Monday Gets A Brand-New Year

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Well, it’s 2013!  Wow!  Wonder what the year will bring for us all??!!  Health, wealth, adventure, problems, failure…..yes, they are all possibilities.  But, we do have choices…..and we can choose the path that will be the best for us.

My blogger friend JoyLevel recently posted how we tend to experience the energy (negative or positive) of the emotions we project.  Something to be said about putting a smile on your face even when times are tough!  My dog Tramp always makes me laugh during the day for something entertaining he might do.  Maybe he has learned that he will get a nice hug for his silly antics!  He projects positive energy….and I give it back.  Good trade!

Another fellow blogger Onthehomefrontandbeyond is searching for the “Bliss” in life.  It’s really funny to hear some of the places she “is finding it.”  I think we all need to realize that it’s the small things that really count and simple moments can be the most memorable.

My good friend, Matt Emerzian, spoke at the TedX conference in San Diego and he is always one to offer some inspiring words.  His main message is to let everyone know ‘You Matter‘, but he also reminds us too that “It’s Not All About Us”.  I think the people who experience the most joy in life are examples of this.  The things that they do “lift us” because we recognize that it is being offered in the most unselfish way.

Stutley Tales often reminds me that there are blessings from above and no matter what struggles we have, we can gain strength by looking to the heavens for guidance.  She is a nice example of that and I would love it if she lived in my neighborhood, so I could visit with her regularly.  Despite some very difficult struggles, she always finds the beauty in the most simple happenings.

Paleolithic MD has changed my health so drastically in the last year that I feel he has given me back 20 years of my life.  I am now convinced that living to be a 100 can definitely be on my bucket list.  If I had loads of money, I would make him my primary physician and fly to Louisiana for checkups.

I wonder what this year has in store for me?  Traveling perhaps?  New Job?  Checking off things on my Bucket List?   I started this Blog with a 52-week commitment.  I’m not sure what I will do past that goal line. This is Blog Post #43!!  My posts have had over 3400 views and been viewed by people in 63 countries!   I have amazed myself that I made it past the first Monday.  In the beginning, it was really difficult.  I really thought it was beyond my expertise level.   I would spend hours writing and then in one click delete most of it because it just wasn’t working for me….Just a bunch of words that went nowhere.  It was a real chore; and if I didn’t start working on it mid week, I knew I wouldn’t make the Monday deadline.  But, because I made the commitment to myself and others, I knew I had to continue….despite the sometimes thoughts that it was the craziest decision I had ever made!  Well, somewhere along the way, something changed.  Not only did it get easier, but I started looking forward to working on each Monday’s post.  It became more a part of me and the realization that I could make just one person’s day a little brighter by sending them smiles or saying those simple words….You Matter!….was so motivating…..AND became a special inspiration to me!!  I never thought in my attempt to motivate others….that I would be, in fact, the one that benefited from it too.

So….whatever it is you would like to accomplish this year….make the commitment!

It might be a bit tough at first, but I am sure along the way the same magical change will happen for you too.

Keep focusing on the fact that when you make positive changes for yourself….you also make a positive difference for others around you!

And no matter what is the end results,

Always remember……“You Matter”

Happy 2013

Hope it is a super, super year.

smileSmiles,  Nancy

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Monday Gets A New Start

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It is New Year’s Eve and so many things to think about that have happened over this year.  “Where O Where has the time gone” is the sentiment of many!  Today is the day to begin our preparation for how the next New Year will play out….making lists, organizing, cleaning out, throwing away, thinking, reflecting, worrying and planning.  Many emotions go into this once-a-year happening.  But more than anything today should be…..

Monday Gets A New Start

How appropriate today is a Monday.  It’s what I’ve been saying all along… Just Start With Monday.  That’s all you have to do for this year’s preparation.  Just take today to be the first day of all the great things you would like to accomplish this year.  New Year’s Resolutions are great, but don’t wait until tomorrow to begin your new regime….start today.  You’ll be way ahead of the game and already on a path of meeting your goals.

