Category Archives: Attitude

July 31, 2025 · 3:50 am

2nd Chance

Very few of us get a ‘second chance’ in life. Usually, it’s ‘one and done,’ before we get a chance to feel we got all we wanted, did all we wanted to do.

“There is always a second chance. It’s called today.”

I’m definitely one of the lucky ones. I died twice on February 11th in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the hospital where I was being treated for Flu A and bronchitis, plus low blood oxygen. My local clinic insisted I go to the ER and get checked out. My friend, Carla, drove me there. That night my heart stopped twice. I woke up to my bed surrounded by nurses, all asking if I was okay. They transferred me to the ICU and the heart people took over. I ended up with two surgeries – a temporary and then a permanent pacemaker.

Dying got my attention. My priorities changed in an instant. We contacted our son in Thailand and asked that he come home to help us, since my husband and I were both really sick and unable to care for each other. We ended up selling all we owned and moving to Thailand to be with our son.

Beginning a new life in a new country is overwhelming, particularly since our retirement plans were upended when my husband had a stroke April 8th and is now in a nursing home. I have a wonderful place that our son found for us in the same condo building where he lives.

I am determined to make the most of my 2nd chance at life, filling every day with joy. I am thoroughly enjoying my retirement, spending as much of each day as possible doing things I love.

I’m trying to improve my drawing skills. I choose images from the net and try to reproduce them the best way I can, using pencils, colored pencils, and watercolors. I am under no pressure to produce artwork to sell anymore. I can embrace the simple joy of trying to do something better.
I am trying to learn some Thai phrases. Since my hearing is impaired, this is moving pretty slowly, but I have some video clips with which I practice every day, saying, “Hello,” and “Thank You” over and over, trying to capture the musical nature of the phrases and perfect my pronunciation. I will add new phrases as I can, trying to do as well as I can on each. I want to honor the culture here and the people I see daily by TRYING to speak their language and show how much I appreciate being here.
I am trying to improve my health. A little late, I know. I’m 78 and died twice, but I’m still kicking, so it’s not too late. I had a baseline clinic visit a couple of months ago to see where I was and what I needed to do. The doctor was concerned about blood pressure and weight primarily, and wanting me to exercise. I’m doing all that and am making pretty good progress, walking on the treadmill at the gym daily, doing yoga stretches, stretches my son showed me, and ones that my doctor showed me to strengthen my back.
I’m spending time doing silly things that I truly love, like trying to work a jigsaw puzzle. My husband hated me having one out and ‘in the way’ no matter where I had it, so I gave them up for several years. Now I have an owls puzzle that really intimidated me at first, but now I’m making reasonable progress. It’s on a table in my living area, right in the middle of everything – not bothering anyone. I love it.
I’m devoting some time daily to watching and listening to YouTube on TV. I wear headphones so I don’t bother anyone, but I’m a sucker for all the voice competition shows. I love spending time right before bed hoping people get the break they need to do what is important to them.
I’m taking the time to read. I have a sofa with a lounge built in. I sprawl – sometimes under my throw – and dive into another world for awhile.
I’m reaching out to friends and family, making sure they know how much they mean to me. I’m grateful for email and phone chat so that I can keep up with the people in the states.
I’m writing posts for my blog every day. I love finding things I think are wonderful and sharing them with my readers. It’s a high point of my day to write and then get feedback.

I am embracing my second chance at life, trying to wring every drop of joy out of each day that I can. No one is promised tomorrow, so I will make today count.

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Filed under Attitude

Tagged as 2nd chance at life, change in priorities, family, life, love, making each day count, mental-health, writing

June 28, 2025 · 4:35 am

Really Nice Saturday

I walked my mile on the treadmill at the gym this morning, increasing my speed a bit, so that feels good. I also decided to switch my yoga stretching and back exercises to this morning, instead of waiting until the evening, because too often I find ‘other things to do’ (translation: laziness) and then it’s time to go to bed.

