so I made some of my hot salsa and, also, extra hot. He and his wife were cooking up Mexican for dinner, so, perfect timing.

    8/25—As you can see from the photo, our plants are not doing very well. Something is eating them all up! But, then again, our flowers are doing quite well. I would rather not use any harsh chemicals, any ideas? Then I thought about next year and how I will put netting over the garden.

    I’ve been practicing my juggling!
    Things are going smoother and even-textured. My brain to hand connection has been ins
    ufficient, but I am pushing and seeing improvement. That makes me happy.

    8/26—It’s already Friday, again!

    I love living here. Looking out my office window I see our front yard and garden. Then, twenty feet out I see the small road to Don and Teresa’s (our only neighbors.) Then comes their fence and the horse area beyond.

    Weeded the flower bed for Bethie, mainly because I am such a great husband.

    =====================
    I finished
    building the last of the current gardens I am constructing. As you know, I make these with free pallets I can get. I make these at a height so you can sit on when they are built. So much fun to watch plants grow—yes?

    The process to build the garden, which you can do, too, is this >>
    Using six pallets, measure and cut each of the six at 22”. Then I use 3” dry wall screws to hold the
    six pallets together.

    Next, I
    use a staple gun to put plastic on all the insides of the pallets to hold the dirt in. Then, green paint is applied to all sides. To finish them I put on 2”x6” wood on top, which I… stained beforehand.

    If you have any questions about the pallet garden or the rainwater collection,
    give me a call, and I will gladly help >> 610-400-3233.

    Because of all the major changes currently in the world, we all must prepare for a different future. I am hearing (and seeing) that it will become difficult to obtain food to nourish ourselves. I am preparing now; Beth and I will grow our vegetables and feed ourselves.

    Along with that, I just ordered a 100-gallon holder for rainwater. Already there are places where it is becoming difficult to find H2O, so I am preparing. I already installed a 50-gallon container; it fills very quickly
    in rains and is always full.

    I built a five-foot stand for the rain collector to sit on so that the water can come out with the pull of gravity. You place the stand next to one of the downspouts of one of the gutters on your house. Then, you cut and place the downspout into the rain collector.

    We will use rainwater to water the garden. Later I will make and hook up a filter, so we can drink the water. We checked it, and the rainwater is already safe to drink.
    ===================
    Across the way, the horses have such a vast area to find grass to eat and hang out. About once a day, they come to the fence, right in front of me, and wait for me to bring out a treat. Usually, carrots, which Jemma eats, too.

    YA-AAH!–Today happens to be National Toilet Paper Day!
    I was so looking forward to this day (although I just found out about it.)
    Not sure how to celebrate, oh shit.

    https://nationaltoday.com/national-toilet-paper-day/
    For your comedy enjoyment >>
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qfl51opTNS8

    *******************
    YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
    This week, show love to at least three others and become their friend.
    It will be good for you, and great for them.

    *******************
    NEXT BLOG >>
    Hmm, Labor Day this week.
    As usual, I will be working on the many projects I have.
    I guess I celebrate the day – by working?

    *******************

    THIS WEEK,
    MAKE YOUR LIFE
    SOMETHING
    THAT YOU CAN
    WRITE ABOUT!


    0
  • BLOG 184—Summertime is here!

    With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
    I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way.

    *** Remember, to read past blog posts,
    go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook,
    check out my blog on my website.
    *** If you are not my Facebook friend yet, please, befriend me.
    *** Thank you, my wife, Beth, for adding to
    my weekly blog.
    *** I was hit by two different trucks, one involving a 37-day coma.
    *** The happiness I am experiencing in my life is a marvelous thing!
    *** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
    *** Secrets to unfold and good news!

    BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
    ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

    ********************
    INTRO TO THIS WEEK

    Last week I wrote about seldom hearing from people (you?)
    I heard from a few, enough to let me know to keep publishing my weekly blog.

    Thank you, Tommy.
    Merci, Larry
    Çox sağ ol, Betsy.
    Спасибо, Jenny.
    Vielen Dank, Lee.

    To name a few. I see that my words present help to some people. That is enough for me.

