~THANK YOU~

My son is home, safe and sound! I want to thank all of you who so givingly shared your prayers for him and his comrades. I can't begin to explain the relief I feel and I am so eternally grateful for the ANGELS he had surrounding him and his brothers as they fought this horrific inferno. I will certainly keep vigil for those still on duty, not only in Southern CA but for all those fine young men and women who are in some way serving a civic or national duty in our name.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND MAY YOU ALL ARRIVE HOME SAFELY:)
Hug life, Marylou

~What They Don't Tell You~

I received my first phone call from my son yesterday. He is safe and for that I am so grateful. Thank you for your circle of prayers:)

What you don't hear on the news......My son informed me that the generosity of people has been over whelming. The firefighters have been given plenty of food, water, along with love and appreciation...and all this from strangers. It is an amazing community that has embraced these brave men and women and the out pour of volunteers has been staggering. The victims (yes that is how I feel for the poor souls who lost their homes and precious belongings since it is being called arson) are also feeling this tremendous giving experience. They may have lost their homes but not their spirit and for that I am grateful. I am in awe of the constant kindness that surrounds the raging inferno, what a beautiful display of strength, faith & hope from those who have lost so much. I am PROUD that my son is able to be simply "one" of many who are able to participate in the saving and healing process. I am honored to be "human" today:) We can be such an incredible species and I certainly prefer our behavior when we act in this fashion. No hate, no wars, no disenchantment with each others faith, ethnicity or class. Life can be wonderful even after tragedy.

The fires are still burning so please keep everyone in your daily prayers. Thanks so very much:)

Hug Life......Marylou
PS...My son shook the hand of the President of the United States yesterday! He had his picture taken with him along with the rest of the crew and I will receive a copy and proudly display it in my home. My son shall never forget that moment as the President thanked him and each member of the Novato Fire Dept. individually for their service. I shall never forget the pride in my son's voice as he shared this moment with me via phone. OH...my, life is so GOOD:)

~I NEED YOUR PRAYERS~

I just received a call from my daughter-in-law telling me that my son is on his way to San Diego and the current devastating fires. I ask this for ALL the young men and women who will be fighting this wicked inferno, PLEASE keep them in your prayers. Thanks so very much! Marylou

A Fireman's Life
A fireman's life is one big surprise,
Usually he laughs, sometimes he cries.
There's always stress, toil and strife,
Hoping he's good enough to save just one life.

His wife understands, when he misses dinner,
If he runs out of church, don't think he's a sinner.
Answering a call, is tops on his list,
Regretting each one he's ever missed.

He tries and tries, but can't make us see,
The happiest men, still work for free.
Jumping from bed, fighting the cold,
Knowing what to do, without being told.

He rushes to the station, jumps on a truck.
Depending on skill, never on luck.
Putting his life on the line, for an unknown friend,
Hoping and praying, it won't be the end.
"The Bravest Men in the World", the title is fitting,
They all do their best, never come close to quitting.
Next time you see them, all their lights blinking,
Take just a minute, to think what they're thinking.

It's a hard job, so show them you care,
And help them out, with a little prayer.

-- Daniel S. Driscoll. --

~ANOTHER YEAR, THANK YOU GOD~

HI GOD, IT'S JUST ME AGAIN, MARYLOU.....:) I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER YEAR. IT IS SO THOUGHTFUL OF YOU TO SEND ME RAINBOWS, LUSH GREEN FORRESTS, BREATH TAKING SUNRISES AND SUNSETS, BEAUTIFUL OCEANS AND GLORIOUS ROCKY MOUNTAIN RANGES...I THINK YOUR BEST GIFT IS THE GIFT OF LIFE YOU HAVE BESTOWED UPON ME AND I THANK YOU SO MUCH! YES, THERE HAVE BEEN HARDSHIPS BUT THRU THOSE DIFFICULT TIMES YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME MUCH. I KNOW, WITH YOU BY MY SIDE I CAN DO ANYTHING:) THANKS AGAIN AND KNOW I THINK OF YOU EVERYDAY, EVERY HOUR, EVERY MOMENT!
HUGS, YOUR DAUGHTER, MARYLOU
PS...THANK YOU SWEET MARY, AKA ISABELLASCLOSET, FOR MAKING THIS BEAUTIFUL TAG:)

~CALLING ALL GIRLFRIENDS~

Calling All Girlfriends:) I have heard that Carole, from ScoundrelsRogues, is not feeling well. She had a rather difficult surgery and has been suffering with complications. I thought..... yeah..I had a lightbulb moment:)..... that we could all send her regular mail get well cards. If you write me from your blog I would be tickled pink to give you my snail mail addy. This way I can collect the cards for Carole, and when I have a nice amount I shall box them up all pretty for her with lots of tissue, glitter, sparklie thingies and all the goodies she loves. She is such a loving and caring gal and I am hoping this little gesture will let her know how much we all care. Thanks so much and feel free to email me with any questions:)
Now, go out there and HUG LIFE.......Marylou

~Happy Autumn~

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in,
and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see. This was passed on to me from another pumpkin. Now, it is your turn to pass it to a pumpkin. I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch. Happy Fall!

I know this lovely verse has been floating around but I love it so much and simply felt a need to share with you. I don't think we can "hear" good words often enough:)
Hug Life, Marylou

~WHAT A GAL:-)~

Meet Egad! Yep, that is his name. My DEAR friend, Ellen sent him to me and I am so jazzed!! I collect vintage squirrels, new ones too:-) She so thoughtfully found this little guy for me, boxed him up and he arrived here on Saturday. DH was home and as I opened the box he said, "hey, he even has nuts":-) DH was referring to the salt and pepper shakers, I think??????

Anyhoo....I am amazed each day as I read someones blog, drop a note and they respond in kind.... but to receive a gift, just because, well, it is rather akin to "life is good" and reminds me there are many, many sweet & thoughtful peeps out there in this great big world of ours. Albeit we hear of the good, bad and ugly each day on the daily news please remember, the "good" stand out above the rest!! Thank you E...:-)
Hug Life, Marylou

~WE ARE WISE:-)~

"Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey wrod"

I saw this the other day and it reminded me how resourceful the human mind is and how very smart we are:) Read the above sentences and even though it looks like another language you will be amazed at how well you do. It also brings to mind the new world of texting and as I watch my kids, both adults now, text message all the time as though it was so easy "I don't get it":) Well, I tried and tried and WOWZA...I barely could send one sentence as it took me forever:) Think I will stick to the phone and simply dial:) Just some fun for today.......Happy Friday everyone and wishing you all a "fantabulous" week-end!
Hug Life, Marylou