Cherries

Monday, July 30, 2007

MM 7/30/2007

Hi Friends,

Happy last Monday of July! Where has this summer gone? The good news is that August is just around the corner and you all know what that means...the California State Fair! I love the fair. I already have my tickets and we are planning to go on a Tuesday when kids are free and all rides are only one dollar! If you go on line to www.bigfun.org, you can still buy discount tickets until August 10. The poppy pack is a great value, you get four adult admissions and one parking pass for $29.00. After the tenth, it would cost $47.00.

Dave and I have been on the go like crazy. I have been working several jobs, long hours and I even worked Saturday morning. After work, Dave and I planned a camp out in our backyard. Dave barbecued a delicious tri-tip, we roasted marshmallows in the outside fireplace, and then slept out under the stars on our deck. I wish I could leave you with this idyllic picture of life in the Partak household, but in reality, it went more like this: Dave made a delicious barbecue, but it was way too hot to eat outside, so instead, we sat in the living room in front of the television. After dinner, we did go out to make smores, but Mason squawked about every little thing and when it was time to go to sleep, it seemed all was well. That was until 2:30 AM when Dave said he couldn't sleep because the dog was staring at him, so he brought him outside with us. After he settled back in, he couldn't sleep because they were both (Dave and the dog) all tuned in to every critter and leaf-crackling sound. By 3 AM, I sent him and the dog in the house to sleep in the bed so I could get back to my rest. Just as I was sleeping comfortably, Mason was awake and bouncing me off the air mattress onto the poky-leaf-covered deck! So there is the truth behind the happy family we call our own!

Finally, if you have sent me e-mails and I have not replied, please be patient. I have been in technology hell. I do not want to elaborate, but suffice it to say, I have been off line way more than I have been on line. Have a great week and in light of my technical problems, my Motivator comes from the book The Road Less Traveled: Problems do not go away. They must be worked through or else they remain, forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit.

Have a great week and solve those problems!

Lots of love,

Kathy

Monday, July 23, 2007

MM 7/23/2007

Hi Friends!

Happy Monday. Dave and I are in Las Vegas. Dave had to be here for business and I got to tag along. We got here Friday night around midnight and have been having a ball! We played a little poker and blackjack, but have been doing lots of walking, looking at all the new stuff, eating in little restaurants and just enjoying being together without Mason! You all know I love my son, but I love my husband too, and time with just the two of us, is so important. Not to mention, Mason doesn't miss us either. I have called him each day and it is like pulling teeth to get him to talk to me . When he does get on the phone, he tells me he is having fun, he is okay and good-bye!

I don't have much time in the hotel business center so have a great week, and I'll talk to you next week!

Love Kathy

Tell those you love, that you love them. Tell them today, tomorrow and every other chance you get. If they don't love you back, still tell them that you love them. It will make you feel good and regardless of what they say, it will make them feel good too!

Monday, July 16, 2007

MM 7/16/2007

Happy Monday!

How the heck is everybody? I am great! There are so many little things around me to be grateful for, that they all add up to me being as happy as I have ever been!

On Friday I made a Tinker Bell birthday cake and cupcakes for our friends daughter, Taylor. The party on Saturday was great fun. They set up four different water toys and a bounce house. It was a mini water park! We had pizza and Taylor got a motorized Jeep. She was very generous and let anyone who wanted to, drive. Mason had a blast! Dave was at a game tournament all day on Saturday and guess what? He won! He won by the highest point spread in the history of this store. Congratulations honey!

On Sunday we went to Clayton and met Mary at the barn. We had a great day with Mason and the horses. All three of us took full advantage of the opportunity to groom, ride and bathe Mary's horse, Chance. Dave and I are a little saddle sore this morning (come on, it has been 10 years for Dave, and with the exception of a few rides here and there for me, just as long!) but as sure as we have ever been, that we want small town, ranch life for Mason.
After the barn, we met back at Keith and Mary's for an early dinner, and some nice conversation around the pool in the backyard. We just don't get to spend enough time with our close friends. Thanks for such a fun day you guys!

Today, it is back to work and all the stuff that needs our attention. We finally got the Durango back from the shop, but I have to take it back today for an unusual noise. Hopefully, it is a simple thing because I can't be without my car for another week! Have a great week and remember, (here's the motivator) "Look at all the little things that make you happy and you will be amazed at how few there are that make you mad!"

