Friday’s Quote – a Gift

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Deep down inside, we know that the best gifts don't come from a catalog or shopping mall. They don't come in brightly colored packages or fancy envelopes, and they're not hiding in a closet for you to open on Christmas morning. They come when we look at each other, REALLY look at each other, and say:

"You mean a lot to me, or I'm glad you are part of my life." It is a gift that will never go out of style or be forgotten or returned for a different size.

A gift like that can make someone's day or change someone's life.

        -    Ron Atchison

Merry Christmas

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THE STORY OF RUDOLPH

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Today I will be reading a story published January 11, 2011, Reader's Digest - CANADA.

THE STORY OF RUDOLPH

Once Upon a time, there lived at the North Pole, a young reindeer named Rudolph. He was a lively, happy reindeer and loved playing in the snow. But one day, the other reindeer noticed that he had a large, bright red nose, and they teased him about it without mercy.

Rudolph was sad because it was Christmas Eve, and he was afraid that he would never be chosen to pull Santa's sleigh because of his shiny nose. He visited Santa and the elf, who were getting all the presents ready. Santa and the Elf were always kind to Rudolph and never mentioned his funny nose.

At last, Santa boomed, elf, I must go. Let's load up the presents.

When all was ready, Santa asked, where are my 8 reindeer? I need Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen's strength to pull my sleigh. Then Santa looked around and noticed how foggy the night had become. He worried that he would not be able to see his way. Suddenly, he noticed Rudolph with his bright red nose, and then he had a very bright idea! "Rudolph," he cried, I want YOU with your shiny nose to light the way from my sleigh tonight!"

All the reindeer made way for Rudolph. Everybody loved him and said what a
special reindeer he was from then on.  They never teased Rudolph.  Rudolph would always be Santa's first choice every Christmas Eve.

Let me end with this quote – The magic of Christmas never ends, and the best gifts are Family and Friends.

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Twas the Night Before Christmas

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Since the holidays are upon us, I will be reading Christmas Stories my mother read to me as a child.  Let us spread the Holiday Cheer!

Here is a little history of the story I will read today. Enjoy!

Twas, the Night Before Christmas, was first published in 1823 as “Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas” in the Troy Sentinel, later attributed to Clement C. Moore and renamed. 

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care and hope that Saint Nicholas would soon be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. And Mama in her kerchief, and I in my cap had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap. Went out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window, I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the newly fallen snow gave a luster of mid-day two objects below. 

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick. More rapid than eagles his courses they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name! Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!

But I heard him exclaim, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

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Today I will be reading a short version of Dr. Seuss’s 1957 children’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas."  

Every who down in Whoville liked Christmas. But the Grinch who lived on top of Whoville DID NOT. He hated Christmas the whole Christmas season. Now, please do not ask why, and no one quite knows the reason why! It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. It could be his head was not screwed on exactly right.

But I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small. But, whatever the reason, his heart, or his shoes, he stood there on Christmas Eve hating the Who’s.  Staring down from his cave with the sour, Grinchy frown at the warm lighted windows below in their town.  For he knew every Who down in Whoville beneath was busy hanging a hollywho wreath and their stockings, he snarled with a sneer, Tomorrow is Christmas! It is practically here!

Yes, tomorrow all the Who boys and girls will wake up bright and early and run to their toys.  Then all the noise.  All the noise, noise, and noise.  He then got an idea an awful idea.  The Grinch got a wonderful AWFUL IDEA!  I know just what to do about Christmas. He made a Santa Claus hat and coat. He laughed in his throat.  With this coat and hat, I look like Saint Nicholas.  He made a sleigh, and all he needed was a reindeer.  If I cannot find a reindeer, I'll make one instead. He named the dog Max and made a big horn on top of his head. 

He went to Whoville, and he came back with lots of packages, boxes, and bags. And in Whoville, it was not sad it was HAPPY VERY HAPPY. Then what do you know? The Grinches heartbeat three sizes that day. He brought the toys back and the feast's food, and he himself carved the roast beast. The Grinch enjoyed Christmas and the wonderful Christmas Season.

Let me end with this note - What if Christmas Perhaps Means a little bit more.......

Merry Christmas

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Exciting News!

Today, Poppy published her first story on Kindle ebook short reads.  

WHERE AM I - Written by Poppy Dodson

This story is shared through the eyes of a woman whose husband died. One evening she falls into a deep sleep, and her husband appears.  He reassures her she is not going crazy and says she has a special talent to share with the world and must go home.  She looks at him, confused, and he disappears.  She awakes in an ambulance, where she flatlined.  As time moves on, she realizes a piece of her is gone, and grief has tucked itself into a special place within her heart where she will carry it forever.

Poppy looks forward to reading your comments.  Make sure to click the "Follow" button, so you don't miss any of my new releases.  Cheers to exciting times.

Poppy

A Note from Poppy

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My Reader

I want you to know that I am grateful to you for being here even if I’m sure that sometimes there are better and more important things you can be doing.

I know, I don’t have a lot of traffic and there aren’t hundreds and thousands of readers and users checking my blog every day but there are a few of you who are reading it. To you I say, “Thank you."

It means a lot to me that you read my blog and that you sometimes share my articles. I was raised to say please and thank you for everything and to write thank you notes all the time.

• When someone gives you a present…write a thank you note.
• When someone acts as your reference….write a thank you note.
• When someone takes the time to help you….write a thank you note.

Again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Poppy

Poppytheauthor a Country Girl at Heart

"Thank you for your part in my journey."

Make a decision

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Decisions, Decisions, and Decisions. Every moment of every day, we make decisions. Our lives are mostly defined by the sum of decision-making and the actions that we make along the way. Most of us are programmed to make decisions based on fear, low self-esteem, and lack of willpower.  

The problem is that many people have a "deer in the headlights" moment when faced with a decision.  Afraid of making a wrong decision, they end up not making a decision.  However, not making a decision is a decision in and of itself - and it's almost always the wrong one. The inability to make a decision can leave you frozen in place when changes are necessary.  It can also wreak havoc on your confidence, your happiness, and your overall emotional well-being. 

If you overthink your decisions, you can end up going in circles. Even after days of analyzing decisions, you may be unable to effectively weigh the pros and cons, determine what you want, or settle on what you think is best.  Moving out of your comfort zone; fear creeps in along with anxiety. Try to push past your fears and doubts. Be brave when stepping out of your comfort zone because it can entail positive change, new skills, and worthwhile risks. You will stretch and grow. After all, if a decision is important enough to change your life, it's understandable that you'd want to make the right decision. Listen to your heart, meaning you should try to listen to your feeling and emotions, too.     

Learn to train your mind to stay focused, confident and optimistic. Stop and think about your options. Let them percolate in our mind and take stock of your strengths and talents, as well as your genuine interests and desires. 

What you do is not as important as who you are. Strive to be trustworthy, responsible, and kind, and you will attract like-kind people.  

Let me end with this quote:

Why do we have to listen to our hearts?" the boy asked.  "Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you will find your treasure."

A couple of years from now, make sure you can say that you chose your life, you didn't settle for it.

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