Quote of the Week

  

Happiness does not depend on outward circumstances, but on the state of the heart. 

- J.C. Ryle

Instead of relying on others and what is going on in our lives for our happiness, we should look within ourselves.  Therein lies the root of true happiness.

Tick Tock

The old clockmaker squinted through the lens at the tiny gears.  They must mesh perfectly or it won't be accurate, and his clocks were always accurate.

Image source: tibchris' photostream

Ah, but maybe it's time to retire, to let his apprentice take over.  After all twenty years is a long time to stand in someone's shadow.

"Daniel, it's your turn."

Written for Friday Flash 55.

My House is a Fortress

Tuesday was just another day, or so I thought.  It was one of those picture perfect days, not too hot with a nice breeze.  The yard needs mowing so I change, grab a bottle of water and head out the door. What makes today different?  I close the door (I usually leave the inside door open).  OK, so you know that sinking feeling you get when you realize you've accidentally done something stupid?  That's how I felt the moment I heard the door click behind me.  I was just going to mow the yard...why did I close the door?

I reached back to check, hoping against hope that I hadn't done what I thought I just did.  Yep...locked.  Grrrr!  

Now what?  I assess what I have with me.  My pocket knife, chap stick, nail clippers and a bottle of water.

A cardinal who often visits my window sill.

Being the resourceful gal that I am, I pulled out my pocket knife.  Just for the record, I have no lock-picking skills and the knife didn't do anything anyway.  I walked around the house...thinking.  We have a few basement windows, but they don't open from the outside.  Neither do any of the other windows - they are securely locked from the inside.

There's no choice...I must call hubby and confess.  Since I don't have my cell phone, I trudge up the street to the convenience store to use the phone, make the call, and trudge back.  As usual, he takes it all in stride, explains his need to take an unplanned half day of vacation and heads home.  

It'll take at least an hour for him to get home, so I figured since I came out to mow the yard, I might as well do it while I waited.

The good news from all of this...my house, although a modest brick ranch, is really a fortress.  With the doors locked, no one (especially me) is getting in.

Care to share your best lock out stories?

Quote of the Week

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. - Mahatma Gandhi

Our thoughts, words and actions are like dominoes.  One affects the next, and it affects the next and so on.  We are the happiest when all the pieces flow smoothly, and are in sync with one another.

A Miracle

Image source: Striking Photogrphy by Bo

The wildfire burned hot, and smoke filled the evening air.   Scores of firemen had been battling it for hours, when someone shouted "over here".  There in the bank of a nearly dry creek was a small cave.  Crouched inside was a boy and his dog.  It was a true miracle on that hot August night.

Written for Friday Flash 55.  While this is a work of fiction, devastating wildfires continue to burn in Arizona.  Let's keep these people in our thoughts and prayers, as well as those affected by the recent floods and tornadoes.