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Illinois ladies facing bc

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Comments

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited January 2016

    I love your last quote, Jackie. How true it is! The last couple of years I have really been questioning some things in my life. I seemed to be surrounded by very unhappy people and the negativity was getting to me. Once I decided that I was going to choose to be happy things have improved. Life is all about choices and the consequences that those choices bring. Thanks for continuing to bring the quotes to us everyday. Not only is it inspirational, but it keep this thread going and available to any Illinois lady who needs a "cyberspace home" during her breast cancer journey.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited January 2016

    And when we come to think of it, goodness is uneventful. It does not flash, it glows. It is deep, quiet, and very simple. It passes not with oratory, it is commonly foreign to riches, nor does it often sit in the places of the mighty: but may be felt in the touch of a friendly hand or the look of a kindly eye.
    image
    David Grayson

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited January 2016

    Rita,

    Leaving quotes here has been my spark, my joy, my contentment. I too have lived life both ways with far too much negativity bearing wt. on my shoulders. It is sometimes difficult to extricate yourself, caught in the undertow. Then by some sort of grace and strength, a tiny crack appears and you just know keeping your eye trained there will help you open up your world. We were are all meant to have the ability of choice, and sometimes we lose our way --- but the Universe awaits an opportune time to step in and help you realize once more that all the positive things in this world are free to us. It is a choice and once that door is fully open the light shines in --- and life begins again, the way it should be. People are so unique, so special, and so inspiring.

    I love laying my head down at night to sleep just knowing that the next day will be another new adventure. I may do the same things then that I've done today --- but all the nuances, feelings, thoughts, and lessons will have a little different glow and will inspire me just a little bit differently. I am and hopefully will always remain grateful for the gift of life and the gift of appreciating growth in a positive vein.

    Jackie

  • Gemma12
    Gemma12 Member Posts: 100
    edited January 2016

    Jackie - I love laying my head down at night to sleep just knowing that the next day will be another new adventure. I may do the same things then that I've done today --- but all the nuances, feelings, thoughts, and lessons will have a little different glow and will inspire me just a little bit differently. I am and hopefully will always remain grateful for the gift of life and the gift of appreciating growth in a positive vein.

    Yes, yes and yes!!,

    Amy

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited January 2016

    Thank you Amy. On a super high note --- it is going to be somewhere between 60 and 65 degrees here today --- oh my !!!!! I know we are only getting a little peck on the cheek about how nice it is to see the winter time fade out, but we will take what we can get. Cleaning out my car is definitely on the p0late today. I have been "noticing" some of the 'winter' dirt that builds up while it is good and cold and a poor time to do chores that keep you feeling neat and tidy --- so today and its temps are so welcome. Blessings to the Universe who always sets the stage you need.

    Jackie

  • Louisap
    Louisap Member Posts: 12
    edited January 2016

    Hi, I actually am in WI. I'm from IL, northern suburbs of Chicago. If there are women in the northern suburbs, like Waukegan or Gurnee, an extra hello. Happy

  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited January 2016

    Hi, Louisa! I tend to go to Madison far more often than I do to the Kenosha/Racine/Milwaukee area (or even northern Lake County), but I’m only a bit over an hour south of the state line.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited January 2016

    "Don't wait for other people to be loving, giving, compassionate, grateful, forgiving, generous, or friendly... lead the way!"

    -- Steve Maraboli

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited February 2016

    If we are spiritual beings on a human path rather than
    human beings who may be on a spiritual path, then life is
    not only a journey but a pilgrimage or quest as well.

    Jean Shinoda Bolen

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited February 2016

    Believe in the goodness of life.
    Believe in the power of time to heal and to renew.
    Believe in the power of forgiveness and gratitude.
    Believe in the gift of rainbows and butterflies.
    Believe in the laughter of children.
    - Jonathan Lockwood Huie

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited February 2016

    Gentleness means recognizing that the world around us is fragile, especially
    other people. It is recognizing our own capacity to do harm and choosing
    to be tender, soft-spoken, soft-hearted, and careful. When we are gentle
    we touch the world in ways that protect and preserve it. Being gentle
    doesn't mean being weak; gentleness can be firm, even powerful. To behave
    in a gentle manner requires that we stay centered in our own values and
    strength -- that we are active rather than reactive. Coming from this center,
    a gentle word or touch can channel our energy into healing or making peace.



    unattributed, Wisdom Commons

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited February 2016

    You cannot fail at being yourself. A cat doesn't try
    to be a tiger, and you shouldn't try to be something
    you aren't. You are a process, not a product. Your job
    is to discover what you are and to create that creature.
    You still won't be perfect, but success isn't about
    perfection--it is about authenticity. You are a success
    if you are being your real, authentic self.


    Bernie Siegel

    Just a little note here. Bernie Siegel has so many very good quotes. I'm always thrilled when I see one of his come up.


  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited February 2016

    First invite went out for Illinois Ladies Lunch on Feb 19th, Lombard, IL. If you want to go and didn't receive the info send me your email in a PM.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited February 2016

    Oh I really like soup. I am way too far away to attend, but sure will be feelings loads of envy. I am a soup lover though most of my favorites are old standards. I still think you are all going to have a grand time of it.

    Jackie

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited February 2016

    Wow! Yesterday was a gorgeouso day here in sunny Florida.....82 degrees and we spent the day out in the boat. We caught some crappie and a catfish on the lake and enjoyed basking in the sun. Once the weather calms a little mpre. we will head back out into the gulf. We want to explore some of the islands in the area.

