tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633747117384408512024-03-12T22:20:00.923-04:00Make a Joyful NoiseSuzi FischerSuzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-22759120576544843292020-12-29T23:15:00.000-05:002020-12-29T23:15:21.856-05:00Olivia Newton John<p>It's been a long time since the 80's and I certainly don't claim to have the vocal range or acrobatics that I did back then...but with that being said, I have had the best bit of nostalgia tonight. Singing these songs were so satisfying. Healing you might say.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auKiPHBa9b0" target="_blank">Olivia Newton John has a concert on YouTube that is My Jam! My songs to sing. 80's style.</a></p><p>And while I was singing down memory lane I discovered something. These songs that were so vocally satisfying to sing and dance to, were also very meaningful to me at the time of my young adulthood.</p><p>I think I can give all three of my children their own Olivia Newton John song ... from me. Here goes:</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMMD2txDjTw" target="_blank">For Holly: "Falling"</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH0xkurSnlo" target="_blank">For Ivy: "Silvery Rain"</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiGwXt82wqU" target="_blank">For Sam: "Sam" </a></p><p><br /></p><p>Why I chose these songs. Well, I think they will know.</p><p><br /></p>Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-23484165349817531142019-04-15T17:43:00.001-04:002019-04-15T17:46:07.410-04:00Jesus in the Grocery StoreI'm sharing this. Goodness.<br />
<br />
While standing in the line at the grocery store I read the message on the woman's shirt in front of me. It was written on the back of her t-shirt. The man in front of her could not see it. It read "You may be the only 'Jesus' some people see".<br />
<br />
This made me smile.... to think that someone has a shirt like that, wore it, and probably because they wore it and had it, also believed it and made it happen. We are a reflection of Him.<br />
<br />
And then to my delight, the man in front of her turned around and offered for her to go in front of him. He had a full cart, and she had just one item in her hand to purchase. The smile on his face as he offered was sunshine. I smiled because it was a reflection of the shirt on her back. He offered, she declined politely, he offered again, she declined politely.<br />
<br />
Now, me.... he looked at me and said "Will you go ahead? Please be my guest." I laughed and shared my findings of sentiment and what I was currently witnessing. Exactly as Jesus planned. Exactly how we are to treat each other. I responded by saying, "Yes! if that is what you want, I would be happy to go ahead and relieve my arms, full of groceries. Thank you!"<br />
<br />
As I was checking out, the man emptied his cart and proceeded to the cashier too. I joyfully said to her, "Please be good to this man, he is kind". His responding smile and joking instinct was quick to reply, "Not me....I'm not that nice." My response?<br />
<br />
Thank you JESUS!<br />
<br />
<img alt="Image result for you may be the only jesus" src="https://ctl.s6img.com/society6/img/DfaPTWlSn3uCk42jKZPbT9wTWsw/w_700/prints/~artwork/s6-original-art-uploads/society6/uploads/misc/d883b47583c74e50a6f1f87404d7dca9/~~/you-may-be-the-only-jesus-some-people-see-jesus-prints.jpg" /><br />
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<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-57959214445827088292017-11-16T16:47:00.002-05:002020-12-29T23:41:54.760-05:00waiting.....I'm waiting today...like yesterday...like the day before....<br />
<br />
It can be difficult. I'm waiting to hear some news that will catapult me into the next phase of my life.<br />
I am waiting to hear about a job that will cause me to make a move to a new town. Currently I am in a temporary state, not in a home of my own. But, still welcome, and with family.<br />
<br />
I am so very blessed to be in the place I am. No complaints. Just waiting to hear.<br />
<br />
It sounds selfish I guess. There are so many people who don't have a warm and dry place to do their waiting. I'm blessed yes I am.<br />
<br />
<span class="exdous" face=""Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif !important" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #23221f; display: block; font-size: 16px; margin: 16px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><a class="verse-dropdown" data-cont="<a data-verse="'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." data-verse-title="Jeremiah 29:11" data-translation-id="524454" data-toggle="modal" data-target=".tools-modal" href="#">Tools</a><div><a href="/Jeremiah/29/11">Verse page</a></div>" data-hasqtip="3" href="https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Jeremiah/29/11" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #39547f; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">Jeremiah 29:11</a></span><br />
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'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.</div>
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Praise God in all that I do, say and think.</div>
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Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength.</div>
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Lord, make me a worthy candidate for this call to serve You.</div>
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<span face="Open Sans, Arial, Century gothic, sans-serif" style="color: #23221f;"><br /></span></div>
Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-69491927442002079152017-11-03T21:14:00.002-04:002017-11-03T21:14:13.336-04:00Make it Easy!I'm sitting at Starbucks and listening to the lyrics of a song :<br />
"Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy".<br />
I'm not particularly fond of the other lyrics to this song but this phrase just caught my ear.<br />
<br />
Lyricists are amazing communicators.<br />
It's very difficult I'm sure to open your heart up so everyone on the planet can look inside you and know what you are feeling at the time you are writing the song.<br />
<br />
I've heard that the Bee Gees write the music to a song first and then let the music dictate the lyrics. It just comes to them because of the way the melody moves. That has always fascinated me.<br />
<br />
