The concern shows in your eyes... but in other photos your eyes are smiling...even if you aren't...
and they smile beautifully, so I never really noticed that your lips weren't.

Cryssa

there is an immense smile from your heart that shows through very clearly in your wonderful poetry Karla -- peace and love to you my fiend -- JMW

Karla,
This poem expresses the exact opposite feeling than your poem "ThankFULL". Together they are good examples of the natural highs and lows in everyone's life. I'm currently searching for that happy medium! Love and Hugs,
Sheila

You are beautiful. Your words lift my day almost everyday. Hugs to you. Eileen

Whatever circunstances surrounding you, you have an inner strength to push difficulties aside and I have enormous confidence in you to show courage in the face of economic hardships.
abdi-nor

...Karla...you have spoken in truth...I beleive a smile radiates from within the heart...on cloudy days...you will still find it there.
your friend...
John

I have bad teeth too, and smile for a picture from far away or just smile without teeth showing...but as for the rest, I know how life can break you down...ed

Karla... what Karen said. We're made rich by such friendships. And hey, in Peru, they eat Guinea pig and fish-head soup. Things could be worse indeed! Stock up on food when you can-- an extra can here, and extra box there, and cook from scratch. Make use of your planters, and grow a pretty tomato plant-- edible fruit, and gorgeous folliage. Sweet potatoes make fine indoor plants as well. (Thanks for the unsolicited advice, Char) You're welcome. :0) Just helpin' out-- teasin' that ol' smile to come back a bit... Smiles are good medicine. :0) :~) :o) ;Q) :-)) etc... --Charlie

I truly hope better days are ahead, Karla.

And LOL at my old brother Georg!

Karla, you will smile even if it takes for me to drive Obama to your door so you can dance a hot presidential tango, see, just the idea put a naughty bad girl smile there, stop drolling! ! !

Georg

Karla, Your words sing a sad song,,,but your heart is in the right place, you my dear friend are amazing and we are so lucky to have you in our live's!
Love and Blessings,,, Happy Thanksgiving
Christine

You know I can relate dear Karla! My thoughts and prayers
are with you! I know you will bounce back soon for you are
strong in spirit! Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Love and blessings
Eileen

Dear Karla my heart is breaking, I have been there too and I couldn't believe it when my husband said there were brighter days ahead, but that light began to shine.I almosy lost faith but he kept me going. Take care dear as we love you very much.

Newfie hugs are on the way, Rose

Praying for your smile, and feeling your pain. Warmth and Love to you.

Hi Karla:

It's so painful to read this. I know how that can be. Both the arthritis and the other problem. I wish there can be a magical cure for everything!!!

((((( Love and Hugs )))))

Sandie Angel :o)

Karla.... I hear what you say.... and believe me I understand your pain...truly. However...there are so many of us who are troubled...yes, even some of us have these troubles....and we too feel spent...lost....losing....hurt, in pain....and all of the above... yet; you have to understand that as bad as things are...you are still so blessed! I know. Easy for me to say. Well, read all the notes below... people love you, care for you, wish they could give you money, give you a home, give you a miracle cure, we wish you so many wonderful things....but most of all...I guess I wish you hope...You inspire others daily with your writing; yet...so many days you write of how hard life is.... and that is not inspiring.... it is hard for people who care about you to know that you are in such deep depression...and know that there is little we can do to lift you from that abyss.... This sounds harsh...and I certainly don't mean it that way...however...sometimes, we have to take life by the friggin' tail and look up... There is so little to smile about in my life too...as I'm sure many on here can say the same....but... by darn it...I'm smiling thru clenched teeth (what teeth I still have!)... and I'll go kickin'.... so pick yourself up and dust off.... give us all some more hell with your writing.... I can take it.... if I dish it, I can take it! Now... I love you...and wish you the most wonderful week... hugs, lindalaw

press on strong woman--you are as are we all, a warrior for your own happiness --you are strong and incredible--i salute that strength that i know has brought you thus far--

Karla,
This is a stab in my heart, Sweet Lady, and as one who battles with osteoarthritis I understand the pain, but when I look at your lovely face I am cheered and joyed to know you're there. And here at AD we are your friends through thick and thin. We love you.
John

Really Carla. Look below my name. With that many friends it would be a sin to be depressed. I hope you can count me among them. You are a very, very lucky lady.

s

Stay strong, hard as it may be, you are never alone and our world today is just full of question marks...

Be always safe,
Karen

Karla,

I'm here for you dear friend . . . you are the best!!


Hugs and blessings,

Lance

hello Karla, know how you feel, but smile anyway to defy the odds, no use having the problems and the saddness too. You got control over your smile, so use it. Willam Shakespeare stated that we are merely actors on this earth. People always sat to me, "you seem so happy and humorous all the time," I immediately say, "I'm just acting." Out of acting I do find a little more joy. Just the fact that I don't let things hold me down is a blessing to me.
hang in there Karla, b praying for you, hugs&love

I can appreciate what you are saying, I am a thirty year retiree of a government that just filed noticed that because of taxes that I owe due to their error I am probably going to lose my home so yea I find it hard to smile some days as well but...

A smile is the one thing that only we can take away from us so when I can I try and share mine with the people who care.
hugs
fee

We've all been there Karla. Many of us still are too. But we have to have faith and trust in God not to give us more than we can handle. Remember, if God brought us to it; He'll bring us throught it. But I do know exactly how you feel my friend. Been there many times myself over the years. But when I get there I start counting my blessings and find that He has given me so, so many. I'm sure He has given you many too. I say these words to myself everyday; "I know God won't give me more than I can handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much." Look deep Karla, you have much to be thankful for. And smile my friend; if only for God to see. Simply smile. God bless.

Don't be sad my friend. I want to send you a Christmas present, do send me your address. love, B

So sad. Hope your wishes come true and it helps put that smile back on your face. Beauty evident still. Liz

Maybe you aren't smiling Sweet Friend but it brings a smile to my face to look at yours. May life be kinder to you in the coming new year.

I know of what you speak...I too walk with a cane and am in constant pain. I am not to sit for any length of time, nor can I stand for any amount of time....and yes, it is hard. I don't have a Dad...he was a pediphile...would have loved to have had yours...he sounded wonderful. But you know Karla, perhaps it's just me, but the more life tosses crap my way the more I am determined to keep on. I refuse to quit, refuse, refuse! But I hear ya honey...oh do I, ((((Hugs)))) love Holly

Bless your heart. You can smile because there are a lot of people out here who love you.

Walt

Heartbreaking reality for far too many, not just us. But be happy in knowing we have food in our bellies, a roof over our head, caring friends, a loving church family, and most importantly of all, the Love of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Many people don't have even THAT. We are a lot better off than many; we just have to remember that.

(((HUGS))), much love, and continued prayers~

As always, your twin, Karen Lynn. :( >tears! < X0X0X0X0X0X0

Oh Karla this hurts because it is so true. Life is certainly hard on those with a fixed income as well as those that are working or laid off. It is going to be hard a little longer but we'll come through it Karla for God is holding our hand. His promise is we'll never go hungry and a shelter in the time of storm. I'd call this a hurricane wouldn't you. Have faith my dear friend and you and Karen will get through. Keep the faith. Love and hugs, Bonnie