The Best Within You!!! Worth Reading!!

beachcottage · September 2003

The Best Within You
(excerpted fromAtlas Shrugged)

In the name of the best within you, do not
sacrifice this world to those who are at its
worst. In the name of the values that keep
you alive, do not let your vision of people be
distorted by the ugly, the cowardly, the
mindless in those who have never achieved
integrity. Do not lose your knowledge that
our proper estate is an upright posture,
an intransigent mind and a step that travels
unlimited roads. Do not let your fire go
out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the
hopeless swamps of the approximate, the
not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all. Do
not let the hero in your soul perish, in
lonely frustration for the life you
deserved, but have never been able to reach.
Check your road and the nature of your
battle. The world you desired can be won,
it exists, it is real, it's yours.

One of my favorite's !!! Here's to achieving all of your goals and living life to it's fullest!!!!!!! Enjoy Patti

beachcottage · October 2003

RULES FOR BEING HUMAN

1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period this time around.

2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called life. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant and stupid.

3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and error experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately "works".

4. A lesson is repeated until it is learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can then go on to the next lesson.

5. Learning lessons does not end. There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons. If you are alive there are lessons to be learned.

6. "There" is no better than "here". When your "there" has become a "here" you will simply obtain another "there" that will, again, look better than "here".

7. Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.

8. What you make of life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.

9. Your answers lie inside you. The answers to life's questions lie inside you. All you need to do is look, listen, trust.

10. You will forget all this.
~(Anonymous)
Good night to all...............Patti

beachcottage · October 2003

Pick More Daisies ~

When the late Nadine Stair of Louisville, Kentucky, was 85 years old, she was asked what she would do if she had her life to live over again.
"I'd make more mistakes next time," she said. "I'd relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been on this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

"You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I've had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I've been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, and a raincoat. If I had to do it over again, I would travel lighter than I have.

"If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds and I would pick more daisies."

Adapted from an essay by Don Herold

Here's to picking more daisies ladies!!!! Have a nice day!!! xooxo Patti

beachcottage · October 2003

I'll never again pick up a penny without thinking of this!

Several years ago, a friend of mine
and her husband were invited to spend the weekend
at the husband's employer's home.

My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend.
The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home
on the water-way, and cars costing more than her house.
The first day and evening went well,
and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse
into how the very wealthy live.

The husband's employer was quite generous as a host,
and took them to the finest restaurants.
Arlene knew she would neverhave the opportunity
to indulge in this kind of extravagance again,
so was enjoying herself immensely.

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant
that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.
He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long,
silent moment.
Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him.
There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened
penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts.
Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.
He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket
as if he had found a great treasure.

How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny?
Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she
could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her
daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he
had found had been valuable.

A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his
pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen
many pennies before!

What was the point of this?

"Look at it." He said. "Read what it says."

She read the words "United States of America."

"No, not that; read further."

"One cent?"

"No, keep reading."

"In God we Trust?"

"Yes!"

"And?"

"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin.
Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on
every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it!
God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust
Him? Who am I to pass it by?

When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at
that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do
trust in Him...
For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold.
I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me.

Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!
When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the
sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had
been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I can not
change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh.
Yes, God, I get the message. It seems that I have been finding
an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then,
pennies are plentiful!