I'm going to try it....really....how many times have I said that?<br />
I'm a church musician so it should be easy...right? I sing and play worship songs.<br />
Glory to God. Praise and worship Him. Jesus saves. I love the Lord with all my heart.<br />
<br />
If I were to write a song I would try this method:<br />
<br />
Pray to God that He speaks to me in this moment<br />
Open the Good book (bible)<br />
Read the Word and know what it means<br />
Say or sing it in a rythm<br />
Re-write and Re-word<br />
Let it settle<br />
Record it<br />
<br />
Make it Easy!<br />
<br />
I'll let you know how it turns out......... :)<br />
<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com0Dayton, OH, USA39.7589478 -84.19160690000001139.5637908 -84.5143304 39.9541048 -83.868883400000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-42170257851296371902017-10-03T15:10:00.001-04:002017-10-03T15:10:14.520-04:00SilenceLet's just say that God is good all the time.<br />
<br />
Because I believe that to be true with all my heart, I constantly look to find the words to comfort my friends, family, strangers or anyone who has lost a child.<br />
<br />
In my own life, no matter how tough it gets I am able to make sense of the way God is working for my good. It's not always happy circumstances and is sometimes hard to swallow, but still I've reached a point in my Christian maturity to know that He has a plan for my good. The Light (Jesus) at the end of the tunnel is eternal life with Him, my family in Him and joy everlasting. But how to put that into words for immediate comfort to someone who has lost a child I don't know. Maybe it's ok to be silent. Maybe I have to allow silence in Him to do the work. It's always the wise one in the room who sits in silence.<br />
<br />
Wisdom isn't for us to have. Wisdom is for us to use. It is a gift that God displays through us.<br />
If I'm so lucky to have it, I am humbled and wish to use it wisely.<br />
<br />
Here we will sit in silence to appreciate God's glory in all that is, even the children who have gone early to see Him.Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-85413499850962552452016-11-16T10:23:00.002-05:002016-11-16T10:23:19.637-05:00"I MUST SAY!"Well, hello. Peace, joy and love to you. It's been since March of 2013 since I last posted. I purposely did not read my past posts so that I wouldn't be influenced by them. But today I am drawn to write. I think partly because of the current government state, but also my own personal state. Here goes...<br />
<br />
What I am is a person who likes structure and good order. I learned that as a child growing up in the home of a military father. He passively led us into good order by making it seem like any task was for the good of the cause. Like doing the dishes or weeding the garden. If you don't do it now, then tomorrow there will be more dishes to do or there will be more weeds to pull....the grass will still be there but only longer if you don't mow it...etc. Passing the chore on to the other siblings wasn't an option because they had their own work to do. So responsibility was big in my house. Do it. Just do it. Don't complain, don't put it off, just do it.<br />
<br />
As a child the "just do it" philosophy was easy because there would be a consequence at the end if the job wasn't done. As an adult, however it's more difficult. WHY? My dad is gone to live with Jesus and my mom who was the enforcer is also there with him. I'm on my own....my own accord....my own thoughts and my own excuses. My tasks have changed now that I'm an adult. I'm no longer talking about the chore type tasks...those I have a handle on...but the task of making decisions that will effect my life. That's it.<br />
<br />
I'm in discernment. I'm in decision making mode. I absolutely know and accept that God is in charge. But me, as a preparer and plan B'er to cover all the bases person, I have to explore all the options. Here we go...I realize as a Christ follower and Child of God that no matter how much I prepare and no matter how much I explore my options, God is in charge. I also know through many experiences that God has a sense of humor and isn't afraid to use it on me. LOL!<br />
<br />
So there. I just talked myself into letting go. Let Go and Let God!<br />
<br />
Pray for me bloggers. Pray that when God speaks, I am ready to listen and accept.<br />
And I will pray for you.Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-20100157989707739812014-01-02T22:36:00.000-05:002014-01-02T22:36:03.714-05:00Here I AmHere I am.<br />
I knew I would be here. This is where I would find myself.<br />
I knew it a long, long time ago. And yet, I just found out.<br />
This is where I should be. Meant to be. Will be.<br />
I am here.<br />
Here I am.Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-52335281841937164262013-03-09T09:13:00.002-05:002013-03-09T09:18:12.468-05:00I See Squirrels!I need squirrels!<br />
<br />
This morning for example:<br />
<br />
Coffee... eggs... news... desk... computer... facebook... e-mail... open blinds...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">SQUIRREL!</span><br />
<br />
He/she scurried over the top of neighboring fences as if there were no balancing act to perform... no worries or cares... only one thing to accomplish:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Get the Nut and Scurry back.</span><br />
<br />
My walls of solitude are necessary, yet sometimes stifling to achieve the creative outcomes for my job. Balancing the cultivated craft with productiveness takes fine tuning and can be at times inactive.<br />
<br />
I'm choosing to<br />
