October 2025 – Site Title

The Strength Within (Archives)

It is there, it is invisible and it stays dormant until it is called upon to show you and the world that YOU are strong, you are undefeatable and you are a force to be reckoned with. Not all of us are that strong and when life throws those lessons our way, we crumble, we push back but after all is said and done and looking back at the past you realize that “strength” was always there, it just took a little time getting there.

Here are some quotes that speak to the heart of the matter.

“Sometimes the strength within you is not a big fiery flame for all to see, it is just a tiny spark that whispers softly, ‘You got this, keep going.” Unknown

“Courage is not having the strength to go on, it is going on when you don’t have the strength.” Theodore Roosevelt

“One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else’s survival guide.” Brene Brown

“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” Steve Maraboli

I love this next one. It shows that the spirit is not easily won over.

“I wear my bruises and scars like armor. Marks of battles fought in silence and storms endured out loud.

My pain? It’s the fire that forges resilience, a testament to the strength that refuses to break. I’m still here, unyielding and undefeated.” Unknown

“You have within you, right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.” Brian Tracy

“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” Ernest Hemingway

The last two speaks of understanding and of acceptance and still having the courage and the strength to move on.

“Someone I once loved gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift.” Mary Oliver

AND

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” Maya Angelou

Have an amazing day.

LOL!

Photo by Mark Angelo Sampan on Pexels.com

A wife decides to take her husband James to a strip club for his birthday.

They arrive at the club and the doorman says, “Hey James, how you doing?”

His wife’s puzzled and asks if he’s been to the club before.

“Oh no,” says James. “He’s on my bowling team.”

When they were seated, a waitress asks James if he’d like his usual and brings him over a Budweiser. His wife is becoming increasingly uncomfortable and says, “How did she know that you drink Budweiser?”

“Oh, she’s in the ladies bowling league, honey. We share lanes with them.”

A stripper then comes over to their table, throws her arms around James, and says, “Hi James, want your usual table dance, big boy?’

James’s wife, now furious, grabs her purse and storms out of the club. James follows and spots her getting into a cab. Before she can slam the door, he jumps in beside her. He tries desperately to explain how the stripper must have mistaken him for someone else, but his wife is having none of it.

She’s screaming at him at the top of her lungs, calling him every name in the book. The cabbie turns around and says,

“Looks like you’ve picked up a real bi**ch tonight, James.”

BOOM!

Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.

A Wonderful Book Review!

Sure feels like Christmas! Every review is worth its weight in gold and this one sure is. Keep it coming!

“May you never lose your sense of fantasy because it is what dreams are made of.”

This simple yet powerful dedication sets the tone for the entire story of The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie. It’s a children’s book that carries the unmistakable heartbeat of a parent writing not just for the world, but for their child. That personal touch gives the story a warmth and an undercurrent of care, imagination, and gentle encouragement to dream big. The story follows Honey, a miniature greyhound with an adventurous spirit, and her loyal friend Hubie, a bright green frog whose curiosity has made him something of a legend among the garden creatures. Together, they journey beyond their familiar world—through meadows, forests, and encounters with fairies, frogs, Moppets, and even a skunk named Twister. Along the way, Honey faces challenges, discovers courage she didn’t know she had, and learns the true meaning of friendship.

The pacing is well measured for young readers. Each chapter builds on the previous one, with just enough suspense to hold a child’s attention without overwhelming them. The language is descriptive and whimsical, painting vivid scenes that feel lifted straight from a child’s daydream—bubbling streams, dancing fairies, and bustling woodland creatures. The story respects a child’s imagination rather than talking down to it. The book’s greatest strength lies in its themes. Honey’s journey is more than a woodland adventure; it’s about overcoming fear, discovering inner strength, and forging loyal friendships. When she crosses the pond despite her fears, stands up to danger, and learns what real friendship means, the story delivers a clear and gentle moral arc.

The ending, with Honey reflecting on her magical day at a not-so-magical moment, feels honest and satisfying. Stylistically, the book leans into classic storytelling, evoking the feeling of a tale read aloud by lamplight. That timeless tone fits perfectly with the opening dedication and its sense of preserving childhood wonder. The story includes some quirks, giving it a certain charm. What truly stands out is the sincerity behind it—something children feel instinctively. This book delivers on its promise. It protects and celebrates the fantasy at the heart of childhood, inviting young ones—and parents—to remember the thrill of stepping beyond the garden fence and finding a bigger world waiting. A sweet, classic-feeling adventure that encourages courage, friendship, and wonder.