So what do you have on your list?  Lose some weight?  Eat healthier?  Get a new job?  What about just trying to be a better person?  Or being a more patient and considerate friend?  One of my friends has planned to “contaminate the world with tolerance.”   I like it!  The world certainly needs more tolerance for sure.  Our resolutions should be more focused on not what we will be giving up, but rather what we plan to give back.

I am excited about what the New Year will bring.  Wouldn’t it be nice if Google had a calendar that could forecast what each day would bring for us?!!  Guess it would make life pretty boring though if we knew what was around the corner each day.  What we can “forecast” is today!  We can start this Monday saying….I’m going to make this a good day!  I’m going to make this day the very best I can!  I’m going to make this a GREAT day!  I’m going to make a difference today….in MY life and in someone else’s life!

So how about you….ready to start this year AND this Monday off with a great start?  I’m sure you can do great things if you make the choice.

I hope 2013 will be the very best year you have ever experienced in your entire life.

I hope each of you will have good health and experience many joyful moments throughout this year.

Happy New Year, Dear Friends.

You Matter to Me!!

Together let’s make the world a better place.

Just Start With Monday.

2013---It's Going to be a Good Year!

2013—It’s Going to be a Good Year!

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets In the Christmas Spirit

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Went out to do a little last minute shopping today and despite the craziness, actually, got a bit embraced by the Christmas Spirit.  Caught myself singing along to the Christmas music playing….probably much to the dismay of the people next to me.  Every one was hustling around to pick up those last minute gifts….it’s those ‘grab off the table as you pass thru the door’ ones or the ones that are always near the cashier that somehow you think at the moment that it is the perfect gift…..for someone.

As I was standing in line, I was thinking that’s what we sometimes do in everyday life too.  We get in a rush and just “grab” for things and don’t really take time to think about what’s going to happen further down the road.  We don’t even consider what we’re doing and whether it is the right thing for not just ourselves, but those that are closest to us that might be affected.  We barrel ahead and don’t slow down to look at what we are trying to accomplish or how it will affect everyone.   I guess we don’t slow down for fear, we might be on the wrong path and have to do twice as much to get back on the right one….or admit wrongdoing to those that we might have “stepped on” as we were rushing along.

That’s what I like about Christmastime.  It forces me to slow down a bit and just enjoy the moment and reflect on what has happened throughout the year.  It’s not about fancy gifts or big displays of holiday food piled high on the table.  Rather, it’s just about soaking up the magical moments of the holiday.  The most simple happening can bring tears to your eyes and joy to your heart.  Unpacking an old Christmas ornament from days gone by can make you feel like you are experiencing that moment all over again.  I love the thought of believing in Santa and keeping his whimsical spirit alive.  We all like that thought, right?!! Christmas is a time to unbind the restrictions of age and find the child within.

If you are spending time with family tomorrow, I hope you take time to really enjoy the joy and love that surrounds you.  There may be some tired, grumpy ones in the bunch, but you can still love them and give them a big hug and tell them how much they mean to you.  That’s right!  Tell them “You Matter to me!”  Bet they smile.

If you are away from your family this year, I’m sure you can find friends or someone that could use a little holiday cheer and would enjoy soaking up the Christmas spirit along with you.

 Share the joy, share the love, share yourself.

Be in the moment and embrace the magic of Christmas.

It only comes once a year…..Don’t “rush” through the moment.

All my friends who have posted here and read my Blog throughout this past year have given me the joy of a big smile each time I’ve read your comments.

This has been a wonderful gift.

Thank you for caring.

Merry Christmas to You All!