Be Distracted!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I See Squirrels! </b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/bustle" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana;">bustle</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana; position: static;">, <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">dart,</span> </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/dash" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana;">dash</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana; position: static;">, </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/dust" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana;">dust</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana; position: static;">, </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/fly" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana;">fly</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana; position: static;">, </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/hasten" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana;">hasten</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana; position: static;">, <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">hop</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">along,</span> </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/hurry" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana;">hurry</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana; position: static;">, </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/race" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana;">race</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana; position: static;">, </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/rip" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana;">rip</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana; position: static;">, </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/run" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana;">run</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana; position: static;">, </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/rush" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana;">rush</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana; position: static;">, <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; position: static;">scamper,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">scoot,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">scud,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">scutter,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">scuttle,</span> </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/shoot" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana;">shoot</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana; position: static;">, <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">skim,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">sprint,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">step</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">along,</span> </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/tear" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana;">tear</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana; position: static;">, </span><a class="theColor" href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/whirl" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana;">whirl</a><span id="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4e51; font-family: verdana; position: static;">, <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; position: static;">whisk,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; position: static;">zip</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-30142346794622712032013-03-06T16:17:00.002-05:002013-03-06T16:17:26.819-05:00You Don't Define MEEveryday I say out loud to the world ... "You Don't Define Me"...<br />
"I Define Me".<br />
<br />
It's a reminder to myself that my reaction to people in this world is my own choosing. My choices are mine.<br />
<br />
It helps me to not be codependent. It helps remind me of who I am. It helps me be strong for my kids. It helps me to be a better follower of Christ, knowing that Jesus is my Savior.<br />
<br />
HE defines me. He makes me strong. HE helps me when I'm troubled. HE is my Refuge and my Strength.<br />
<br />
I am nothing without HIM.<br />
<br />
Go into all the world. Be disciples. Be strong. Be DEFINED.<br />
<br />
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<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-23736011680945400632013-03-04T12:14:00.000-05:002013-03-04T12:14:02.459-05:00April's Coming!Cari from <a href="http://www.bubblegumonmyshoe.com/" target="_blank">BubblegumOnMyShoe</a> has gently reminded me of the April A-Z challenge for Bloggers.<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to it. Last year around this time the challenge was made to any and all bloggers to -blog daily using the Alphabet for inspiration-...one letter per day of April. I guess we could skip weekends or something like that to make the number of days match the number of letters in the Alpha, but whatever. It was fun, challenging and admittedly a bit quirky on some people's part. Coming up with a subject matter for all the letters A-Z is draining. Check out my <a href="http://suzifischer.blogspot.com/2012/04/z-toilet-brush.html" target="_blank">"T"</a>.....and yet somehow I managed.<br />
<br />
So...I believe a t-shirt or something was promised by my host <strike>Cari </strike> but I'm not naming names who promised it...or was that another challenge she put out. The bubblegumshoe mom is a great <a href="http://www.bubblegumonmyshoe.com/2013/01/so-i-just-took-down-my-xmas-tree.html" target="_blank">motivator</a> I'll give you that! I was too embarrassed to admit I hadn't taken down my Christmas Tree (really...click on her link... but she <a href="http://www.bubblegumonmyshoe.com/2013/01/so-i-just-took-down-my-xmas-tree.html" target="_blank">motivat</a>ed me to do it. It's possible that out of town company coming (namely she who shall remain nameless and photo-free on the World Wide Internet) had something to do with it too. December through the end of February is long enough to look at twinkle lights on the evergreen in the middle of the living room.<br />
<br />
Thanks for the motivation to start blogging again Cari.<br />
<br />
<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-24246661820888166122013-01-16T06:04:00.002-05:002013-01-16T06:04:27.875-05:00BOLTQrEEuueeeEEK.<br />
<br />
Noises are scary.<br />
When the noises are attached to your car...even worse.<br />
<br />
The brakes on my car are giving me grief...it's nothing to ignore. The thought of having them go out while driving down the highway is very scary. On Saturday each time I touched the brakes it made the QrEEuueeeEEk-ing sound. The drive-through attendant at McDonald's tried to diagnose as well as she could but was forced to give up her analysis because the next order was up. I guess I needed to go to a professional. Maybe someone who was going to charge me a lot more than I can afford but probably a little more detailed and accurate in their opinion.<br />
<br />