And God is patient

~~~Author Unknown to me~~~~

Here's to finding pennies ladies!!!!!!!!!! Patti

beachcottage · October 2003

Wishing you all a safe week...Patti
A Creed to Live By

Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others,

It is because we are different that each of us is special.

Don't set your goals by what other people deem important,

Only you know what is best for you.

Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart

Cling to that as you would your life, for without them life is meaningless.

Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or the future.

By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.

Don't give up when you still have something to give

Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.

Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect,

It is the fragile thread that binds us to each other.

Don't be afraid to encounter risks,

It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find.

The quickest way to receive love is to give love.

The fastest way to lose love is to hold on too tightly,

And the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

Don't dismiss your Dreams. To be without dreams is to be without hope.

To be without hope is to be without purpose.

Don't run through life so fast that you forget where you've been,

But also know where you're going.

Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored every step of the way.

Author Unknown

beachcottage · April 2004

This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good."

Author Unknown-----Here's to good day's!!! xoxo,Patti

Sierra · April 2004

Patti ... Hi ..

these are all great

tks.. love em..

Sierra

Namaste [Smile]

DebraLynn · June 2004

I just read all your posts, (I know, a little late I am) but they are all so beautiful. Thanks for sharing

beachcottage · July 2004

Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
Drive Carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you don't have a leg to stand on.
Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
The early worm gets eaten by the bird, so sleep late.
When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
Birthdays are good for you. The more you have the longer you live.
You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.
We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors but they all have to learn to live in the same box.
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open.
Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.--Author Unknown

Have a nice weekend my friends..xoxo,Patti

DebraLynn · July 2004

Thanks, Patti,
Just what I needed right now, especially "You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person."
Just beautiful.
Thanks again,
Debra

beachcottage · July 2004

Debra so glad you like them...I have posted this in the past..I needed to read it again myself today..When times are tough and your load seems to heavy I like to read this..xoxo,Patti

Hope gives you the strength to keep going
when you feel like giving up.

Don't ever quit believing in yourself.
As long as you believe you can, you will have a reason for trying.

Don't let anyone hold your happiness in their hands;
hold it in your own, so it will always be within your reach.

Don't measure success or failure by material wealth,
but by how you feel. Our feelings determine the riches in our lives.

Don't let bad moments overcome you. Be patient, and they will pass.

Don't hesitate to reach out for help; we all need it from time to
time.

Don't runaway from Love, but towards love; because it is our deepest
joy.

Don't wait for what you want to come to you.
Go after it with all that you are; knowing that life will meet you
half way.

Don't feel like you've lost when plans and dreams fall short of your
hopes.

Anytime you learn something new about yourself, or about life, you
have progressed.

Don't do anything that takes away from your self-respect.
Feeling GOOD about yourself is essential to feeling GOOD about life.

Don't ever forget how to laugh or be too proud to cry.
It is by doing both that we live life to the FULLEST.

~author unknown~

raven81 · July 2004

Thanks Patti--I needed that today too. How are you holding up? I know this is a really tough time for you right now, and I'm praying that God will comfort you and give you strength.

You are such a wonderful person, and I am grateful that you have come into my life.

Love, Eileen

beachcottage · July 2004

Raven ditto..ditto my friend...I am doing well...How are you doing?? You have been through so much..Welcome home..

Warrior Women-Author Unknown...

You join an army of wounded women, who wear pretty clothes that conceal the scars and the pain and who summon brave smiles to camouflage anxiety. We each share a touching, intimate memory of a day that changed our lives forever.

A memory of a morning shower when we touched our breasts and cried. A long last look in the mirror, as we said good-bye. Good-bye to vanity. Good-bye to self pity. We haven't the time. We measure life in moments, and momentum.

We are the meaning of lifelong friends. Bosom buddies gathering strength from one another. We are courageous. We are proud. A circle of women, we span the globe, and we have touched eternity.

There is a word that strikes fear in our hearts--the word is recurrence. We try endlessly to search the reason. We valiantly fight to find the cure. We do so for daughters, granddaughters and for friends and ourselves.

We do so for the women who have gone before us. With each loss we feel tremendous anger. We rage. We taste fear. But with each loss our capacity to love deepens. It grows, it ripens, it blooms.