I washed out my exercise clothes and some other stuff and put everything on the drying rack out on my balcony. The weather app said thunderstorms would come around 3pm, so I figured I would have time to get things dry and inside before then.

Well the clouds and the weather app weren’t in perfect harmony because the rains came early. I was playing in my art alcove and leaped up when I heard the rain starting. I brought everything inside. Part of the things were dry, but my jeans shorts still need some time. I have them hanging at half mast from a hanger balanced on a shelf right now. The rain seems to be stopping. I may put them back out, or just wait and see if they need more tomorrow.

I’ve been having fun in my art alcove, choosing drawings from YouTube and Pinterest, Etsy, and things I find other places. I’m trying to improve my sad ability to reproduce what I see. I have a big fat sketchbook with lots and lots of pages. I can fill it up, throw it out and start another one, or whatever. I’m not going to ‘do’ anything with these, because the ideas are not mine. I’m not under any pressure doing this, so it has become just a fun activity that might result in improvement.

I started these at the cafe yesterday when we were being scarce so my wonderful housekeeper could work in peace. (I asked Brian to write Khun Nong to tell her how pleased I am with the work she is doing for me, and, of course, the flowers! )

I finished the sketches today. They are good therapy in that trying to reproduce the work of others drives other concerns from my mind for a time, bringing calmness.

I’ve actually made a bit of progress with my owls picture jigsaw puzzle. Nothing to write home about, but I’m not completely at a standstill anymore. Maybe it will come together eventually! 😀

Brian had a cold mocha delivered to the building this afternoon. He’s working, but texted me to let me know it had been delivered, so I could go downstairs and get it. He seems to always be thinking of me. I am such a lucky woman.

8 Comments

Filed under Attitude

Tagged as art alcove, back exercises, family, jigsaw puzzle, laundry, life, rain, really nice Saturday, treadmill, yoga

June 15, 2025 · 9:56 pm

Why I Write

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.”
―Anaïs Nin

Kateryna Hilznitsova – Unsplash

Writing is a greedy obsession. We write because we HAVE to write. It’s a compulsion, a need to reach out, to connect, to communicate. We would write whether anyone read our words or not, but it feels empty and we lose our enthusiasm, our motivation.

Of all the things I left behind when we moved to Thailand, the thing I wanted to get back as soon as possible was my blog. I tried to write it using my phone, but it was really difficult for me. I’m still learning how to do things on the MAC (I was using Windows), but it’s such a relief to be able to include a picture or two now. I’m not back to full speed with my more ‘normal’ posts yet, but I’m getting there slowly.

For me, the reaching out, the communicating is the most important reason I write. I feel connected to the people who take the time to read my blog. Some have become long distance friends. I love sharing what is happening, how I feel about it, exciting things I’ve seen, new things I’ve learned, wonderfully talented people I’ve found on the net, and more.

Reading comments is an important part of my day. I want to know what you think. Sometimes I get spam or someone being mean for no good reason and I blow those off. More often, I hear that someone has related to something I’ve said, it made them feel, it reminded them of a similar thing in their lives. Sometimes I get treasured messages of support, or kudos because someone likes the way I have written something, or agrees with what I’ve said.

It’s greedy because ‘I’ wrote it, ‘I’ wanted to reach out, ‘I’ put it out there, and ‘I’m’ getting to read any feedback. Me, me, me. BUT – in that greediness, I HOPE I’m providing a real person’s outlook on things, honest appreciation for other’s work, a bit of entertainment or a smile or two.

The blog is good because you can receive emails each time I write, or you can simply come to the site when you’re in the mood and scroll down.

THANK YOU for reading what I write. THANK YOU for hitting the ‘like’ button when you want to. THANK YOU for writing a comment when you have the time or inclination. All are much appreciated. 🤗

22 Comments

Filed under Attitude

Tagged as blog, blogging, books, communication, connection, life, tham\, thank you, why I write my blog, why we write, writing

June 14, 2025 · 8:56 pm

Jigsaw Puzzle Wisdom

This is the jigsaw puzzle I’m trying to put together currently. I have a “Puzzle Table” in my living area, just inside the front door of my condo. 😁 As a statement of my joy in creating my own space for the first time in my life, I have devoted one of the prime spots in my place to a thing I love.