Luckily there is a place that gives free estimates. With the free estimate there is usually a round of "this-that-and-the-other-thing" diagnostic talk. Mostly I don't understand the jargon unless they show me the evidence. This time I did. The brakes were rubbing on metal and the "hot spots" were causing the trouble. I needed new brake pads, rotors, and oh....there's a bolt missing.<br />
<br />
Bolts are important. I didn't always realize how important...but now...yep. Gotta have one...right there!<br />
<br />
So I said to myself (and the garage guy) can we replace the bolt?<br />
<br />
$900 is not something I have laying around...but maybe a bolt is?<br />
<br />
Thank you Mr. Mechanic. For putting the bolt right where it belonged. My dashboard lights are not constantly flashing anymore and the brake noise has stopped.<br />
<br />
Today the car is not so scary to drive.<br />
<br />
BOLT<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="221" data-width="228" height="221" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTrJ6fKumqrm-A6VNJf4-JMBTaz3wHx2x6ldDJfHDi3gFO7YXmi" style="height: 221px; width: 228px;" width="228" /><br />
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<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-49074750518896318172012-11-23T19:51:00.005-05:002012-11-23T19:51:44.667-05:00gym class ~ dumb thingsI was thinking about some of the dumb things gym teachers used to make us do in gym class. Maybe you called it phy ed...but whatever you called it...make no mistake, it was sometimes silly and dumb.<br />
<br />
Like this physical impossibility for example...we were graded on whether or not we could sit on the floor and lift our bodies off the ground by putting our hands on each side of our body, and push up. As a result we should be able to lift our feet off of the ground and hold.....for however many seconds the teacher deemed was enough.<br />
<br />
Sorry teacher...not gonna happen : )~<br />
<br />
Here's the thing about physical fitness...only if your arms are longer than your torso...will you be able to accomplish this task. People with short arms, like me, no matter how hard I tried...my arms were simply not longer than my torso. I have short arms. Yes, it looks odd, but still I am who I am. The teacher would coach, cheer, push, lift the feet and drop the feet....but still could not see that my arms were just not long enough. What's up with that,.. gym teachers?<br />
<br />
I have short arms. ok?<br />
<br />
How can I stretch my arms?<br />
<br />
There is a super hero that stretches..Stretch Armstrong. Remember him? I'll have to check out what he eats..maybe I can adapt my physicality.<br />
Yeah, kinda like that. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2Xc023wVaM2aqpvH33hDSoDL4wkVvEbk-jpMYaVld59WWfflgbAa29G3GdYAOEysl8GosZPj-Y3V8cIvNMf7DLLny9sl-z06tls93YgKsXR4Eol6CR0uwazJUDHUDc2pkdmbs_4wWHfq/s1600/stretch-armstrong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2Xc023wVaM2aqpvH33hDSoDL4wkVvEbk-jpMYaVld59WWfflgbAa29G3GdYAOEysl8GosZPj-Y3V8cIvNMf7DLLny9sl-z06tls93YgKsXR4Eol6CR0uwazJUDHUDc2pkdmbs_4wWHfq/s1600/stretch-armstrong.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">borrowed from google images</span></div>
<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-37468065873408702612012-11-12T11:37:00.000-05:002012-11-12T11:37:52.165-05:00too many OPTIONSI've noticed that when I have too many options...I can't<br />
"think straight".<br />
<br />
What's up with "thinking straight"?<br />
<br />
"Think straight" is an unusual term. It's the same thing as being<br />
"in focus".<br />
<br />
Am I "in focus"?<br />
<br />
"In focus" is a photography term. It is an easier adjustment physically. You can't just 'will' the subject into focus. You need to manually turn a lens which doesn't include digital<br />
"automatic settings".<br />
<br />
"Automatic settings"...when did this happen? Was it around the time that ADD meds were invented? The<br />
"quick fix".<br />
<br />
Is there such a thing as a "quick fix"?<br />
<br />
Slow fixes are better. They last longer than quick. The journey is more interesting along the way. The danger in slow fixes are that they have a potential of getting sidetracked.<br />
"Sidetracking" is not good when you want to<br />
"think straight".<br />
<br />
too many OPTIONS.<br />
<br />
<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-11947280131842143292012-09-15T21:54:00.001-04:002012-09-15T21:54:14.516-04:00How Cheap Am I?I like the word cheap!<br />
<br />
Some people think I should use the expression "in-expensive" but really I'm O.K. with the word "Cheap".<br />
<br />
I feel a challenge in the word cheap, like I've been hunting for something and wouldn't stop to buy it until I was satisfied with the price...or else I wouldn't buy it at all. That kind of makes me finicky or persnickety too. I'm O.K. with these nomenclatures as well.<br />
<br />
It took me two trips around the pharmacy section to find exactly the correct product for the correct price...but I did it. And, yes...it did take a longer time than it could have..and no, I wasn't in a hurry. I didn't have any children pulling on my purse strings either. I'm alone in my shopping time and I have the luxury of spending as much time and energy as I want to on one item's hunt.<br />
<br />
Want to know what I bought? Here's my purchase of the day:<br />
Instead of the usual liquid soap (by the 64 oz container) I purchased a two pack of bar soap, 88 cents, which I cut into slices, forced those slices into the old liquid soap pump bottle and added water. Ta-da! I'll have some great liquid soap that will last a really long time because I'll just keep adding water until it stops producing bubbles.<br />
<br />
Great idea right?<br />
<br />
p.s. I should add that there are recipes out there using glycerin, and boiling water, shaving your bar soap etc.....I don't care. I'm too cheap for that. Extra added time, energy and added products are not my style. Simple is better. This method works fine for me.<br />
<br />
What is your cheap trick?<br />
<br />
<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-68356429128164710492012-09-06T22:42:00.000-04:002012-09-06T22:42:29.673-04:00No Finger FeelingThis is a very hard blog to write, physically.<br />
<br />
Two of my fingers have been asleep for 3 weeks now.<br />
Left hand...pinky and ring finger.<br />
<br />