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets A New Lesson

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Today, I was reminded of a lesson that I was taught early in my life that at the time seemed like just a big pain in my neck…. but turned into one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Monday Gets a New Lesson

My parents, particularly my Dad, would NEVER let me get away with just doing a job with half effort.  If I was going to do something, I had to do the best job I could.  One time, I took on this project to refinish an old desk.  I think I was 12 or so.  I started my project and after about 5 minutes was really “over” completing this grand idea, so pretty much just slapped the rest of the paint on.  My Dad was watching from a distance and if I recall correctly, even let me walk away from it while the paint was drying.  A few hours later, on my return to retrieve my project, my Dad (in his very quiet manner, with one eyebrow raised) informed me that the job was not finished.  He further proceeded to let me know that I needed to re-sand the whole desk and apply another layer of varnish.  I huffed a bit, of course, but (that raised-eyebrow scowl always scared me a bit), again sanded the desk and “slapped” the second coat of varnish on.  Again…he let me walk away for the desk to dry.  And….AGAIN upon my return, he gave me the same directions!!  More huffing and puffing on my part!

So….I am now a bit embarrassed to admit that this went on for the rest of the day and into the next.  As the project progressed (or di-gressed—whichever way you want to look at it), I stopped even get any words out of him, he would simply look at me and nod his head in a negative manner and walk back to his own project with no further words.

Well…..Thankfully!!….I finally “GOT IT”.  If I was ever going to be free to get on with my life (there’s so many important things happening in a 12 year old’s life, you know), I was going to have to resort to doing the job correctly…..and so I did.

FINALLY, I knew I was finished…..With the last try, my Dad just looked at me……and smiled…..and said “Good Job”!!

Well, that desk is still going strong….now, almost 50 years later.  Through the years NOTHING could permeate its surface with all the multiple layers of varnish….and I always felt a sense of pride when I looked at it.

So…..when I’m somewhere working whether it might be sitting at a desk job typing or washing my car or helping out someone else.  I think of this wonderful lesson I was taught early in life….If you’re going to do something, do it right and do the best job you can!  Not just because you might have to “do it again”, but rather because, in the end,  you can feel a great sense of pride about yourself and about the mission you have accomplished.

I wish everyone felt the same way about tackling projects.  It seems there are so many who just do a “slapped on” job.  Unfortunately, they will never feel that sense of accomplishment or pride about what they do.  Maybe that’s what is so wrong in this world.  Many people just don’t want to make that effort.  Very sad!

So everyone reading today….here’s your challenge.

No matter what you do…whether it is cleaning your house, washing

your car, wrapping presents, cooking dinner, digging a ditch or any

other kind of task you take on…..do the very best job you can

possibly do.  Then….Stand back and admire your work

and feel the sense of pride that spreads through

your whole body!!

And know that….You’ve just made a difference and the world is

a better place because of your efforts!

My Dad will be so proud of you.

He’s an Angel in Heaven now, so I’m sure he will be watching.

You Matter!

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets Merried

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No, it’s not a misspelling…just an acknowledgement of what today is about.  Got your attention though, didn’t it?  The holiday season should be a “Merry” time for everyone so today…….

Monday Gets Merried!

It’s not about presents and demands of buying and fighting crowds that look like they will wrestle you to the ground for that special sweater or mittens.  It’s not about whom to invite to your holiday party and wondering if you will be invited to all the “A” list gatherings.  No thoughts should be of whether the kids will get everything on their list from Santa, or if they will be angry at the ole jolly man for not fulfilling their every wish.  No stressful thoughts experienced of needing to max out your credit cards to purchase gifts for all the loved ones on your list.  Just don’t even go there!!!

Rather, it should be a simple time of reflection and gathering with friends and family to rejoice in the gift of love and friendship that you all share.  It is about the sheer joy of seeing twinkling lights everywhere.  I never get tired of passing house after house with their windows filled with multiple starburst lights.  It really doesn’t matter about the expertise level of the decoration…..it’s just about the world of fantasy that seems to be created.  I am sure there is something hidden in my childhood that makes me revert to that special place each time my eyes catch sight of a wonderland display.

Oh yes, and all the smells that come from doors you pass at this time of year….cookies baking, pies cooling and lots of “roasting” going on.  I’m not sure if it’s the cooler weather or holiday spirit that creates the fever of baking in people, but it sure adds a wonderful flavor to the air.  I’m not really one who does regular displays of baked goods; but at Christmas, suddenly I’m searching my archives for special recipes to stir up.