Brian actually bought some cushions to tie to the wooden chair I’m using, to make it more comfortable.

Since I’m older than dirt, I’ve spent a lot of time in my life WANTING to be able to devote ANY place to a jigsaw puzzle. It got to be such a problem in my house that I put them away for a long time, just giving them up because it wasn’t important enough to cause strife. Stupid problem.

NOW, my puzzle is proudly showing most of a border now on the table. My stepping stool sits beside the table, holding the boxes of unused pieces. Since it’s been there a while, I have thought about related things lately, compiling a kind of informal list of things I’m learning as it sits…

The puzzle is a metaphor for life – it is what it is
It will sit there as long as someone gives it space – and it’s important to give mental, emotional, and physical space to things that give us pleasure.
It’s not how quickly the puzzle comes together – it’s the joy in the DOING – the pleasure in seeing pieces that might create something else coming together at whatever speed, creating a more pleasing picture.
It’s not the finishing that is important. It’s the starting of something new. Something you’ve never experienced before. It’s opening your mind and heart, expanding your horizons as it lives in your place.
It’s the stopping and finding a piece in life you didn’t see before that make joy burst inside.
It’s continuing to spend time and effort at something even when the rewards may be few that leads to character building.
Life is a work-in-process, a quiet building, day by day, toward the person you would like to be.
When the pieces don’t fit, change your perspective.

You get the point here. I’m not as a good a puzzle person as I used to be. It doesn’t matter. No one cares how long it takes me to put it together, or even if I EVER get it put together. The puzzle is not a measure of my worth – it’s a joy-filled time when I can shift focus and concentrate on something enjoyable, trivial, that might bring a smile to myr face while I spend time with it.

I hope you have what amounts to a puzzle table in your life, that it grounds you and adds something special. Enjoy each piece.

5 Comments

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Tagged as jigsaw puzzle wisdom, jigsaw-puzzles, life, metaphor for life, puzzle, puzzle table, puzzles, things to learn from a jigsaw puzzle, writing

June 12, 2025 · 4:03 am

Roadmap?

“Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.”
―Mary Oliver

I know it’s true of myself, and I suspect it may be true for many others, that people live their lives oblivious to most of what makes it special.

“Live in the moment” is really an important thing to do. And not just SAY it, or INTEND to do it, but DO. IT.

You are reading this from one who has learned first-hand that life rarely gives second chances, and that it is eye-opening to discover how much of what you THOUGHT you were doing was simply giving lip-service to the idea.

In one night – when my heart stopped twice in the ER in Arkansas, I realized that if I hadn’t been there, under the care of the good ER people for another issue, I wouldn’t be here typing this. I would have died one night last February.

I look at the world through different eyes now. We had decided to retire and move to Thailand at the suggestion of our son, Brian, who had come home to help us when we were ill. I was amazed when Harvey, my husband, agreed to sell everything we had and make the move and lifestyle change. I will never know if it would have worked for him, but he was giving it a shot, and so I consider him a winner for doing that.

When he had his stroke here, spent a month in the hospital, and ended up in the nursing home, these plans for the future went into a permanent limbo state. I am schooling myself not to ‘expect’ or ‘hope for’ anything as far as his behavior or ability. Most of who he was may be completely gone now. How he is at one visit bears no significance to the next. We need to deal with what is, make him as comfortable as we can make him, and hope he will one day be content.

My determination to not waste my second chance at life remains. Some might think it cold that I plan for my own future here now, trying new things, trying to get as healthy as possible, enjoying each day as much as I can, etc. I am trying to learn some phrases so I don’t sound like a complete dork and show that I’m trying to honor the wonderful people who live here, for example.