The doctor said she's pretty sure she knows what's wrong and has put me on prednisone for two weeks to reduce the swelling. I think she's probably right...it's a nerve.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is my follow up apt. She'll let me know then what we will do..I'm so ready to be done with this.<br />
<br />
Here is a list of things I can't do because I have no feeling in my fingers:<br />
<br />
Type, play the- piano, guitar, or accordion.<br />
<br />
arggghhhh this is crazy...<br />
<br />
FINGERs......PLEASE WAKE UP!Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-2453995337774118712012-08-23T21:29:00.000-04:002012-08-23T21:29:11.887-04:00Happy Birthday Card.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vkxtjRcJ3Ds?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For you Brother.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Suzi</div>
Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-85416584629362385842012-08-11T20:49:00.004-04:002012-08-11T20:51:03.309-04:00Long Story......Longer....I like to tell stories...<br />
<br />
I like to tell long stories. I don't know - how NOT - to make a long story short. In fact I've been known to tell a long story and let you think I have come to the end of the story, but then just as you think it's over....I'll give you one last surprise ending.<br />
<br />
This is one of those.<br />
<br />
So as not to repeat myself, this link will take you to the beginning of this story by way of modern technology.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=863374711738440851#editor/target=post;postID=1778142700386137365" target="_blank">(click here for long story)</a><br />
<br />
Now...for today's added edition:<br />
<br />
Alice (from the last story) invited me to view her watercolor entry at a local art gallery. I was happy to oblige and as it turns out...she is a very talented painter. I highly recommend her work..but I digress, her painting is not what this blog is about.<br />
<br />
To further support Alice and the art gallery I purchased 2 raffle tickets, one for me and one for my friend Colleen. The painting, that was to be raffled, was a superlative watercolor of a beautiful 'bouquet of flowers'. Very beautiful. Alice was pleased that I had purchased my tickets from her and thanked me and said "Now I can turn my tickets in" as if I had just made my purchase under the gun. I told my friend the story of how Alice and I met, and we both pondered what God's plan was for bringing this lovely lady into my life.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Colleen and I said our goodbyes at the gallery by jokingly saying to Alice "Please let us know if we win". We left the gallery and continued on to our next destination, a friend's consignment shop, which is in the next town over. We spent an half an hour enjoying the gorgeous antiques and menagerie of unusual and unique collections that she has on display. At the end of our visit we were trying to decide where to go next.<br />
<br />
My cell phone interrupted us... It was someone from the art gallery.<br />
She said "You Won the Door Prize! would you like to come back and pick it up?"<br />
<br />
WOW! I won! I was so excited!!!!!!<br />
<br />
Colleen and I made a quick stop at my favorite bakery (c'mon it was only a block away from where we were) and then headed over to pick up my Beautiful-New-Watercolor. Where should I hang it? I have never had anything so special. I guess I knew exactly where to put it. I have a huge open spot in the middle of my dining area wall....just waiting for this...I guess. We thought it was just too perfect. I couldn't believe I had won.<br />
<br />
We entered the gallery....I walked up to the reception area...I announced..."Hi, I received a call, I won the door prize" :).<br />
<br />
The smiling lady said "here you go" as she reached behind her to get the 1' tall box lying on the floor. She handed it to me stating "it's a butterfly house".<br />
<br />
"Huh?" said I.<br />
<br />
"Yes, the door prize is a butterfly house" she said as she smiled happily for my win.<br />
<br />
"O0h, I thought I won the painting" said me : (<br />
<br />
LAUGHTER from the crowd...was all my ears could hear. .."That drawing isn't until NOVEMBER! ~sigh~ "she thought she won the painting".<br />
<br />
I guess the lesson here might be....don't expect to know God's plan. He's got it under control....<br />
or<br />
God has a sense of humor!<br />
<br />
............<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdA9aO3p75Yx6kweN49sl-MtuuJNxsyHluAfaPsqB9KtbBlKmvNnRxTxpPor304-qf1ncrZQMHbv1Ip9shRFWiRRLKFOwRs_r82bUCeDpurfI5GZg5OCOJQL9QfnYGM7VCvdOaD3q_Jjh/s1600/butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdA9aO3p75Yx6kweN49sl-MtuuJNxsyHluAfaPsqB9KtbBlKmvNnRxTxpPor304-qf1ncrZQMHbv1Ip9shRFWiRRLKFOwRs_r82bUCeDpurfI5GZg5OCOJQL9QfnYGM7VCvdOaD3q_Jjh/s320/butterfly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Anyone want a Butterfly House?</div>
</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Directions: Put the house 3ft off the ground, in a sunny spot...near a bush that attracts butterflies.</div>
<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-79388292409830667562012-06-30T21:14:00.002-04:002012-06-30T21:14:47.722-04:00Eat Bad..Eat GrapefruitI've been doing a little experiment with my food lately.<br />
<br />
Specifically Grapefruit.<br />
<br />
I have found that grapefruit is the "un-do-it" food.<br />
<br />
For example: When I eat something that's not particularly good for<br />
me...like brownies for example...I undo the harm those nasty brownies<br />
are about to do to my body. I eat a grapefruit. Simple Right?<br />
<br />
I already know that eating a grapefruit is a major contributor to my<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">inflammation</span> problem. It seriously helps that nasty old inflammation stay under control so that I can go on with my daily routine.<br />
<br />
Today is the 3rd day in a row that I have not eaten a grapefruit, and now my knees are more painful than they were yesterday. eek..I've been neglecting the grapefruit. Bad me.<br />
<br />
I'm living proof that grapefruit is the way to less inflammation and a serious way to diet for those who are interested in losing weight. Why? I go back to the un-doing method.<br />
<br />
Eat Bad, Eat Grapefruit. Don't Suffer, Lose Weight.Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-66122186651042747952012-06-29T14:50:00.003-04:002012-06-29T14:50:56.771-04:00Pop goes the swimsuit!It seems impossible that in the matter of one week I could have gained 20 lbs!<br />