    Summer time is great with the nice weather, as you know. In my travels all over the US, summer anywhere is magnificent. Living with Beth in McCormick, SC, the summer is comfortable, not too hot.

    From my book, “Beyond Your Potential”

    For my juggling, for my recovery after going through a 37-day coma, and for other efforts in my life, I had to stretch to reach a higher level. I don’t believe this ability is something I was born with; this is something that anyone can develop.

    Reaching for excellence and not being satis
    fied with mediocrity is a
    part of my life. No matter what your life is like, stretch toward the
    excellence how you can; don’t be satis
    fied with less.

    IT’S UP TO YOU
    Many of us have not learned to tax our full potential; we are operating way below our capacity. You cannot just wait for the good things in life to just fall in your lap. You have to realize that you have a choice! Good or bad, you are responsible for the way your life is.

    MAKING PLANS
    To reach toward my juggling excellence, I would push myself hard, having fun simultaneously. We have to work at stretching our capabilities to the fullest. You must have a strong drive toward accomplishment; you must value achievement and strive toward it.

    Stretch your capabilities to the limit. I am sure that everyone has the power to stretch themselves to accomplish and expand their horizons. Plan for advancement.

    DANCING ON PEANUT BUTTER
    Planning our life and time carefully was something I think I learned as I planned with the advancement in my juggling. So many people seem so busy, yet they are getting nowhere.

    They seem to be running on peanut butter, moving fast; yet not getting anywhere. Sometimes people are taking the least resistant path in life and not taking chances and calculated risks. To get ahead in life, we have to stretch beyond our controlled comfort zone.

    RIDE YOUR BIKE
    A good example of stretching toward excellence is bicycling. I used todo a lot of riding. When I go on training rides, I ride steadily and hard for a long distance. Then I pick a point ahead of me half a mile away.

    I push myself as hard as I can go in reaching this spot. Usually, I get to my chosen spot and then keep pushing as hard as I can to go further.

    Then I can look back and see where I really went. Stretch and get away from the mediocrity of life. This shows me that we are usually better than we think we are. Prepare for quality.

    BE READY
    People do not prepare for the bad—or the good. I think this is one of
    the major reasons so many people don’t learn and accomplish more. They often are not prepared for changes—for success, or for failure.

    As a performing juggler, I found that I had to be ready for anything. An agent could call and say to be somewhere the next day. The performing place might be anywhere, on a stage, on the street, in the dirt. I found that life was like this also.

    We have to be flexible. On our way toward excellence, we have to work with the changes and not against them. Expect excellence; it is right around the corner.

    PUSH
    I “expected” success with my juggling, with my recovery, with my books, with my salsa.

    Many people live their entire lives never pushing themselves toward excellence and success. They just go through life living day to day and let things happen. These people are just surviving in their life: getting by. They do as little as possible toward achievement, just enough to get by on.

    They don’t see that by putting in just a little extra effort, we can get back so much more, by putting in a lot of effort, well, you couldn’t imagine. You see, it is only those who have gone too far who know how far they can go, surviving
    the hardest situations, at times.

    We never get beyond survival: you must start beyond it. I continue to push to this day. I work toward stretching myself beyond where I think I can go.

    THE LASER BEAM EFFECT
    As you know, at a young age, I decided to become a juggler. I didn’t want to be an average, mediocre juggler; I wanted to be the best. After this decision, I stretched myself to be the best. I focused on that and that alone.

    This focus I learned through juggling has been used in other aspects of my life as well. When you focus like a laser beam on one thing and find out how good you can become, it adds much to your life. This laser beam can even shine through blocks in your life. Turn on your light, find your laser beam.

    TRY AGAIN
    On your path to success, you will
    find blocks and things that come up. In my book, Juggling with Finesse, I wrote, “In learning juggling, don’t think of a drop as, “Oh, &%}*, I dropped,” but think of it as “Oh good, I get to try again!”

    Life is the same way.

    When we make a mistake, or something goes wrong, learn from what happens and think, “Oh good, I get to try again.” Seeing life in this way can help us through the difficult parts (and there are many). Just keep working your path toward excellence. Remember, winning isn’t everything, but the will to win is.

    Reach for more; you will be surprised at what you can obtain.

