Everybody has a story. A place. A time. Days turn into

the fabric of your life and the people that color your world

help make you what you are today. It often isn't until many

years later that you look back and appreciate all the little

moments that bring a smile and maybe a tear or two. Today

is a present you give to yourself. Enjoy it! For me, I grew up

in a small New England town in southern Maine. It was

a place where everyone knew my name and I could walk

home safely anytime. My friends and I went coasting and

skating in the wintertime and went to the lakehouse in

the summer. It was a happy time in my life.

  Being the youngest in my family, I was always close to my

brothers and sisters. I always liked Maine, being so close to

 the ocean and the mountains.It seemed like an ideal place to

be. I was always a curious and creative person. I would

wonder about the world around me and dream about

traveling to other places and meeting all sorts of people.

I wanted to travel and explore. Its always fun to travel to

new places!!

I brought along my small town values in my suitcase in

my travels and I had no idea what to expect. But I was always

expecting something good!

 It takes time to get people to warm up to you

when you are a stranger to them.  I assumed everyone was

friendly and kind.  It makes me laugh to think how innocent I

was. In a good way, I had very good intentions and I just

wanted to become familiar with my surroundings and belong.

Belonging is very important to me. I am easy to get along with

and willing to lend a hand to anyone in trouble. It is just my

 nature. I can't seem to walk away from someone in trouble or

 someone that is hurting. I care. Sometimes, I think I care

more about other people than I do about myself. I find more

joy in giving than taking. I feel good when I help others and it

is very gratifying. I am no saint but not a sinner either. I

think I am somewhere in between. I like to have fun, no

doubt about it and I can be wickedly funny at times. The

present is somewhere I want to be. Now, think about it.

Think about some of your childhood memories. Yes, we

color them up with ribbons and candy, but a few of them

are rather painful and something you want to forget. 

My father was the town physician. He was highly respected

and worked long hours at the local hospital. I remember

after school, sitting in his waiting room for a ride home. There

were all these diplomas on the wall and it is so impressive to

me at that young age. He was French Canadian and he used

to like to sing french songs and he had a very upbeat attitude

about life. He loved to stop by the candy shop and buy ice

cream and candy. He was a wonderful father. I miss him

alot. He taught me to enjoy each day and to hold my head up

 high. To aim high, study hard and enjoy life. The best thing

 about my Dad was his smile... He was one of a kind...they

sure don't make them like him anymore...smiles...

It's a good feeling to be able to count on yourself and

not always the opinions of other people to make you

happy. Happiness IS....it is a wonderful feeling, but

just remember that no one on this planet is happy always.

tears happen, sorrow happens, things happen in life

that can throw you for a loop. People can let you down,

but that does not make you a bad person. Be there for

your friends and be open to communication. Do not

judge them and keep your sense of humor always.

Try to find the good side of life even in the bad times.

There is always a good side. Do not depend on

others to fulfill your happiness or fill your life. Find

your passion and just go out and do it. Cherish your

friends and enjoy their company. Friends are wonderful

and in more than one instance can save you from yourself.

What you think of yourself is what really matters. If you

love yourself for you, then you have come a long way

in life. If you can wake up each day with a smile in

your heart , every day can be a good day! Lots of

people have opinions and what does it matter what

people think of you, its really none of your business anyway.

Just smile and let them say what they will. Being you

is all you can be. So just keep being yourself. Who

else can you be? lol....now isn't that funny?? I think so!! :)

Listen to good advice but always follow your gut instincts.

Your intuition is always on target. Trust yourself first

and foremost. And please give yourself a most precious

present today....give yourself the gift of today! That

is why it is called the PRESENT

have a beautiful day and smile!!

:)