<div>
Thusly it also seems impossible that I have lost 40 pounds since May.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn't...really!!!! I'm sure..... It's totally the difference in scales.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, I made a pan of brownies to take to a Bunco Game and yes,...I did eat some </div>
<div>
of the afore mentioned brownies...but nooooooo way did I gain 20 lbs. This is what the </div>
<div>
scale at the fitness center is trying to tell me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For this reason I am going to list my <b>top 10</b> ways to tell that I have <b><u>lost weight</u>.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">PROOF of WEIGHT LOSS</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
10. My flip flops don't fit anymore. They slide around on my feet (yes, I lost weight</div>
<div>
in my feet!) to the point of the thong going in-between the wrong toes..(sometimes</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
it's annoying but mostly just kind of fun to play around with).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
9. Every pair of pants fits better or I've had to take-them-in (that's slang for sewing the seams</div>
<div>
to make them smaller).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
8. The dress I used to need to wear a girdle with..looks just fine without the girdle! Yay!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
7. I am no longer ashamed to go sleeveless. This is also good news for keeping cool in the<br />
recent 100 degree weather spurt.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6. Men are opening doors for me. And even starting to look in my direction. (it has<br />
been a while since that's happened).<br />
<br />
5. I think, and this may just be wishful thinking, but my own children are respecting<br />
me more. I really think it's because they're proud that I'm getting my act together<br />
and doing something instead of just being a couch potato.<br />
<br />
4. I can cross my legs...put my tennis shoes on...and tie them without feeling that my<br />
stomach is bulging into my esophagus while cutting off all air flow and circulation to<br />
my face. yay!<br />
<br />
3. Sucking in my gut results in a flatter looking gut. (Now I just have to tone, tighten,<br />
sculpt and tan. lol!)<br />
<br />
2. I can carry the laundry basket up and down the steps without my knees giving out. Big Yay!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3ux820kTL4Zd8GOgmlpuTDZONnQEXN-Tuupc3Pw_O5Jt1Q8VbpOd9ri0_aTG0RVaSLtBWSfhwIMYg6k9VTDRmOiw29cW1JMa_0koYL4qgT7CvgNiRBHwfBKGJWSij5hBbFU1EiYxbjIK/s1600/Weight-Loss-Tips-ABC-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3ux820kTL4Zd8GOgmlpuTDZONnQEXN-Tuupc3Pw_O5Jt1Q8VbpOd9ri0_aTG0RVaSLtBWSfhwIMYg6k9VTDRmOiw29cW1JMa_0koYL4qgT7CvgNiRBHwfBKGJWSij5hBbFU1EiYxbjIK/s200/Weight-Loss-Tips-ABC-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
1. And finally, I have lost enough weight to create a slag in the back clasp of my swimsuit<br />
resulting in it's ability to un-clasp while exercising. Embarrassing yet rewarding<br />
at the same time.<br />
<br />
I'm excited to keep this journey afloat. <i>No pictures until I'm ready for them. </i></div>Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-37916573804152925032012-06-21T09:37:00.001-04:002012-06-21T09:37:23.113-04:00Liebster!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3pLBV4tARQiZzEmiXGQfe6BV3RztciHXqmKzJ_b2N4weZW6mCB_-peVVgnLlZpQmZs1Fm9m6_1jqZxxSBX22Cf-DIcMEDL4OoSM4ryQtYsR0gvZZD5Ey7iHL63m-piqhcqrjqW09l4AE/s1600/Liebster_Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #155463; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3pLBV4tARQiZzEmiXGQfe6BV3RztciHXqmKzJ_b2N4weZW6mCB_-peVVgnLlZpQmZs1Fm9m6_1jqZxxSBX22Cf-DIcMEDL4OoSM4ryQtYsR0gvZZD5Ey7iHL63m-piqhcqrjqW09l4AE/s200/Liebster_Image.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(191, 153, 111); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Thank you MareBare for the gift of the <a href="http://adventuresintheballpark.blogspot.com/2012/06/liebster-schmiebster.html" target="_blank">"Liebster Blog Badge"</a>.<br />
<br />
I love the word Liebster. The German meaning is <i>LOVELY</i>.<br />
<br />
I'm honored.<br />
<br />
I have to say...German speak is part of my heritage. I just spent<br />
a week with <strike>meine Liebster Tante</strike> my Lovely Aunt Gladys, and my<br />
incredibly awesome little sister on <span style="background-color: white;">Key Biscayne Island </span><span style="background-color: white;"> in Florida. </span><br />
to be exact. We partied (87th birthday style) all week and spoke a<br />
little German too.<br />
<br />
We swam in the ocean (got lots of sun...the peeling of the skin kind).<br />
We sang WWII songs and played the accordion.<br />
We played Yahtzee and ate lots of food...(I like Ham- Thanks Joanne!)<br />
<br />
I was even asked to sing a duet with the pastor at Auntie's church ..<br />
"Just a Closer Walk With Thee" her favorite song (we rocked the house!)<br />
I'll have to blog about the biblical garden she planted next to the church.<br />
It's so gorgeous.<br />
<br />
Back to the Liebster Blog.<br />
<br />
Here are seven things about me...<br />
<br />
1. I don't make my bed every day...but I like to sleep in a bed that's been made.<br />
2. I currently have 5 bottles of water opened and ready to drink...somewhere in the house.<br />
3. I like beets...I don't like ice cream.<br />
4. I have patience for other peoples children.<br />
5. Moving water makes me happy...<br />
6. If I have time to kill, I will always sit down and play the piano...if I have cleaning to<br />
do, I will always sit down and play the piano.<br />
7. I collect musical instruments. I can play them all.<br />
<br />
Life is good....focus on the positive...<br />
Pray....Praise....and Give Thanks!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-8096583003770626982012-05-08T18:05:00.001-04:002012-05-08T18:05:57.705-04:00Change!I like it.<br />
<br />
It sounds good,...it feels good,... it suits me.<br />
<br />
I'm not one of those people who can do the same thing<br />
decade after decade.<br />
I have never had a full time job....ever.... except to raise<br />
my children as a<br />
stay at home mom. That is a different kind of job.<br />
