Articles

“Those WHY questions.”

Do You Remember 1950?

These statements made me laugh; ahh those were the days:

1. Pin-up-young-woman-in-vintage-73665439 “I’ll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it’s going to be impossible to buy a weeks groceries for $20.00.”

2. “Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won’t be long when $5000 will only buy a used one.”

3. “If cigarettes keep going up in price, I’m going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous.”

4. “Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?”

5. “If they raise the minimum wage to $1, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store.”

6. “When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon. Guess we’d be better off leaving the car in the garage.”

7. “Kids today are impossible. Those ducktail hair cuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls,”

8. “I’m afraid to send my kids to the movies anymore. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying damn in “Gone With The Wind,” it seems every new movie has either Hell or damn in it.”

9. “I read the other day where some scientist thinks it’s possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas.”

10.”Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn’t surprise me if someday that they will be making more than the President.”

11. “I never thought I’d see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now.”

12.”I’m just afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business.”

13.”Thank goodness, I won’t live to see the day when the Government takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to Congress.”

14.”The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on.”

15.”There is no sense going away any more for a weekend. It costs nearly $15.00 a night to stay in a hotel.”

16. “No one can afford to be sick any more; $35.00 a day in the hospital is too rich for my blood.”

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“Those WHY questions.”

When I talk, hear, and see many of you, I am constantly aware that the world we live in is very demanding. With those extra demands in our homes, with our children, and the social and work obligations in our lives, we have a lot of stress. We need to find a way to de-stress and find strength and calm in the midst of the chaos.

I love that verse in the Bible that says, “For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” (Philippians 4:13, NLB)

It gives me great comfort to know that God’s telephone line is never busy. He will never put me on hold, and He does not have an answering service or voice mail. He takes all my calls quickly and personally.

There had been times in my life when he has not answered me right away, and sometimes he has even said no. I also recognize there will be times in my life when I will never know all the answers. Those are the WHY questions, the one’s I don’t understand. And there seems to be a lot of them these last few years.

Can I love him and trust him enough to accept the answers He gives me?

God does not always answer yes,
to every prayer I pray.
Sometimes He answers “No my Child,”
I have a better way.

Thank you for sharing your time with me today, dear friend. If you find and inspiration, love or laughter here, please share with the ones who might enjoy a giggle too.

Have a Great week, HUGS

Lovingly, Karan

IS GROWING UP OPTIONAL ?

 

Is Growing Up Optional?

hopscotchforseniorsThe first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn’t already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being.

She said, “Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I’m eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?” I laughed and enthusiastically responded, “Of course you may!” and she gave me a giant squeeze.

“Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?” I asked. She jokingly replied, “I’m here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids…”

“No seriously,” I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age. “I always dreamed of having a college education, and now I’m getting one!” She told me.

After class, we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this “time machine” as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.

Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon, and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up, and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.

At the end of the semester, we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I’ll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Embarrassed, she leaned forward into the microphone and said, “I’m sorry I’m a little nervous. I’ll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know.”

As we laughed, she cleared her throat and began, “We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success.

You have to laugh and find humor every day. You’ve got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don’t even know it! There is an enormous difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don’t do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything, I will turn eighty-eight.

Anybody can grow older. That doesn’t take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don’t have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets.”

She finished her speech by courageously singing “The Rose. At the year’s end, Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago.

One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it’s never too late to be all you can be. Author unknown

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Reflections:

I love this story, especially now as I am maturing. I pray I will always have an attitude of wonder, joy and curiosity in each new day’s activities. No matter what age I am or how I am feeling. And I never want to get weary of meeting new and interesting people, I think this keeps us young. I want to age as graceful as I can and keep them guessing.

We make a Living by what we get,

We make a Life by what we give.

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

If God brings you to it – He will bring you through it.

Thank you for sharing your time with me sweet friend, What do you do to keep a young perspective,

I would love to hear your thoughts. Have a great week, Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan

Is Laughter The Best Medicine?