On Amazon

Something Everyone Should Know

Photo by Jean van der Meulen on Pexels.com

I couldn’t come up with something of my own but I did find some that made great sense. Some are surprising.

“When one door closes, sometimes we need to turn the knob to open another.” J.A. Tran

“When adversity hits, go out and learn something.” Julie Andrews

“If something is important enough, even if the odds are stacked against you, you should still DO IT.” Elon Musk

Surprising? I think so.

“No matter what you do, someone will have something negative to say. Try not to take it personally. People judge and criticize other people’s lives when they are not happy with their own.” Lori Dschene

“If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way, if you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” Unknown

“If you want to fly, you have to give up the things that weigh you down.” Toni Morrison

The last two are from the guy who surprised me, simply because I’m seeing a different side to him. One that I like.

“Patience is a virtue, and I’m learning patience. It’s a tough lesson.” Elon Musk

Tell me about it! I’m doing the same.

“I think it matters whether someone has a good heart.” Elon Musk

Hmm…..I agree 100%! Like I said, that clinched it. I’m getting a whole different perspective on this guy! Well, well, we shall see.

Have an amazing day.

Daily writing prompt

What’s something you believe everyone should know.

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WORDS (Archives)

Words have incredible power and they can either build or break someone down. The saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” is so far from the truth. Words have the ability to stay with you, work within you and long after all is said and done, it can still show up years down the road and still have the power to hold court if allowed to do so.

Flippancy with words comes easily to some and to some cutting you down to size using a few choice words is a daily affair. Choose your words carefully and be kind with what you put out there because unlike that quote, words do have the power to hurt and to break someone down.

Here are some quotes that hit the nail on the head:

“Words and hearts should be handled with care for words when spoken and hearts when broken are the hardest things to repair.” Unknown

“Before you say something to someone, always think about how you’d feel if someone told you the same thing.” Unknown

I like this next one a lot.

“If only our tongues were made of glass,

how much more careful we would be when we speak.” Unknown

“The world is full of hurtful words. It is full of hate. It is full of people pushing others away. Tripping them with words. Words have the same power to cause harm as a stick or rock. We need to be better than that. To learn, to understand, to refuse to be the hurt.” Unknown

“Be careful what you say. You can say something hurtful in ten seconds, but ten years later, the wounds are still there.” Joel Osteen

Have an amazing day.

A Child At Heart

It means, “to retain a youthful, optimistic, and playful spirit into adulthood, enjoying simple joys and a sense of wonder without being immature or irresponsible.” It is who I am at the core of my being.

I don’t think I’ve given up who I used to be. A wild child who loved getting lost in the woods behind my house, a sense of wonder enveloped me as I walked all alone discovering “magic” within those confines of a world that was safe and welcoming. There was nothing to fear and it didn’t matter if I played with the ducks in their puddles of muddy water or if I sat mesmerized deep in those woods and watched the rainbow-colored frogs playing around in the water gathered at the base of a huge tree, I was one with nature and my eyes were lit with wonder.

I grew up and life became difficult but I always went back to that time when things were simple and joy swept through me as I watched nature unfold. I still do it today even though I am no longer that young girl with a wild streak within her. Now, I am quiet and I toe the line as far as decorum is concerned but that “little girl” still remains and comes out to play when I take my walks in nature and I’m free to run wild again.

My book displays that same spirit. I wrote it as a grown-up but you get sneak peeks of that child within. I suppose that is what it means to be a child at heart, to never lose the magic of seeing things in a different light, from the eyes of a child filled with wonder and “magic” is yours for the taking.

I miss those days.

Daily writing prompt

What does it mean to be a kid at heart?

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LOL!

A man had just finished reading a new book called, “HOW YOU CAN BE THE MAN OF YOUR OWN HOME AGAIN.”

He stormed into the kitchen and walked directly up to his wife. Pointing a finger in her face, he said sternly,

“Firstly – From now on, YOU need to understand that I AM THE MAN of this house, and simply accept that what I say goes!”

“Secondly – You will prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, and when I’m finished eating my meal, you will serve me a sumptuous dessert afterward.”

“Then, after dinner, you are going to go upstairs with me to our bedroom where we will indulge in whatever forms of lovemaking that I choose – no matter what you might have said in the past.”

“After that, you are going to draw me a warm bath so that I can relax.”

“You will wash my back and towel me dry and bring me a robe.”

“Then you will massage my feet and hands.”

