October 29, 2008 - Posted by Anne - 0 Comments
Angels! They’re like chiropractors–you either believe in them–or you don’t. Not sure whether you do or not, but count me as one who believes in both. They both do their best to straighten you out!
My Dad always asks me if I’m waiting for my bald tires to explode before I replace them. My response is always a laugh filled with faith, “Don’t worry, Daddy! I’ve got “Tire Angels“.” They’ve never let me down–and trust me, I’ve pushed even their powers to the limit–just one more pay and I’ll buy them, right? Well, driving down the highway on a blustery winter day, we experienced a blowout. This was shortly after Bob had serious back surgery, so changing a tire wasn’t even an option for him and, oh well, I guess I’d let that AAA auto club membership lapse. No, I was going to renew it next payday, really. Okay, maybe I thought I didn’t really need it. After all, I did already have “Tire Angels“, right?
As we pulled off the road, the remaining pieces of the tire clunking noisily, I was in shock that this could happen. Where were my “Tire Angels“? I had undying faith in them. How could they possibly have let me down? But before our car had rolled to a complete stop, an old station wagon flew onto the burm. It had been moving so quickly that the driver had to put it into reverse and travel back to our vehicle. My mouth dropped open in amazement. Out jumped a spry, elderly minister from a nearby church. He tipped his hat, pulled his winter coat tightly around him and went quickly to work changing the tire. Once done, he smiled–and waved–and was on his way. I was astounded. Seems I got my “Tire Angel” after all. There’s more than one kind of “Tire Angel“. Even you could choose to be one!
So, today’s lesson is to believe. Have faith! Seems I had just a few seconds of doubt myself. If you never have even a moment’s doubt, you are indeed my hero! And if you can keep the faith yourself and pass it on to one or more person today, I will be giving you extra credit. You are the Best and good things are coming your way. You’ve just got to believe! And today will be a day to renew your faith and pass it on. Maybe even you could be an angel for someone else. Make me proud!!!
October 23, 2008 - Posted by Anne - 0 Comments
Just wanted you to know that I know how hard you work each and every day. You just dive right into most tasks without a second thought. You do it right! But like even me, some days, you might drag you feet a bit when it comes to doing the toughest of tasks–the ones you don’t enjoy doing–the ones that are really difficult. So, here’s today’s challenge. You choose to complete a tough task and you get to choose a reward–for yourself. Yes, I’m telling you that you deserve to treat yourself well. Plan the reward ahead! It will make taking on and completing the task a bit easier–AND–you get to enjoy something that you like, but hey–not ’til you’re done. You know what you enjoy–and the reward can cost money or can be something so simply as giving yourself an hour of time–just for you. And if you already treat yourself well, you are indeed my hero. And if you’re like me, and most days you don’t think you deserve a reward–STOP IT–I hate to say this, but you’re wrong. You deserve to be treated well by everyone–by the folks closest to you–and the ones you meet when walking down the street.
You are the Best and good things are coming your way. And today is going to be a day filled with some tough stuff–AND–some great rewards–truly a gift for YOU!!! Make the choice! I dare you! Make me proud!
October 20, 2008 - Posted by Anne - 0 Comments
“It’s okay to be nobody. Nobody’s perfect.” ~Unknown
We’ve heard of people stealing your identity, but have you ever felt like you lost yours? Must admit that that I have felt like I’ve lost my identity. I thought of myself as Anne (sometimes Anne Marie) with my own individual and unique qualities. Hey, what can I say? My family always said I was special. Wasn’t I? When I got married, I suddenly became Bob’s wife and Mrs. Brentar, but aside from my wedding day and all the applause for Mr. and Mrs. Brentar, I was still Anne…except on that honeymoon flight. Found myself looking over my shoulder when someone said hello to Mrs. Brentar. What was my mother-in-law doing on my honeymoon? Oh, you’re talking to me?
Well, about the time the children went off to school, it seems that Anne Brentar disappeared. Where did she go? Seems she turned into Bonnie’s Mom, Laura’s Mom, and Valerie’s Mom, and Mrs. Brentar,depending upon the occasion. Now, Mrs. Brentar is my mother-in-law and Bob’s grandmother, not me. Must admit I found myself looking over my shoulder the first time a teacher from school called me Mrs. Brentar. Should have learned on my honeymoon that I was Mrs. Brentar, right, but somehow I didn’t. What was my mother-in-law doing at school? Oh, you’re talking to me?