Our son is trying to meet both of his parents’ needs. We are doing all we can for my husband. Brian is trying, when I’m feeling up to it, to arrange for ‘adventures’ each day where we explore something new, share time together. He is guiding me into life here, teaching me what I need to know as I can absorb it. What more could anyone have?

I want to hear the birds sing each morning. I raise my shades in my condo and welcome the morning light with a huge grin on my face. I welcome each new animal I see. I am playing in my art alcove. I am playing on the computer. I am working at my puzzle, though I’m very slow and less patient now. I’m reading a great book. I’m reaching out to friends, trying to tell them how very much they mean to me. I’m embracing each new chance to become a better, fuller person by learning something new, experiencing something I’ve never tried before, and more. I want to end each day, usually sprawled on my couch with my headphones on, listening to and watching YouTube music videos silently so I don’t bother my neighbors, wanting to feel I have packed as much into that day as I could, and end it grinning, the way I started it.

Don’t just SAY it. Don’t just MEAN to do it. Actually DO it!

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Tagged as don't just intend - DO IT!, life, living in the moment, living life to the fullest, love, mental-health, priorities, reality, relationships, second chance at life, writing

April 18, 2025 · 6:57 pm

This is So True

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Filed under Truth

Tagged as Lie vs truth

January 20, 2025 · 10:25 am

My Wish For You

Free Spirited – Pinterest

Here is a quote I live by – “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” ~ Marcus Aurelius.

I really think, in spite of much of what happens in life, you can choose to see the good, can choose to see the humor in situation, can choose to see things in the most positive light.

You can also choose to surround yourself with people who bring you joy. Choosing to find common ground, cherishing what you love about each person, rather than focusing on disagreement areas can calm your mind and spirit.

Choosing to spend time each day doing things you love brings an automatic smile to your face and happiness to your heart. We need to make the time, even if it’s just a little bit each day, to find joy.

“May your day begin and end with a smile.”

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Filed under Attitude, Cause for Celebration, Challenges, Changes

Tagged as beginning and ending your day with a smile, choosing to be happy

January 15, 2025 · 9:21 am

Thoughts on Aging

A complicated subject, to be sure. People say, “Age is just a number,” and that’s true. If you didn’t KNOW how old your were, what would you GUESS, based on how you feel?

My days vary. Sometimes I feel as I have ‘always’ felt – raring to go with lots of stuff on my to-do list, and usually choosing to do FUN stuff, rather than the SHOULD-DO’s, grudgingly doing the HAVE-TO’s. Other days I’m creaky, sounding like popcorn as I get up, sit down, or try to do my exercises for the day.

Age boils down to health and attitude. Working to get as healthy as you can, be it losing the lard, as I am, gradually; exercising and being conscious of keeping moving, also as I am, in an effort to keep it all in working order, as flexible as you can be, as strong, and as protected with good balance so you don’t fall on your head – are all things that lead to an attitude that allows you to make the most of each day.

If you THINK you’re old, you ARE. I joke about it, but inside, where it matters, I still feel young. I still dream of things I want to do and learn. I’m still trying new things. I take joy in diving into a favorite book or a new one. I’m transported back to where I was when I first heard a song, getting out of my chair to bop along to a favorite. I see pictures and photographs that I identify with, again making me feel as young as I would like to be.

I have things that give me joy – writing this blog and looking for more things to share with you, and spending time in my art room, trying a new technique, trying to learn a new skill, playing with colors and shapes…

So, first – try the best you are able on your health. Second, work on your attitude. Live the best life possible, stuffing as much love, joy, and laughter into it as you can in the time allowed.

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Tagged as aging, attitude

January 4, 2025 · 1:04 pm

Just BE

I spend some time on X and Blue Sky each day, mostly posting my blog posts and trying to promote my Etsy website. I’m kind of amazed by the ‘look’ of people on each of these sites.