Each precious moment on this earth is a gift. We will not leave this gift unopened. We will not leave one smile undone. We will not leave one hug forgotten. We will not miss one opportunity to make a difference.

We are Women Warriors. Our casualties are high. The women who have gone before us have lost a battle with breast cancer, but they haven't lost the war.

We honor these women, we feel them, we remember them. We carry them with us, and we made each one a promise. A promise to never again look the other way.

We have breast cancer. We are alive.

raven81 · July 2004

Patti--so eloquently put. I had goosebumps when I was reading your post. We are warriors and we will fight on. God Bless all us brave warriors.

Fighter_Lu · July 2004

Thanks Patti..
Yes, we are all warriors!!!
Hope this post finds you doing well...
lol LuAnn

beachcottage · July 2004

What Do Angels Look Like~ Author Unknown
Like the little old lady who returned
your wallet yesterday.

Like the taxi driver who told you that
your eyes light up the world when you smile.

Like the small child who showed you
the wonder in simple things.

Like the poor man who offered
to share his lunch with you.

Like the rich man who showed you
that it really is all possible,
if only you believe.

Like the stranger who just happened to come along,
when you had lost your way.

Like the friend who touched your heart,
when you didn't think you had one to touch.

Angels come in all sizes and shapes,
all ages and skin types.

Some with freckles, some with dimples,
some with wrinkles, some without.

They come disguised as friends, enemies,
teachers, students, lovers and fools.

They don't take life too seriously;
they travel light.

They leave no forwarding address;
they ask for nothing in return.

They wear sneakers with gossamer wings;
they get a deal on dry cleaning.

They are hard to find when your eyes are closed,
but they are everywhere you look,
when you choose to see.
######################################
May the angels walk beside you today as you journey...........xoxo,Patti

sharon_17 · July 2004

Patti, thanks so much for all the poems, the Warrior Women is great ......Thanks again.

sharon

beachcottage · January 2005

sometimes....

I cannot tell you, " I know how you feel"
I have not been where you are...
But sometimes it is ok to walk by faith....
and not by sight...
Sometimes it is ok to ask why....
even if we get no immediate answer.....
Sometimes it is ok to wonder.....
how others lives can seem so normal....
when ours have been ripped apart...
Sometimes it is ok to wonder where we failed...
where we went wrong...
Sometimes it is ok to ask God,
"Please don;t let me go crazy."
Sometimes it is ok to be hurt...
and Lonely....
and sleepless...
and sad...
and mad....
Sometimes it is ok to look for someone to blame...
and to blame yourself...
or even to blame God....
But those sometimes wont last forever....
The Great Healer will begin to put you back together!!!! AMEN!
never the same...But complete in his love....
Then he will lead you to others that need to know...
about the "SOMETIMES"
BY: Rachel Rhodes

xoxo,Patti

beachcottage · January 2005

A Few Figs from Thistles
Poems and Sonnets
by Edna St.Vincent Millay

[1922]
First Fig

MY CANDLE burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--
It gives a lovely light!

xoxo,Patti

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

beachcottage · January 2005

After A While
After a while you learn
the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security,

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and eyes open,
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads
On today because tomorrows ground
Is too uncertain for plans, and futures have
A way of falling down in mid flight.

After a while you learn that even sunshine
Burns if you get too much.
So plant your own garden and decorate
Your own soul, instead of waiting
For someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn...
With every good bye you learn.

-Veronica A. Shoffstall

xoxo,Patti

beachcottage · January 2005

One

One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.

One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom.
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference,
you see it's up to You!

Don't ever forget how very Important You Are

-- Margo Daniel

xoxo,Patti

beachcottage · January 2005

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10.Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Love and peace to all...xoxo,Patti

kpccvc · January 2005

These were beautiful and very much worth reading!

Thank you for sharing. . .

Kathy

MarshaB-2004Sep14 · January 2005

Once again Patti your words our full of Grace! I thank you for them!

be well

kimczepiga · January 2005

Dear Sweet Patti,
You must have an incredible library! Thank you first for reading all of this prose and poetry; but even better, thank you for pulling out the best ones for us! We are so fortunate to have you!
((hugs))
mamacze (kim)

beachcottage · January 2005

Kathy,Marsha and Kim thank you so much...I try to read something inspiring every day...Sending my best your way..Here's to another today!!.xoxo,Patti

The Best Day Of My Life--Gregory M. Lousignont, Ph.D.

Today, when I awoke,
I suddenly realized that this is
the best day of my life, ever!

There were times when I wondered if
I would make it to today; but I did!
And because I did
I'm going to celebrate!

Today, I'm going to celebrate what
an unbelievable life I have had so far:
the accomplishments, the many blessings,
and, yes, even the hardships because
they have served to make me stronger.

I will go through this day with my head
held high, and a happy heart.

I will marvel at God's seemingly simple
gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the
clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds.