    YOU CAN DO MORE
    Yes, we can accomplish much more than any of us thinks we can. Some athletes (and jugglers) of ordinary ability have enough belief in themselves to make them champions. This has happened in many
    fields of sports. These people don’t let negative thoughts control their actions.

    They have learned to push themselves beyond what they “think” they could achieve. People seemed amazed at the level I reached with my juggling, but I never felt it was advanced; it was just what I did. Somehow pushing myself was a natural occurrence for me, but I know it can be self-taught, too. You can go beyond being
    mediocre and achieve amazing results.

    LIFE IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME – ARE YOU KEEPING UP?
    ********************
    WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
    Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

    I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.

    Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

    I hope to inspire you with my words.

    Words have power.

    At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

    How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determines everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

    When you improve the quality of your thinking,
    you change the quality of your life—sometimes instantly!

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!

    You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

    To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, and to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

    Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

    Remember, you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind.

    Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.

    REMEMBER
    Even if you start late, are uncertain,
    and/or different.
    YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!


    VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.
    ********************
    I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT SUMMER INSPIRE YOU

    Our Earth had donned her mantle of the brightest green and cast off her richest perfumes for us. It was the prime and vigor of the year; all things were glad and flourishing.— Charles Dickens, “Oliver Twist”
    ===
    Oh, the summer night has a light smile, and she sits on a sapphire throne.
    — Bryan Procter, poet

    ===

    Rest is not idleness, and to sometimes lie on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.
    — John Lubbock, politician and scientist
    ===
    I almost wish we were butterflies and liv’d but three summer days — three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain.
    — John Keats
    ===
    All in all, it was a never to be forgotten summer… one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends, and delightful doing, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world.
    — Lucy Maud Montgomery, author
    ===
    Summer afternoon — summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.
    — Henry James
    ===
    And so, with the sunshine and great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.
    — F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The Great Gatsby”
    ===
    Summer was our best season: Sleeping on the back screened porch in cots or trying to sleep in the treehouse; summer was everything good to eat; it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape.
    — Harper Lee, “To Kill A Mockingbird”
    ===
    In summer, the song sings itself.
    — William Carlos Williams
    ===
    In the summertime, when the weather is hot, you can stretch right up and touch the sky.
    — Ray Dorset, musician
    ===
    Summer passes and one remembers one’s exuberance.
    — Yoko Ono
    ===
    The beauty of that June day was almost staggering. After the wet spring, everything that could turn green had outdone itself in greenness, and everything that could even dream of blooming or blossoming was in bloom and blossom. The sunlight was a benediction.
    — Dan Simmons, author
    ===
    Summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people… You can be grateful and easy, with no eyes on you, and no past. Summer just opens the door and lets you out.
    — Deb Caletti, author
    ===
    Summer has a flavor like no other. Always fresh and simmered in the sunshine.
    — Oprah Winfrey

    STOP MAKING EXCUSES—YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE STOPPING YOU!
    COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
    YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

    ********************

    MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

    8/1316Nothing much to write about on these days. Hope you had wonderful days. Jemma loves to play with water — as you see.

    8/17—Today, Beth left to visit North Carolina (about 200 miles) to see her parents and sisters. I was away for two days; that is the only time we have been apart. Got a new lawn mower today. You know that I hate grass, I will be weeding it out and be planting edible things. 

    8/18—Beth and I have been together nonstop, pretty much for a full year. We have developed such closeness and love; it is wonderful. We are both very happily married now.

    8/19—When I have projects, I often have no idea how to achieve the result. Today it was building a rabbit hutch. I started and did not know how I would build it, but it turned out well, which makes me happy.

    For you, you just have to start. Things will fall into place as you go.

    *******************
    YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
    Do you know your neighbors? It makes me sad that many live their lives not even knowing the people who just live next door. This week, make three new friends, people who live near you.
    *******************
    NEXT BLOG >>
    You will see a clean-shaven Kit next week.
    Beth has only seen me with facial hair.
    Hope I don’t scare her too much.

    *******************

    THIS WEEK,
    MAKE YOUR LIFE
    SOMETHING
    THAT YOU CAN
    WRITE ABOUT!


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