    The soup exchange sounds like so much fun! There is not anything much better than a good bowl of soup on a cold day. I have made soup down here, too. It is easy to throw in the the crockpot and have ready when we get home from our outings. Have fun gals! You need to share a few of the favorite recipes on here for those of us who can't come!

    I have a free morning today and then we are golfing in a 9 and Dine this afternoon. We play 9 holes of golf and then all eat at the club....lots of fun!

    I hope everyone has a great day!

    Rita

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited February 2016

    Kindness is the most sincere expression of being fully human.
    - Jonathan Lockwood Huie

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited February 2016

    And most of all, I will love myself. For when I do, will zealously inspect all things which enter my body, mind and soul. Never will I overindulge the requests of my flesh, rather I will cherish my body with cleanliness and moderation. Never will I allow my mind to be attracted to evil and despair, rather I will uplift it with the wisdom and knowledge of the ages. Never will I allow my soul to become complacent and satisfied, rather I will feed it with meditation and prayer. Never will I allow my heart to become small and bitter, rather I will share it and it will grow and warm the earth. -Og Mandino

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited February 2016

    Living in a society that undervalues the spirit, we who embrace it are tempted to apologize for our interest. We must stop apologizing, for no subject is more important. It is, after all, love's retrieval. It is the answer to global hatred. To invalidate the spiritual life is to shoot at the fireman who is putting out the fire.

    Marianne Williamson

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited February 2016

    Did you get snow this weekend?

    We had another nice day today and we actually got back out on the golf course. Then I actually worked a little writing questions out on the lanai.

    Hope everyone is doing well!

  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 447
    edited February 2016
    Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 17,806Wow, hats off to you, Jackie. Hope your cats are holding out well for spring. 8-)
  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited February 2016

    Hi Kater,

    Yes, lots and lots of posts --- so many of them are just quotes. Cats are doing pretty good. Have to make two appts. in a few days for an older female I have and a youngster that I rescued from my BIL's yard about 3 months ago. Named her Gilly --- short for giddy & silly and so much fun. She was just barely able to eat well when we got her. A little roly-poly right now. If I make the appt. now during spay days I can get the reduced price even if I don't take her in for a couple more months.

    Jackie

  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited February 2016

    We got about an inch tonight--all after 7 pm. Probably will get another inch overnight and some snow showers tomorrow (of course, when I have to drive up to Evanston in the morning and then to my dentist in the afternoon). Our front stairs & sidewalk are already covered--but both Bob & I are under strict orders not to shovel. (And Gordy has cold-and-exercise-induced asthma). Hope we don’t get fined. Maybe our neighbor will drive his snowblower a tad further east--he knows by now about my bc and I just ordered several boxes of Girl Scout cookies from his daughter. Of course, there won’t be enough to ski on, and if there is, the bottom is dropping out tomorrow night--highs the rest of the week only in the teens, so too cold for outdoor exercise for this city kid.

  • Redheaded1
    Redheaded1 Member Posts: 1,455
    edited February 2016

    yes Rita, we have snow---not a lot, but it was slick yesterday with flurries and more flurries today. Cold--and wind chills below zero for tomorrow.


  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited February 2016

    "Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness but because you deserve peace." ~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited February 2016

    Oh redheaded... I wish I could send you a little warmer weather. Wow! That sounds cold. Be careful in the snow and ice.

    Hi Kater....so glad to see a post from you. I think about you often. I came up to Dekalb to see my aunt in the nursing home in December but was on a tight schedule or I would have contacted you to see if you wanted to meet somewhere for a bit.

    ChiSandy....I can't buy Girl Scout cookies anymore because I eat the whole box! I love those thin mints! I am trying to lose a little weight down here by walking and doing more outside activities. So far it isn't working!

    We have friends from LeRoy Illinois coming in tomorrow for a few days. We're going to take them to the Thomas Edison Estate in Fort Myers. I hope the weather is good for golfing. It's always nice to have company!


  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited February 2016

    I believe that the first test of a truly great person is his or her humility. I do not mean by humility, doubt of his or her own powers. But really great people have a curious feeling that the greatness is not in them, but through them. And they see something divine in every other person. -John Ruskin

  • Redheaded1
    Redheaded1 Member Posts: 1,455
    edited February 2016

    Rita, it was 6 when I got up this am., but now is in the low 20's


  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited February 2016

    Everyone who wills, can hear the inner voice.
    It is within everyone.
    - Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,778
    edited February 2016

    Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn't blow in the wind or change with the weather. It is your inner image of yourself, and if you look in there and see a person who won't cheat, then you know you never will.

    John MacDonald

  • zap
    zap Member Posts: 1,850
    edited February 2016

    Hi all:

    On a whim I stepped back into this place and was thrilled to read Jackie's quotes and to see that Rita is having fun in Florida. I have been cancer free (forever knocking on wood) for as long as Rita, but recall clearly the jar that diagnosis thrust into my life and in the lives of my family and now nearly all of the Illinois women are not only alive….but thriving. I still hold dear in my heart the few who did not survive!

    Jackie, the quotes are wonderful and you are so generous of spirit to remain so faithful to those going into the boards for the first time, those staying in the boards, and people like me who just return to touch bases.

    I have to say it still feels like home when I stop by! Thank you!

    For me and my news……I still get an annual mri (my cancer was sneaky and did not show on mammograms). I retired from teaching but quickly got restless and sub teach (longer terms teaching) and so I am back in the classroom on most days. I volunteer at the Chicago Botanic Garden. My husband of over 40 years has cancer himself (lymphoma) and gets monthly treatments. So far, the lymphoma remains in remission. I am the grandmother of four girls and I am able to spend time with them as they live close. I am blessed! Zap

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