Today, I would like to send special wishes for a very joyful and merry holiday season to everyone who is reading this post.  Please take time to reflect on all the wonderful gifts you have in your life.  Be sure to count your blessings……. every one should be able to create a long list.  Instead of buying an expensive present for someone who already has lots (and maybe even way more than they need), perhaps, take some of that money and give it to a family that is struggling right now.  Christmas time should really be about taking the opportunity to make a difference in this world and bring joy and smiles to those around you who really need a boost.  Don’t get caught up in the frenzy of mandatory shopping…..instead look forward to being grateful for what you have right now and sharing that feeling with others.

A simple Christmas card filled with words of appreciation and good wishes can mean more to some people than an expensive present from Rodeo Drive, Louis Vuitton’s jewelry collection or one of Michael Kors latest creations.  Be in the moment and spend your time appreciating your friends and family instead of spending your money shopping for something that they may never use.  I think you will be surprised to find how it is a win-win situation for both of you.  One special friend started sending me Christmas cards in October.  Silly, but so appreciated!!  Smiles are priceless and she has given me many now.  Another one recently sent me a long note telling me how much she appreciated and enjoyed the time we had spent together.  I haven’t seen her in about four or five years, but it made those special moments come back to life and feel like it was only yesterday that we were together.

So, I sure hope your Monday is Merry and all the days that follow.

Be sure to share your merriment with others

and focus on what is really important right now.

Hope your holiday season for 2012 is

the very best ever…..it’s up to you to make that happen!!

Happy Holidays.

wreath

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets Thankful for Special Friends

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As we grow older, we realize that friends we have met in our life become very precious to us.  In many ways, they define the person we are and let us know what our life reflection is really about.  We can hide our identity from every day acquaintances, but our friends can see right through our walls…..and miraculously, they even like what they see!   They make us feel good about ourselves and make us forget any negativity that we might have built up into a road-blocking disability.  They energize us and applaud us for the simplest of things.  They make us laugh over silly occurrences.

Monday Gets Thankful for Special Friends

I recently spent a few days with some really special friends who gave me just such an experience.  They lifted me up and gave me the feeling that no matter what…… I will always have a place that makes me feel special and loved.  It’s almost like they became a large mirror that I was allowed to look into but only see the beauty of my existence.  They are not family, but it sure feels like we could be.  Secretly and without acknowledgement, we adopt each other to solidify our forever togetherness.

I am very thankful for the fact that some of the friends we meet will always be a part of our life…no matter how much time passes between the visits we have…….we are always able to pick up where we left off and continue to allow the love to grow and become more and more special.  In fact, they kind of seem like angels here on earth that continue to watch over us and make sure when we stumble that they are by our side to pick us up, brush us off and send us back into the game.

Sometimes, I wish we could all move through life at the same pace, so that we never had to leave our friends.  I guess, however, a relationship could become kind of boring if we all had the same story to tell every single day.  So….until “we meet again”, we allow our hearts to silently communicate each day to stay connected.

How about you?  Do you have a friend or two….or maybe even several…that allows you to be exactly who you are?  No barriers, no false pretense….just good ole fashioned togetherness.  How lucky we are!

And, have you told these special friends just how much they mean to you?  Don’t let another moment pass….reach out and let them know how special they are and how much they matter to you.  Consider yourself lucky that they are in your life.  I think “friends” are gifts we are given to reward us for getting thru some of the daily struggles that we have to overcome.

friends_forever-1933

And to all my dear friends everywhere….

just want to let you know how special you are to me.

My life is so much better because you are a part of it.

Thank you for your gift of friendship.

It is a true blessing to me.

You All Matter to me.

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets A Break

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Sometimes, a person just needs to sit back and relax and take a break.  Tramp and I are taking time to ‘smell the roses’ with special friends and family this week; but wanted to let all my blogger friends know that I am thinking about you today.

Hope your day is special too.

 You Matter!

 Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets Supportive of Thanksgiving Day

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Thanksgiving was first observed by the Pilgrims after they had survived a very difficult winter after landing in this country at a time when it was too late in the season and too cold to plant crops.  By the following fall season, their crops were bountiful and they celebrated with a huge feast.