I think they must strive to show themselves to be a certain kind of person, choosing things to post, showing their beliefs (or what they THINK they should be believing.) I find it difficult to find REAL people who I have any interest in wanting to know better. I’m turned off by the strident ones who are pushing an agenda and wouldn’t listen to a different point of view if their lives depended on it.

Others are obviously trolls, trying to use these as ‘dating apps,’ trying to portray themselves as the perfect male or female. It’s funny how you read the same descriptions over and over. Obviously, they think these work. Maybe they do….

Anyway, being older than dirt allows me to ignore all that stuff, concentrate on what I find good about the sites (the talented photographers, artists, and writers, mainly) and to show people who I am – and take the consequences if they like what I post or not.

Being yourself is a complicated idea. When you’re young, you want to fit in so badly that you’ll fold yourself into a paper airplane and sail across the room, wearing the ‘in’ thing, saying the ‘in’ things as you fly, hoping that people will like the image you’re projecting.

Then you want to be ‘cool,’ again avoiding any idea of being ‘different’ and therefore, somehow, LESS than others. Stuffing down who you are to try to be the person who again fits in, is attractive, etc.

I’m glad I’m me now. If you like ‘me,’ I’m happy. If you don’t, that’s okay, too. The ‘world’s’ opinion doesn’t matter to me anymore. Of COURSE I would really enjoy being liked, or for someone to like something about me, or what I do, etc., but I’m not devastated if I am found to be LESS anymore. I am happy in my own skin. I’m trying to be the best person I can be. I try to enjoy every minute I have, hopefully doing as much of what I would like to do as possible. I don’t want to waste a minute. It’s all good.

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Filed under Attitude, empowerment, Encouragement

Tagged as attitude, empowerment, encouragement. be yourself

December 28, 2024 · 9:55 am

Expectations

I had all kinds of thoughts when I came across this. The main one, though, is that we shouldn’t feel that we need to fulfill others’ expectations of us.

I guess we all feel the pressure at one time or another to dress and behave in a certain way. Some of this is good, but too much of it drowns the person within.

I’m glad I’m retired now for so many reasons. One of them is that I can be me. I can dress the way I would like, plan my day doing things that give me joy, ignore things I used to feel pressured to do or say. It’s freeing. It gives me peace inside.

My only regret is that I didn’t start doing this earlier. I now shed people I find over-critical, who make me feel ‘less.’ I embrace people who encourage me in my efforts to learn new things and be a better, healthier, and stronger ‘ME.” I say ‘no,’ to things I don’t want to do. I don’t apologize when it’s obvious that someone thinks I should leap to meet their needs, their expectations, and more. I’m learning to embrace the feeling of more control over my time, my feelings, my goals.

So, we can be like the sweet kitty above, who is trying to be calm when someone has decided this is ‘cute.’ I admire our Monster Cat, who actually bites us when we get too demonstrative in our affection. She knows what she wants, what she needs, what she will tolerate, and is trying to mold us into fulfilling her every wish. :0) A little of her attitude is a good thing…

4 Comments

Filed under Attitude, empowerment

Tagged as attitude, controlling your life, empowerment, expectations

December 22, 2024 · 10:28 am

The Way to Live

One of the things I’m learning, since I’m older than dirt, is to try to live each day to the fullest, wringing every drop of joy out of it.

I’m learning that as important as my ‘to-do’ list is – and sometimes it doesn’t just ‘call,’ it YELLS at me – that doing good things for myself is just as important, if not more.

I now take time to go play in my art room whenever I can make the time. I read every day. I listen to music every day. I TRY to take the time to exercise every day.

The housework overload may be embarrassing at times, but it pales in comparison to my husband’s and my health.

I do what is absolutely mandatory each day and then make sure I take the time to write my blog posts and look for other things I find wonderful to share with you. I take time to relax – if it’s just a change in the room I’m in, or a change of activity, or something fun.

I feel I’m just getting started on so many things I want to learn. I want to continue meeting and talking with new people, dive into a new activity, enjoy new places vicariously, and more.

“Don’t just fly… SOAR!”

Category Archives: Attitude

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