After a few years home taking care of children, it seems even the mailman forgot who I was and most days as I sifted thru the mail, I was usually glad not to find my name on an envelope because most of the mail was bills. But then an envelope caught my eye. It was marked Resident. Hey, I could be Resident. And then there was another. It said Occupant. I could be occupant. Sad to say, I was delighted to even find a solicitation letter something that could be mine. Thank goodness for friends. Friends help you keep your identity–and your sanity. What would we do without them? I know I would be lost–and me lost with no identity would not be a good idea, would it?
So, today’s task is to remember who you are. Ever feel like you find yourself far away from the person that you used to be, that you want to be, that you’re meant to be? Take a minute to reflect. And if you find yourself losing your identity, give me a call, I’ll come by and identify that it’s really you. You are special! You are the Best and good things are coming your way, whether you now find yourself Mary’s husband, Bobby’s Dad, Sara’s Mom, or Millie’s Grandmother. And today will be a chance to put everything into perspective–your chance to find your special place in this world. And if you have difficulty doing that, just remember that, “It’s okay to be nobody. Nobody’s perfect.” I think you’re somebody and I think you’re perfect, too. Make me proud!!!
October 17, 2008 - Posted by Anne - 0 Comments
“You can fool some of the people some of the time, and all of the people once in a while, but you can’t fool Mom (okay, that’s how she says it), but it’s really, ‘You can’t fool yourself.’” ~Barnaby (kids TV program, 1960’s, Cleveland, Ohio)
Today’s task is to take a minute to look in the mirror and remind yourself that you like the person you see looking back at you. You can use the bathroom mirror, the mirror in your car (just not sure you should do this while you’re driving) or even in your reflection in a glass wall or some water (not a drinking glass–you might get some strange looks from the waiter). Sometimes you spend so much time looking at your flaws that you forget how great you really are. And if you think you have no flaws, you must call me and let me in on your secret. I’m sure I’d be surprised! Think you’re tough enough to see the real you? And I’m not just talking about the person who looks back at you on the outside, I’m talking about the whole package–your outside, your inside, your very soul and complete being. You know what you think. You know what your intentions are. You know everything about you. And you are filled with lots of good. You make a difference each and every day to the people in your life. Are you proud of the reflection you see in the mirror? If not, today’s the day to make a change so the next time you take a minute to reflect, you will feel good about that person who looks back you. And if you are already happy with the person that you are, you are indeed my hero and congratulations on all the work it took to get to this point.
You are the Best and good things are coming your way–each and every day when you see yourself brushing your teeth, combing your hair, or critiquing your appearance, remember that you are special. You are unique. There is no one exactly like you and that’s a good thing. You have a special role in this world, so let’s get busy. There is no one else who is going to do your part. You’re the one. Make me proud! And today is going to be the perfect opportunity to get on the right track, to pick up the pace, to strive for or meet some personal goal that you’ve forgotten or put off. Be the Best!
October 15, 2008 - Posted by Anne - 0 Comments
Ever had cucumber salad? Well, it’s a recipe that is enjoyed by my family and the head chef was at work one day when the girls were trying to prepare it for him. So, Valerie called to get some further direction. When the phone was answered, she didn’t waste a minute even to say hello, but simply asked, “Do you want salt on your cucumbers?” to which the voice on the other end of the phone paused and then said, “Excuse me?” She again repeated her question to which he responded, “No–thank you.” You got it–wrong number. Made me laugh then–and I’m still laughing.
Today’s task is to look for some fun in even a mistake. Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself once in a while. Life really is filled with some comic moments. Think you’re tough enough to take a minute to enjoy them? I know you are–and so am I. You are the Best! And today will be the perfect opportunity to look for those moments and makes some fun memories! And I will be giving extra credit today if you are brave enough to tell someone else your silly, fun story. Make me proud!