Is Laughter The Best Medicine?

WOO HOOI have often said, “laughter is the best medicine for a hurting heart”. I believe it. As a child when life happened I could always see the funny side of any circumstance. Maybe it was a way to hide my anxiety and hesitation. Growing up I was unsure how to respond to difficult situations, so I just laughed. And sometimes I would get in trouble for the inappropriate times I did laugh! Can you relate? But I learned early if I could find humor and laughter, it would relieve stresses and give me joy in a crises driven world.

Many years ago I was guest speaking for a group of women, in northern Canada. The weather was warm enough to wear a skirt that day. It was a little big around, but the button on the skirt seemed secure. Besides it was a cute skirt and matched my suit jacket. What can I say?

As I was in the middle of my presentation, the button fell off and I caught my skirt as it was sliding down. Trying to act as normal as I could I kept talking, grabbed my skirt and tucked it into my slip elastic. Whew! I am so glad I decided to wear a slip that day, it could have been just a pantyhose day. I am also thankful for the women at the head table beside me, who remained stoic during my presentation, they can truly say they have seen everything!

I believe God has a great sense of humor. He must laugh when he sees us scurrying around trying to fix all our problems. Only too soon we reach the befuddling, confused and worn out state of crises. I often do that myself. Many times I think I don’t want to bother God with the little stuff he is too busy. I can be his deputy shepherd, and help him by taking care of them myself. Only to make a bigger mess. Then running back to God so he can fix it quick. Do you do that too? I love that He never refuses and always has plenty of grace, forgiveness and love to fix that which is broken. That is his speciality. The Bible says;

You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. ~ Nehemiah 9:17

God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble. ~ Psalm 46:1

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Thank you for sharing your time with me today, dear friend.  If you find and inspiration, love or laughter here please share with the ones who might enjoy a giggle.  

Have a Great week, HUGS

Lovingly, Karan

 

 

Grandparents, How We Love them!

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Grandparents/Retirement???

A teacher asked her young pupils how they spent their vacation.

One child wrote the following:

We always used to spend the holidays with grandma and grandpa. They used to live here in a big, brick house, but grandpa got retarded and they moved to Florida. Now they live in a place with a lot of other retarded people.

They live in a tin box and have rocks painted green to look like grass. They ride around on big tricycles and wear name tags because they don’t know who they are anymore.

They go to a building called a wrecked center, but they must have got it fixed because it is all right now. They play games and do exercises there, but they don’t do them very well.

There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with their hats on. I guess they don’t know how to swim.

At their gate there is a dollhouse with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out. Then they go cruising in their golf carts.

My grandma used to bake cookies and stuff, but I guess she forgot how. Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And they eat the same thing every night: Early Birds.

Some of the people can’t get past the man in the dollhouse to go out, so the ones who get out bring food back to the wrecked center and call it pot luck.

My grandma says grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded one day, too.  When I earn my retardment I want to be the man in the doll house. Then I will let people out so they can visit their grandchildren.

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Reflections:

I have three daughters, and they loved their grandmothers and learned wonderful life lessons from both.

Grandma Frances, was from California, who was funny, curious and as they said in ‘Star Wars” “To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Looking over the cityBefore.” Grandma always brought excitement!

She was eccentrically independent with a generous heart, and loved a good deal, so thrift stores, Salvation Army, garage sales and flea markets were thrilling when she found the perfect bargain.

She always saw beauty in everything and especially loved the times she spent with her granddaughters in San Diego when they were visiting. Sandy beaches, seashells, sea world and Mexican food.

Even now, I miss her laughter, her wonderful smile, and beautiful green eyes. I admired her strength and accomplishments against insurmountable odds. Mother often said, “With God nothing is impossible.”