I'm talking about an out<br />
of the house...go to work..punch in or whatever full time job.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong...I've had lots of<br />
paying jobs....like:<br />
<br />
accounting clerk<br />
topsheet specialist<br />
data entry<br />
stage manager<br />
set builder<br />
light hanger for a theater<br />
actress<br />
singer<br />
accompanist<br />
hallmark card specialist<br />
music teacher K-2<br />
private music teacher<br />
graphic designer<br />
dvd archive specialist<br />
choir director<br />
computer help specialist<br />
bar tender<br />
beer hall janitorial<br />
avon lady<br />
jafra lady<br />
<br />
But now...I'm going for the change.<br />
A Brand New Full Time Job! Starting in July!<br />
<br />
Here's the best part....it's with<br />
Americorps Vista!<br />
<br />
What's that you say?<br />
<br />
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="2" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><tbody>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1624315222"><img alt="I'm Ready To Serve in AmeriCorps VISTA!" border="0" height="56" src="http://www.americorps.gov/images/content/logo_vista_poverty.gif" width="175" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/vista_activities.asp" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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AmeriCorps VISTA members live and serve in some of our nation’s poorest urban and rural areas. With passion, commitment, and hard work, they create or expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty.<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.americorps.gov/pdf/08_1210_ac_vista_report.pdf" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Read "VISTA: Overcoming Poverty, Building Capacity"</a> (6.67 MB PDF)</li>
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Each VISTA member makes a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. In return for their service, AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a modest living allowance and health benefits during their service, and have the option of receiving a <a href="http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/benefits/benefits_ed_award.asp" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or post-service stipend</a> after completing their service. About 6,500 VISTAs are placed each year in more than 1,200 projects in low-income communities around the country<br />
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I'm excited.....it means I'm ready to serve.</div>
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I'm ready to start a new adventure.</div>
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I'm ready for a change...in me and in America!</div>
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<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-8001866192901207522012-05-07T07:06:00.003-04:002012-05-07T07:06:57.950-04:00A-Z I Salute You!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_6kvJXp1SYtbJOsCIOJbR1u6UzXReWR8ISlbgOq0ThVVayf18fVD1C6d-BgEk4tpIkxEnnevvWd1t-VjXy3DvacyU9RPXMXvDkjL-ErVR8ppWztR63hGZm3YFUYG3CbZ7d3YnHTBCmRv/s1600/survivor-atoz-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_6kvJXp1SYtbJOsCIOJbR1u6UzXReWR8ISlbgOq0ThVVayf18fVD1C6d-BgEk4tpIkxEnnevvWd1t-VjXy3DvacyU9RPXMXvDkjL-ErVR8ppWztR63hGZm3YFUYG3CbZ7d3YnHTBCmRv/s1600/survivor-atoz-2.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a><br />
<br />
Yes...it's over.<br />
<br />
I had a great time doing the April A-Z Challenge!<br />
<br />
It's the 7th of May and I'm just now finding out that<br />
I am missing writing every day.<br />
<br />
To be honest, I sometimes wrote 2 blogs in a day<br />
and tried to schedule the posts. For some reason<br />
my scheduler didn't work and I'd look for my post<br />
to appear and it wouldn't. Hmm what's up with that?<br />
<br />
And yes....sometimes I posted blogs that were lacking<br />
in let's say...words, but really, there was meaning from<br />
the heart...I'm like that...all heart. ha.<br />
<br />
Here's to the survivors of the A-Z! Those who stuck<br />
with the daily grind and even read my blog from time<br />
to time.<br />
I'm humbled by your presence!<br />
<br />
Here's to the true writers who stuck with the challenge<br />
by posting more than one word at a time and made<br />
something of their time on the blogosphere.<br />
<br />
To those who are crashing right now...blogged out....<br />
suffering from BlogFreeze.....<br />
<br />
I Salute YOU!!!<br />
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<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-23577368866770075542012-05-04T22:41:00.001-04:002012-05-04T22:42:06.735-04:00Mom Was Right! Too Yet!In addition to my previous blog <a href="http://suzifischer.blogspot.com/2012/04/mom-was-right-moms-birthday.html" target="_blank">Mom Was Right! mom's birthday</a><br />
I have one more thing.<br />
<br />
Tonight I went to an old fashioned Hymn Sing held by the Ambassador's group<br />
at my church...funny, fun, goofy, and yes...a <strike>Lot</strike> little bit of Alzheimer's present lol!<br />
It started out with the 3 leaders singing the wrong words and went up from there!<br />
But gorgeous old gospel hymns were sung and a great time was had by all.<br />
<br />
And of course...out of the 30 tables set up...God puts at mine, the 3 performers and<br />
the accompanist who plays gospel music on the piano like my mom used to play.<br />
I kid you not!!!! That's how God hits me up side my head....just like that.<br />
<br />
So...this is my tomorrow.....<br />
I've been asked to direct the newly forming choir which will perform at the<br />
old people's home...<br />
and fix the piano which has two sticking keys.<br />
<br />
<br />
God is present. God is good. God has a sense of humor!<br />
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<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-29774654840666188692012-05-02T12:43:00.001-04:002012-05-02T12:43:33.257-04:00Check it out!I'd love for you to pay a visit to my niece Cari's blog.<br />
<a href="http://www.bubblegumonmyshoe.com/2012/04/i-wish-i-didnt-have-aspergers.html#comment-form" target="_blank">Bubble Gum on my Shoe!</a><br />
She's a terrific writer and very insightful mom of two.<br />
<br />
She writes about many things...being a single mom is<br />
only the beginning. Her zest for writing is fueled by her<br />