October 15, 2008 - Posted by Anne - 0 Comments
“The amount of sleep required by the average person is just five minutes more.” ~Unknown
Wake up! Rise and shine! Now, if you’re a morning person, those are good words to hear, but if you’re like me, a night owl, you’d rather have just five minutes more–or even an hour. But today’s all about attitude, so I’ve determined to rise and shine the minute my alarm clock goes off–from now on. At least I’ve graduated to having my alarm clock in the same room with me–so that’s a step in the right direction–though I still have to get out of bed to turn it off. If you already wake bright and shining each and every morning–ready to take on the world–you are indeed my hero. However, if you’re like me, it might just take a bit more effort–and an attitude adjustment. I will be giving extra credit today if you can quickly master the challenge without even a touch of grouchiness.
Remember, you are the Best and good things are coming your way. And today will be filled with new opportunities and maybe a challenge or two. Think you’re tough enough? I know you are and I’m sure that I can do it, too–in just five more minutes!
October 10, 2008 - Posted by Anne - 0 Comments
Ever been to the zoo? Remember those plastic elephant keys that made the little electronic box tell you about the exhibit–when it wasn’t broken? I do. Got any good zoo stories? How ’bout some pictures? As you reminisce, it’s funny all the stories that come to the surface. And you know me. I love stories!
I’ve got two zoo stories that are fighting for equal time, so let’s see if we can make this work. The first one was when Bonnie was not yet a year old and Grandma and Grandpa took us to the zoo–her very first visit. You knew it had to be big, right? Well, after a fun-filled day (okay, maybe it was only an hour or two), as we were getting ready to leave, Grandma and Bonnie were watching a lion. It seems they must have been discussing the sound that lions make because suddenly the tiny Bonnie decided to roar. The lion, who had been watching her all along, chose that time to “roar” right back at her. Even scared me–made her cry.
The other story that comes to mind was walking thru a glassed-in exhibit of monkeys. Now, as I walked up the stairs close to the exhibit, there was a little monkey with his palm pressed tightly against the glass. You know me. I couldn’t resist it. You know you couldn’t either. I took my hand and put it up against the glass on my side, as if there were no glass and I was touching my hand to the monkey’s. Want to know what happened? Well, seems that monkey didn’t want me touching him. He quickly pulled his hand from the glass and moved away–so quickly that it made me jump.
So, what’s today’s lesson, you ask? Here goes–Seems it takes lots of people to make the world go round and it’s your job to learn to work with each of them. Some days it’s tougher than others. But here’s the key–whether they roar at you or try to have nothing to do with you, it is your choice each and every day to be the person always willing to put out his hand in welcome and to diplomatically bring about peace and change. Think you’re up for the challenge? Quit monkeying around. I know you can do it! No lion! You are the Best and good things are coming your way. Make me proud!
October 9, 2008 - Posted by Anne - 1 Comment
Easy to do things when life is treating you kindly, right? It’s easy to eat right, exercise, have a great attitude, be kind to other people, take the time to listen and encourage when the sun is shining and there’s a rainbow in the sky, right? Today’s task is a tough one. I admit I’ve been slacking. Not so easy to write when things aren’t going my way. But I’ve made a decision. I know, you’re probably thinking your luck is anything but good when I ask you to take a seat next to me on this roller coaster called life, but here goes. Come on along! Today’s challenge is to continue to be that wonderful person that I know you are on days when your life isn’t going so great. And by the way, if you never have a tough minute, you are indeed my hero or you have the best attitude of anyone I’ve ever met and I’d love it if you took a minute to write me and tell me how you do it.
You are the Best and good things are coming your way and today is going to be a day filled with some choices for you. I’m asking you to choose the high road when your spirit just might be feeling a bit low. You get to walk with your head held high when that’s the last thing you might feel like doing. You get to be bright and cheery when you might not feel so cheery. It’s onward and upward. I did a test. I will admit this has been a tough time for me (my “Blue Period”)–just like an artist. Hey, no snickering. Been spending some time on introspection–at least that’s what I was telling myself. When you feel down, you might need a minute or two to yourself, but the best way out of the blue funk is to look outside yourself. Find someone you can help. Look for a great cause. Get your friends involved. What an amazing difference it makes! When you change the focus to someone who needs your help, you can then focus on everything that’s you do have and realize how very blessed you are each and every day. Think you’re tough enough to take the challenge? I know you are–and so am I! Make me proud! Hope I make you proud, too!
PS I promise that if you come back for tomorrow’s Morning Email, I will make you laugh or at least smile. You make me smile every day! Your are the Best! Thank you!