Lots of love,

Monday, July 9, 2007

MM 7/9/2007


Happy Monday everybody!

Do you ever get that feeling that the more things you get to cross off your "to-do" list, the more things there are to do? It feels that way to me. This weekend, we played a little and we worked a little. On Saturday, we attended a party in Foresthill and met some really wonderful people. They roasted a whole pig (that was a sight to see), the kids spent most of the day in the pool, and the rest of us ate good food and enjoyed each others company.

Sunday started off just the way I like it, coffee on the deck in the backyard with the morning paper. Mason was playing with his bulls and Riley was laying at my feet, while all the wildlife seemed to want to watch us. There were hummingbirds, blue jays, butterflies, and squirrels, all scurrying through the trees and other parts of the backyard. Dave was still in bed, but it was Sunday morning after all.

So here is a question:

Do you think it is possible to grow emotionally or spiritually without taking any action?

It is my belief if you are not growing, you are dying. If that is the case, we must constantly be learning new things and implementing changes to experience growth. If you are implementing something, that implies taking action. Is it possible to grow without doing something, new or otherwise? I also believe sometimes that action is stimulated by a wake-up call that is tragic or devastating. Let me know what you think, I am interested to see a different view point or know if you agree.

So we are off and running. I am looking forward to a busy and fruitful week. Yes, my to-do list is growing by the minute! I am including a few pictures from the 4th of July parade in Auburn. Dave was "in the parade" and Mason was so proud!

Have a great week and enjoy this excerpt form Jack Canfield's book The Success Principles. If you are looking for an excellent book to help motivate you to take some action to grow, this is the book! I can't say enough good things about it and I can't put it down. This bit is about the power of your words.


Your Word Has Power.

When you speak with impeccability, your words have power not only with yourself, but also with others. To speak with impeccability is to speak only words that are true, that uplift, and that affirm other people's worth.

As you learn how to speak with impeccability, you'll discover that words are also the basis of all relationships. How I speak to you and about you determines the quality of our relationship.

Monday, July 2, 2007

MM 7/2/2007

Happy July!

I love the month of July. July seems to me, to be the epitome of summer time. Flags flying, watermelon, barbecue, and all the opportunities to gather outside and drink lemonade. This year is one of those good years where July 4th falls on a Wednesday. Why is that good you ask? I think it is good because you can make the weekend before, and the weekend after a holiday weekend! It is all in how you look at it. Smiling.

Today is also a little sad. Dave's dad left at six this morning to return home to Florida. We had a wonderful visit and the best part was watching Mason build a relationship with his only grandpa. It saddens me deeply that Mason does not have a daily relationship with all of his grandparents. I know it is all about our choices, and we make the best of it, but these past few weeks made my heart big, and warm. I am thankful for the time we did have together.

Last week, in all the hoopla of returning home from Poobah, I was remiss in not sending out a big whoop and holler for Dave's birthday! My handsome hubby turned 39! Yes he did! Laughing. Okay, it was 45, but I have told him again and again that I love him more everyday, and he gets better looking every year, too. Happy Birthday honey. You are the light in my life, and I am eternally grateful for you and all that we share. My motivator today is a song dedication. "How I Feel," by Martina McBride. I love this song and it expresses how I feel beautifully.

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe July 4th. Celebrate with people you really enjoy being with. Remember everyday, but especially on Independence day, our brave men and women who serve this country, past and present.

With much love,

Kathy

How I Feel

Confetti falling from the sky
My hometown on the 4th of July
A midnight snow on Christmas Eve
Like standing up for what you believe
That's how I feel when I'm with you
That's how I feel when I'm with you
That's how I feel, That's how I feel when I'm with you

Your lucky coat, the first day of fall
When you wake up laughing just because
An old church door that stays wide open
A perfect heart that's never been broken

That's how I feel when I'm with you, That's how I feel when I'm with you
That's how I feel, That's how I feel when I'm with you

That's how I feel when I'm with you
Every day there's something new
To cry about, to laugh about
Those moments I can't live without
That's how I feel, That's how I feel
When I'm with you