What happened to that joyful celebration?  It seems there is more advertisement about Black Friday than there is Turkey Day (or Tofurky Day if your Vegan).  Granted we have not endured such a struggle as the poor Pilgrims; but we have endured a struggle of times in our economy and why not take time to do a little celebrating.  And even better….take time to give thanks!

Monday Gets Supportive of Thanksgiving Day

What are you thankful for?  It’s Happy List Time Again!!  That’s right.  Sit down and stop your crazy world just for a moment to make a list of all the things that you feel you can be thankful for in this world.  Everyone should really have a minimum of 50 things on their list and most should easily top a couple hundred.  That’s right!!  I said a couple hundred things to be thankful for today.  What’s wrong with you?  Are you blind?  Look around you and open your eyes to all the beauty and wonderful things around you.

There are places where there is fighting going on continuously, day in and day out,  and places where people are hungry and suffering, and other places where the very best one will every experience is a small little one room shack with dirt floors.  How can we not feel thankful?!!  How can we not think of stopping this crazy world for just ONE day to sit with friends and family and take the moment to appreciate all our blessings.

I know everyone likes a good bargain, but does the infamous Black Friday have to become such a focus for this week.  It really should just be one of those “maybe I’ll see what the stores have to offer” experience rather than a huge circled day on the calendar.  I’ve worked retail during that time and it is a real zoo.  Some people have fun and they are there with friends or family having a good time after sharing a big family meal together.  However, many are rude, angry, and will stop at nothing to get the items they have decided they deserve for this holiday shopping extravaganza.  They can turn a table of freshly stacked clothes into an unruly, twisted mesh of fabric in less than 10 seconds!  Sometimes, it seemed they really didn’t even have a thought of purchasing from the stack, but just couldn’t help themselves in tackling the pile with their violent outbreak.  And look out if the store happens to run out of an item!!  I think some would lie down in front of the door until you had the item personally delivered to them and it better be there in 5 seconds max.  I’d like to think that most are just out trying to save a little money or get a head start on their Christmas list, but at least you could be nice to other people while you’re doing it.

So what are you thankful for?

And are you going to enjoy this Thursday with some of your family or maybe some really great friends?

Before you dive into your feast and stuff yourself until you feel you are going to explode, how about you just take a moment for everyone around the table to express a few things that they feel are blessings in their lives.

It doesn’t have to be anything dramatic or sensational….some times it’s the little things that leave us feeling the most thankful and joyful.

Be sure to not let the moment pass to let someone know how much they matter to you too.  Thanksgiving is a good time to show your appreciation for the special ones in your life who have helped you along the way.

I feel very blessed this year to be spending the day with my sweet son.  I’m looking forward to catching up on a few weeks of missed time.

I want you all to know that You Matter.  You can make a difference in this world by just appreciating the beautiful people and things around you.

So Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

I hope Thursday is a very special day for you.  Make it happen!

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets Patriotic

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Today is the observance of Veterans Day.  A day to show honor and respect and appreciation for those who have served in the armed forces protecting our good ole     US of A!!!  Veterans Day also marks the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)

We are lucky to live in a country with so many freedoms and so many choices.  On the heels of the presidential election, it seems even more pronounced in its symbolism of freedom.  Some may not be happy with the current presidential candidate…but you did have the freedom to vote and make your own personal choice.

 Monday Gets Patriotic

Happy Veterans Day, Dear Neighbors

There are ways to remind others to be proud of their American homeland.  My little walkway of flags was a small showing of that.  I just wanted to give a subtle reminder for us to stop to think how lucky we are to have a flag that represents such amazing possibilities of what we are able to aspire to be.  Each and every one of us can decide what goals we want to meet and then have a plethora of opportunities to make all those dreams come true.

Sometimes we might feel we have not been given a fair deal (particularly, any Romney voters right now); but also with freedom we must learn compromise and understanding.  We can’t all have our own way at every possible moment.  What doesn’t seem fair to some becomes huge victories and opportunities to do good things for others.  The key is to stay united and find ways to work together for the good of all.  “Division of troops” is not good in the military forces and it’s not good in government….Period!!

