Jen's Zen:
Thoughts From the Light-er Side of Life

What I’ve Learned By Maya Angelou

December 21, 2009 Life Lessons No Comments

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was ‘exciting.’ Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day…like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first. 

The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words! 

 

 ‘I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.’

 ‘I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights’ 

‘I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.’ 

‘I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life.’ 

‘I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.’ 

‘I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.’ 

‘I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.’ 

‘I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.’ 

‘I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.’ 

‘I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.’

 ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ 

 

 

 

 

We live what we learn. We learn what we live.  Teach someone one thing you have learned so that they do not make the same mistakes you do.  Learn one new thing from someone else to lighten your journey.  Make your life a life of learning. If you’re not learning, your dying. Maintain a beginner’s mind to all things.  Anticipate new experiences in all things. Grow and expand your mind, body and spirit.

Wishing all of you the best of Xmas and a lot of learning in 2010 and always! 

Happy Holidays!

Jennifer

From The Mouths Of Babes

December 14, 2009 Everything Else! No Comments

Angels on the Topic of Children:

 

I only know the names of two angels, Hark and Harold.

Gregory, age 5

 

 

Everybody’s got it all wrong. Angels don’t wear halos anymore. I forget why, but scientists are working on it


-Olive, age 9

It’s not easy to become an angel! First, you die.
Then you go to Heaven, and then there’s still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes.


-Matthew, age 9


Angels work for God and watch over kids when God
has to go do something else.


-Mitchell, age 7


My guardian angel helps me with math, but he’s not much good for science.

 


-Jack, age 6

Angels talk all the way while they’re flying you up
to heaven. The main subject is where you went wrong before you got dead.

-Henry, age 8

Angels don’t eat, but they drink milk from Holy
Cows!!!

Daniel, age 9

When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath again,  somewhere there’s a tornado.


-Reagan, age 10

Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy.
If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go south for the winter.


-Sara, age 6

Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his
son, who’s a very good carpenter.


Jared, age 8

All angels are girls because they gotta wear
dresses and boys didn’t go for it.

-Antonio, age 9

My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got
a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth.


-Ashley ~ age 9

Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal
sick animals and pets. And if
they don’t make the animals get better, they help the child get over it.

-Vicki, age 8

What I don’t get about angels is why, when someone
is in love, they shoot arrows at them.

-Sarah, age 7

 

Be Santa’s Helper!

December 12, 2009 Community Building No Comments

Seasons Greetings!

I’m organizing a clothes drive to increase the re-Sources in a community closet located in Rupert, Quebec. My Dad lives up in the area and was appalled by the lack of second hand clothes available to the rural community. I am contacting people who wish to help by donating any clothes or toys.

I’ll even come by and pick them up from you and pass them along to my Dad to deliver to the volunteers in Rupert, QC who run the closet. He noted that outerwear was in need as well as children’s toys.    Anyone wishing to be Santa’s helpers, please contact me.