“Then after that’s done, guess who’s going to dress me and comb my hair?”

His wife replied ….

“The funeral director would be my guess.”

I suppose the book didn’t do too well?

Three Wishes

I’ve been waiting for some frog to come by and give me exactly this! Three wishes that could come true at a hop, skip and a jump or with a kiss. Either way, this kind of thing only happens in fairytales but since DP decided to give us a go with a genie, I’ll take the opportunity. Thank you DP but I’m lost for words and can’t think of anything!

Well, as always, let me give it a try. I think at the top of my list would be health. We take it for granted until it turns around and decides to bite us in the you know where and then we sit up and pay attention. Earlier this year, I had a monumental scare. After many tests and a monster of a machine later, I can say I am fine for the time being. So my first wish would be, “Give me good health.”

Second on the list, “love” to complete the picture. My life, on the whole, is almost perfect. I have lots of free time to do whatever I feel like doing and worries are of my own making. One thing that is missing is the special guy, not the dime a dozen variety but that one out of the ordinary person who almost fits me perfectly. I say “almost” because I know he’ll come with flaws and so will I but if there is a 70% fit, I’ll take him. The rest we can work out later. So far, the dime a dozen variety is plenty but that one elusive person is still out there somewhere. My second wish, “Please show him the way before I give up hope altogether!”

The third wish? This is a hard one. I’ll go with, “Let’s give fascism a boot out the door and never to return again!” The mother of all ills? I think so. Let’s make this world a kinder and gentler place for everyone and not just a select few.

Did I just blow my wishes away? Oh well, DP you tried, but I have a mind of my own and add being stubborn as a mule to it and you’ve got, “Wishes don’t stand a chance,” genie or not!

Daily writing prompt

You have three magic genie wishes, what are you asking for?

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A Nice Book Review

The pic is my own.

By: Ultimate World’s Review

Book Review: The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie by T. J. Mueller

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is a delightful and heartwarming children’s story that celebrates the magic of friendship, curiosity, and imagination. T. J. Mueller crafts a whimsical tale that whisks young readers into a vibrant world full of colorful characters, exciting discoveries, and meaningful life lessons.

At its heart, the story follows Honey and Hubie, two lovable companions whose journey into the unknown becomes more than just an adventure—it’s a lesson in trust, teamwork, and the true meaning of friendship. As they face challenges and encounter new wonders, they learn that real friendship isn’t just about fun—it’s about loyalty, kindness, and understanding, even when things get tough.

Mueller’s writing strikes the perfect balance between imaginative storytelling and heartfelt wisdom. The tone is playful and engaging, keeping children captivated while subtly teaching them values that matter. The magical settings and charming characters create a sense of wonder, while the story’s deeper message helps children understand what it takes to nurture and protect the friendships that brighten their lives.

This book is ideal for young readers and parents alike, offering a story that entertains while inspiring thoughtful conversations about empathy, cooperation, and emotional growth.

Available on Amazon

Please rate and review and be kind!

Cute & Cuddly!

By now, you know who I’m talking about. If you don’t, he’s my best buddy and my little love. A furball of love and insurmountable cuteness! He is called Chachi, sometimes Einstein, and at other times Little Macho. A little British short-haired cat who thinks he knows everything and one who has lived some interesting lives.

He was a gift from the friend who passed away and believe it or not, they have the same colored eyes. Green and clear. His coat is speckled and he has the cutest little face. We have conversations together and he listens quietly and sometimes he lets out a meow as if to say, “Enough already!” He loves waking me up early in the mornings and I mean early! Scared to go downstairs by himself, he waits around until I go down the stairs and he follows. Lately, I think he is more of a scaredy cat than a macho.

He claims to have been in Cleopatra’s court and knows beauty rituals like you wouldn’t believe! He thinks I’m doing it all wrong like Cleopatra did. All the masks, the milk baths and so on are no help at all, he says. “Just be yourself!” is his mantra. He has something there but when has that ever stopped me?! I love beauty rituals and weekends are for relaxing and taking care of myself. He says that’s the path that led Cleopatra to being unlucky in love! Hmm….well, I’m no Cleopatra and when I ask him what he did there. His reply, he was a eunuch, not that his luck has changed much in this life either, he adds!

Chachi, the cat, is very much a part of the family and he knows it. He is loved, adored, and spoiled rotten, all part and parcel of loving someone or at least in my world it is. I can’t wait to find out what other lives he has led. It will be more than an eye-opener for sure.

Daily writing prompt

Describe a family member.

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