I would like to also take a moment to honor the men and women who have given their lives in battle for this country.  I can’t imagine what it must be like to lose a family member while they are fighting on other lands to protect our freedom here.

God Bless America!

The United States seems to make great effort to build tributes to those that have lost their lives in combat; but it is such a small token for the huge price that is paid.

Vietnam Memorial Wall–Washington, D.C.

So today, take the time to thank those that you know that are serving our country now or have served in previous times.

Shake their hand, salute them or maybe just give them a big hug.

 Let them know that you are proud of them and appreciate their dedication and hard work.

Maybe knock on the door of a wife or mother that is struggling to fill the void of the loss of the head of their household while they are in some other country and who has been gone for months now.  Give them a little boost in their day…..they are also “serving” our country by their unselfish support of our troops.

Stand tall…Stand proud.

We are Americans and we are very lucky to live in this country.

Don’t take your freedoms lightly AND don’t abuse them either…..many Americans have

given their lives to keep us safe and free!  Show your honor and respect for them.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America!

You Matter America!

Smiles, Nancy….born in the USA

Monday Gets Political—or Not

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There are so many things happening in our country that seem to tax one’s political side to the max.  The Presidential Election!  Wow!  There’s a lot to take into consideration.  It would be great if we had two really outstanding candidates; but unfortunately, it just seems we are voting for the lesser of two evils.  I know that just “raised the hair on the back of your neck” for some; but I just think everyone is trying to rationalize and stretch the positive points.

What happened to the truth in politics….or was that ever a possibility?   Why does everyone have to skirt the issues?  Why can’t they just ‘say it like it is’?!!

MONDAY GETS POLITICAL….or NOT

Don’t you think it would be wonderful to have someone stand up in front of the nation and say….”Hey, I’m not perfect and I don’t have all the answers, but I am going to try my very best to get the job done.  I’ve got a great team behind me and if I don’t know something, you can be assured my staff is going to work to find all the details to inform me about the issue so I can make the very best decision.”  And…then actually do that!!  Instead…they skirt the issues, lie when they feel it might slip by and rarely just say “I don’t know!”

There’s so much diversity in all areas in our country right now.  There are people who will fight to the end to honor and protect our country….and there are those who find it appropriate to picket a funeral of a family who have just lost a son or husband fighting for our nation.  There is complete destruction on the East Coast from Hurricane Sandy and then there are areas that seem almost immune to anything except blue skies and balmy breezes today.  Gas prices dropping by at least a dollar a gallon in California….and little gas available in New York/New Jersey.  But, everyone, no matter what their circumstances, is looking for some balance, some certainty, some kept promises…..some hope.  Wouldn’t it be great if tomorrow’s election provided that?!!

Some people that read this Blog aren’t from the United States.  I wonder what they think about all the debates that have gone on between the candidates.  I wonder if it seems very appropriate and common or rather sounds like a bunch of whining kids who are trying to get their way!!

I guess it could always be worse.  We could have no freedom, no choices, no right to vote.  We could be living in war zones and fearing for our lives every moment of the day.  I just think we sometimes take what we have for granted and some take advantage of the freedoms we are given.

So for this new reign of the elected officials of our country….whomever it might be….

I wish for some forward movement of resolving some of the issues of healthcare and national debt and unemployment and an overall struggling nation.

I wish for the citizens of this country to be able to feel they are being represented and supported by candidates who are sincere in their efforts and follow through on all their promises.

I wish the candidates that are elected are true to their word and can see the struggles of many and fight to make changes, so some of the suffering can end.

And….I wish for this Monday to indeed be the start of something new and exciting.  Wouldn’t it be nice to get back that American spirit and everyone be able to feel proud to be an American.  I think we have lost a little of that.

So remember to vote tomorrow

and choose your candidates wisely.

Let’s hope brighter days and good times are just around the corner.

Onward and Forward!

Smiles,  Nancy