personal life experiences with Autism and Gifted child<br />
stories. She <strike>mostly</strike> also includes how smokin' hot she is and<br />
will share it with you in a wonderfully humorous manner.<br />
I wish I were as <strike>hot</strike> talented a writer as she is.. I bow.<br />
<br />
I'm working on both the writing and the hotness!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bubblegumonmyshoe.com/2012/04/i-wish-i-didnt-have-aspergers.html#comment-form" target="_blank">Here she is....click!</a><br />
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<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863374711738440851.post-17781427003861373652012-04-30T00:01:00.001-04:002012-04-30T00:01:32.599-04:00Mom was Right! mom's birthdayToday would have been my mother's 86th birthday.<br />
And today the most Incredible thing happened.<br />
<br />
I've always known that God is by my side. He sends His<br />
angels to watch over me. I know that to be true.<br />
<br />
I've started a journey recently, that is out of my control.<br />
I have never been this sure that God is holding me in the<br />
Palm of His Hand and putting me where I need to be, guiding<br />
me step by step and showing me the way. You might even say that<br />
at times He hits me up-side my head and says "Here you go!".<br />
<br />
Today was that that kind of message.<br />
<br />
As I said, it would have been my<br />
mother's birthday had she not passed away 5 years ago.<br />
Dolores was a devoted Christian who served the Lord throughout<br />
her life. Even as a teen she played the church organ and sang<br />
in the choir. She took pride in the fact that she raised a family<br />
of singers who knew the value of a gift from God. To this day I still<br />
have her organ pedals hanging on my wall as a reminder that music<br />
is an art and something more personal to each musician that<br />
could ever be defined.<br />
<br />
In the last couple of years of her life, my mother had only one<br />
dream left pointed in my direction. She wished she could sing a solo<br />
in church one more time. This was heartbreaking to me because I knew<br />
that the Alzheimer's was taking her abilities away more than she<br />
had realized. I worked with her by saying, "how about if we practice<br />
something and see how it goes?" I even took her to the church<br />
one afternoon and we sang and played the organ, but she was<br />
a little bit too nervous that day and the disease told me<br />
that it wasn't meant to be. A public performance wasn't going<br />
to happen.<br />
<br />
Six months before my mother's passing, my father suffered his<br />
own final months which led him to Heaven's open arms. The<br />
choice was for all of my family to sing the "Lord's Prayer" with<br />
our mom during the funeral service. It was an experience I will never<br />
forget, but mostly because it was mom's chance to sing once again<br />
in church...for her love of Christ, her family and her husband.<br />
<br />
I thought I had closure with this part of my mom's story. But today....<br />
Five years after her passing and on her birthday, something incredible<br />
happened.<br />
<br />
On my way to church this mornin I was thinking about mom,<br />
I wished her a happy birthday and how it was funny how people<br />
always seemed to get her date wrong. Some thought her<br />
birthday was the 28th of April and not the 29th. I made extra special<br />
care that I thought about her today, on her date. I even wore her<br />
jewelry (that my niece re-fashioned so beautifully).<br />
<br />
(Kleenex alert!) Today I went to church not expecting<br />
to see what I saw and hear what I heard. I didn't expect that<br />
sitting in the front of choir, would be a small humble<br />
postured woman wearing an outfit that my mother would have picked<br />
right out of her own closet. I didn't expect that this woman who had the<br />
same silver gray hair and glasses, like my mother, emphasizing a need for bi-focals<br />
would step slightly up to the microphone and stand in a manner that<br />
would make me nervously wonder if she was able to achieve what<br />
was going to be public performance. My mother came to mind just by<br />
this lady's presence. I was drawn in to her as if she were mine to care for.<br />
<br />
And then...<br />
<br />
She started to sing.<br />
<br />
Just last night I prayed about something I hadn't felt. The<br />
calling to work with the music program at my new church. I didn't know<br />
why, I didn't really feel burnt out from the 40 years of contribution that<br />
I had already made to the other churches and community groups. I didn't<br />
understand it...but I didn't feel the calling.<br />
<br />
She continued to sing.<br />
<br />
I felt a familiarity about her voice. It was beautiful and confident. I then<br />
started to identify with it...I started to put myself in her position. Would this<br />
be the kind of song I would sing if I were a member of the musicians here<br />
at this church? Could I see myself participating in this manner?<br />
Who is this fail older woman<br />
that reminds me of...my .....mother?<br />
<br />
She sang with the voice of an angel...she sang with clarity...she sang with a soaring soprano<br />
voice climbing to the heavens...she sang with the infectious spirit that moves people to<br />
their feet...she sang with the familiar<br />
voice of ...my mother?<br />
<br />
She sang....I sobbed.<br />
<br />
I had the kind of tears that wouldn't turn off. The kind of tears of happiness, joy,<br />
inspiration and a realized message.<br />
<br />
God spoke to me today through Alice- the soloist.<br />
<br />
My sign.<br />
<br />
Mom was right! I belong with the musicians at Fairhaven.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQBGLBcIfZ_R75f5tQp2DNJIpWGkOjg3Xh6tsZimfJ9F0cOli6laAaL-6512nsNRfB-qA608Vm4DolJ9eZ0cJswlry739-o4bN5uGAChUOv3t6PDcKOeJcpmuU2wUkDtK4-4bwx3-rGgT/s1600/dolores+retouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQBGLBcIfZ_R75f5tQp2DNJIpWGkOjg3Xh6tsZimfJ9F0cOli6laAaL-6512nsNRfB-qA608Vm4DolJ9eZ0cJswlry739-o4bN5uGAChUOv3t6PDcKOeJcpmuU2wUkDtK4-4bwx3-rGgT/s320/dolores+retouch.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolores (Heberer) Kleinke 1926-2007<br />Happy Birthday Mom!</td></tr>
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<br />Suzi Fischerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408544325736952775noreply@blogger.com7