We knew mother, and grandma loved us, and loved God too. She trusted Him, leaned on Him, and believed His promises would keep her through the ups and downs of life. She taught us all daily about God’s grace, forgiveness and love. Through her life we could see how God faithfully protected and care for each of us.

Grandma Hedevig lived close by, fact she lived-in the same farmyard.

grandma GleddieEvery day after school My daughters would stop at Grandma’s for cookies and tea, play a game of Sorry or Trouble, and then come home.  She always had a listening ear, and encouraging word and many hugs.  It was as though it was their special time to have Grandma all to themselves.

I remember the joy on their faces as they came home telling me they had beat their Grandmother in their chosen game today. Such confidence and happiness, although I am sure that she allowed them win much more then they lost. 

I always admired her gentle ways, with a willingness to loving teach her granddaughters how to bake and enjoy recipes as they hunted for something new to try and sample.

She was a beautiful pianist, organist and singer. And that gift passed on to her granddaughters. They would go over to her house, and quietly enjoy their own private concerts and singing.

She endured great physical pain and showed grace throughout the illness. Always knowing God loved her, and had faith he had a perfect plan for her.

The cherished gifts these two different grandmothers give her grandchildren have given them a lifetime of wonderful memories that are worth more than silver and gold. My daughters are blessed. ©

Thank you for sharing your time with me dear reader, I pray that you have gotten a giggle and a blessing at the same time. Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

The Beauty Bag Downsize

The Beauty Bag

makeup bagIn my wardrobe, I use 2 different units of 13 pieces each.  Each unit has one dark neutral, a light neutral and a favorite color. I have taught how to build wardrobe for years and have found these units, not only save time shopping, but also save on the budget.

Unit #1 – Black and White color combination, and Red.

Unit #2 – Black and White color combination, and Fuchsia & Pinks

These units can be used all year. When I buy an item I look for these colors only.  No matter what I pull out of my closet, every piece will match in their unit.  Over the years I have added other accent colors, to make a new unit, but I have always stayed with the same two neutrals, black and white. 

Building these units makes it so easy to splurge on accessories which I love. It also save big on makeup.

I will show you what is in my cosmetic bag:

Unit #1.

  • 1 – Red Lipstick
  • 1 – Red Blush
  • 1 – Charcoal eyeliner pencil, and Charcoal eye shadow

 

Unit #2

  • 1 – Fuchsia Lipstick
  • 1 – Fuchsia Blush
  • 1 – Brown eyeliner pencil, and Brown eye shadow

These will cover all my wardrobe needs, so I am seldom tempted to look at other colors.

Many people ask about my favorite tips from 40 years in the cosmetic field with makeup artistry, photography makeup, modeling, theatrical and personal makeups.  Here are a few that I love and are not to expensive.

  1. M·A·C STUDIO FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION, this formula provides a long-lasting, water-resistant finish and light weight.
  2. Lancôme Effacernes, Long-wear, waterproof formula won’t crease or fade. I have cried through many weddings, graduations and funerals. This product is a keeper in my books!
  3. Eucerin Q10 anti-wrinkle sensitive skin cream, a dear friend turned me on to this cream. It inexpensive, and works like a charm. I use it both morning and night after cleaning my face.
  4. Olay Regenerist, Serum, this goes on after my cream and works well under your makeup.
  5. Lara Geller Spackle this is a beautiful primer, I call it my crack filler. LOL
  6. O. Bigelow Cinnamint supreme 2X lip moisturizer, non-greasy and does a light plumping.
  7. Maybelline Super stay 24 hour color lipstick, at my age this is feather proof which I notice I need more and more! Lol
  8. Coconut Oil, I use it on face at night under the Eucerin cream, on my fingernails and hands, and hair. This has helped the dryness.

 

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What are some of your favorite tips, let me know. I always am interested to see what others are doing. Let me know if this was helpful to you. Also if you have any questions regarding this blog let new know and I will try to answer you.  tons of love and Hugs

Lovingly Karan