Today, none of these miraculous creations
will escape my notice.

Today, I will share my excitement for life
with other people. I'll make someone
smile. I'll go out of my way to perform
an unexpected act of kindness for someone
I don't even know.

Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to
someone who seems down. I'll tell a child
how special he is, and I'll tell someone
I love just how deeply I care for them
and how much they mean to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about
what I don't have and start being grateful
for all the wonderful things
God has already given me.

I'll remember that to worry is just a
waste of time because my faith in God
and His Divine Plan ensures everything
will be just fine.

Tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go
outside and raise my eyes to the heavens.
I will stand in awe at the beauty of the
stars and the moon, and I will praise God
for these magnificent treasures.

As the day ends and I lay my head down
on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty
for the best day of my life. And I will
sleep the sleep of a contented child,
excited with expectation because I know
tomorrow is going to be ......
The Best Day Of My Life!

~ ~ ~

NPat · January 2005

You may have seen this... it is precious

Theology, Kid Style

Dear God, Please put another holiday between Christmas and Easter. There is nothing good in there now. Amanda

Dear God, Thank you for the baby brother but what I asked for was a puppy. I never asked for anything before. You can look it up. Joyce

Dear Mr. God, I wish you would not make it so easy for people to come apart. I had to have 3 stitches and a shot. Janet

God, I read the bible. What does beget mean? Nobody will tell me. Love, Alison

Dear God, How did you know you were God? Who told you? Charlene

God, Is it true my father won't get into heaven if he uses his golf words in the house.? Anita

Dear God, I bet it's very hard for you to love all of everybody in the whole world. There are only 4 people in our family and I can never do it. Nancy

Dear God, I like the story about Noah the best of al of them. You really made up some good ones. I like walking on water, too. Glenn

Dear God, My granpa says you were around when he was a little boy. How far back do you go? Love, Dennis

Dear God, Do you draw the lines around the countries? If you don't, who does? Nathan

Dear God, Did you mean for giraffes to look like that or was it an accident? Norma

Dear God, In bible times, did they really talk that fancy? Jennifer

Dear God, How dome you did all those miracles in the old days and don't do any now? Billy

Dear God, Please send Dennis Clark to a different summer camp this year. Peter

Dear God, Maybe Cain and Abel would not kill each other so much if they each had their own rooms. It works out OK with me and my brother. Larry

Dear God, I keep wating for spring, but it never did come yet. What's up? Don't forget. Mark

Dear God, My brother told me about how you are born but it just doesn't sound right. What do you say? Marsha

Dear God, If you watch in Curch on Sinday I will show you my new shoes. Barbara

Dear God, Is Reverend Coe a friend of yours, or do you just know him throught the business? Donny

Dear God, I do not think anybody could be a better God than you. Well, I just want you to know that I am not just saying that because you are already God. Charles

Dear God, Is is great the way you always get the stars in the right place. Why can't you do that with the moon? Jeff

Dear God, I am doing the best I can. Really. Frank

Dear God, I didn't thing orange went with purple until I saw the sunset you made on Tuesday night. Bill

If only we could be so open with Him...

Pat

Fighter_Lu · January 2005

Pat and Patti...I look forward every day to come to this site and find something inspiring from you...I am so blessed to have found this site and I appreciate you all for the lovely inspiriation you give me...
Bless you
LuAnn

richards · January 2005

I have just read all these posts. They are a lovely and positive way to look at life.
Thank you so much for starting this thread.
Eilidh

NPat · January 2005

Hope Happens

Hope is what happens when you first see a light
Just a distant, small star in the darkest of night.

Hope is what happens with the first buds of spring
When dawn touches the sky or a bird spreads it's wings.

Hope is what happens when a wound starts to heal.
Whether skin deep or soul deep, you begin to feel real.

Hope is what happens when your're poor but not broken
There's a goldmine of dreams-just not yet awoken.

Hope is what happens when someone is kind
A feeling not lost-just misplaced in your mind.

Hope is what happens when war turns to peace
After everyone prayed that the fighting would cease.

Hope is what happens with the smell of fresh rain
When your long drought of dreams is renewed yet again.

Hope is what happens when clouds finally clear
Troubled thunder falls silent-courageous whispers you hear.

Hope is what happens when your heart skips a beat
And, so least expected, a soul mate your meet.

Hope is what happens when fresh bread is baking
And what hungers your heart, will one day stop aching.

Hope is what happens when kindling ignites
You rediscover your passion that burns day and night.

Hope is what happens when the pain eases a bit
And deep down inside, you find your true grit.

Hope is what happens as long as we breathe
For although it takes time, the sorrow will leave.

Hope is what happens long after the pain
Hope is what happens-again and again.

Catherine DeVrye

Hope IS a choice.

Pat

beachcottage · January 2005

Pat great post!!!! thank you friend...xoxo,Patti

The Best Within You!!! Worth Reading!!

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