Your Friend in Kentucky

2008-12-12T22:50:00.006-05:00

My Way

by Frank Sinatra

"And now, the end is near;

And so I face the final curtain.

My friend, Ill say it clear,

Ill state my case, of which Im certain.

Ive lived a life thats full.

Ive traveled each and evry highway;

And more, much more than this,

I did it my way.

Regrets, Ive had a few;

But then again, too few to mention.

I did what I had to do

And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;

Each careful step along the byway,

But more, much more than this,

I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, Im sure you knew

When I bit off more than I could chew.

But through it all, when there was doubt,

I ate it up and spit it out.

I faced it all and I stood tall;

And did it my way.

Ive loved, Ive laughed and cried.

Ive had my fill; my share of losing.

And now, as tears subside,

I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;

And may I say - not in a shy way,

No, oh no not me,

I did it my way.

For what is a man, what has he got?

If not himself, then he has naught.

To say the things he truly feels;

And not the words of one who kneels.

The record shows I took the blows -

And did it my way!"

Well, my life is not exactly coming to an end just yet, but as 2008 comes to a close it brings with it a spirit of reflection as well as the promise of a blank slate for the upcoming year--another year I can create and design thru my power of choice.

While seeking knowledge to empower better choices, ultimately "doing it my own way" will lead to a life without regrets.

I encourage everyone to pay more attention to "doing things YOUR way."

Your Friend in KY, Laura

Classic Car Grill

2008-10-20T22:40:00.003-04:00

While out and about in Bowling Green, KY, we spotted this SHARP looking classic car. We just had to stop for a closer look.

From outwiththegirls

Interpreting the Road Signs of Life

2008-08-05T22:51:00.006-04:00

CAUTION!

DANGER AHEAD

SLOW DOWN

WRONG WAY

STEEP ROAD AHEAD

These road signs communicate and warn us of upcoming obstacles or dangers.

Does "Life" provide us with "road signs" as well??

Napolean Hill offers a Valuable Warning:

(author of "Think and Grow Rich, interviewed and studied hundreds of successful persons in history)

"Failure is a trickster. . .

it takes great delight in tripping one when success is almost within reach."

Hill re-enforces this concept by explaining opportunity may come in a different form or from a different direction than expected. "It [opportunity] often comes disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat. . .that is why so many fail to recognize opportunity."

So if my efforts are in harmony with my specific purpose and conducted with integrity. . .

when an obstacle enters my path,

I should take it as a road-marker,

<"Success 2 miles Ahead" >

and stay-the-course.

What "road signs" do YOU see ahead??

Your Friend in KY encouraging everyone to be a critical thinker and remember to nourish thier mind with a good book.

I believe in Your Success,

Laura in KY

"That's What Friends Are For"

2008-08-04T22:27:00.003-04:00

FRIENDSHIP

A simple, yet powerful word.

A active role.

A reciprocal arrangement between individuals.

A wonderful gift to GIVE.

A life changing gift to RECEIVE.

A choice.

This song has always touched my heart, and beautifully describes the

beauty and magic of friendship. . .

I have loved this song since the time when I used to listen to Dionne on vinyl.

I hope the music carries your mind back to wonderful memories.

Your Friend in KY,

Laura

Memorial Day Retreat in Hurleyville,NY

2008-08-04T20:39:00.006-04:00

Memorial Day weekend, Donna England and I drove from Kentucky to Hurleyville, NY. Hurleyville is located in the Catskill Mountains, and shows no reflection of the hustle and bustle on New York City an hours drive away.

View Album

Get your own

We met friends Pat Crosby and Lynn Rothfuss at the NY Healing Center Retreat--it was a great time to build new relationships, strengthen current relationship, relax and refresh our mind & spirit. This location induced and supported our spirit of "retreat" with lush greenery and delicious food.

We enjoyed sharing stories and feelings, drinking our morning coffee under the shady trees, dining outside in the sun, roasting marshmallows in an early evening bonfire, quiet communes with nature or in boisterous conversation together.

Ultimately we encouraged and empowered one another to become stronger leaders in our own lives and actively create our futures. The choice lies with each of us, but encouragement from friends can bolster our efforts.

The drive was long, but well worth the adventure!

I am grateful to all of my dear friends who made this weekend journey so enjoyable, and a special thanx to Donna England for being my partner on the road for I could not have made the long drive without her :) A BIG THANK YOU!!!

Your Friend in KY,
Laura

Coffee Cups. . . & Life

2008-07-16T21:42:00.003-04:00

COFFEE CUPS.... & LIFE!

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers,got together to visit their old university professor.Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchenand returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment ofcups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking,some expensive, some exquisite.

He told the group to help themselves to the coffee.When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand,the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you towant only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee.In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups… and then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this:
Life is the coffee. The jobs, money, and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life,and the type of cup we have does not define, nor changethe Quality of the Life we live.
Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us. God brews the coffee, not the cups. So... enjoy your coffee!"

The happiest people don't have the best of everything.They just make the best of everything.

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God.

YOU are the miracle, my friend,

and your lifeeither shines a light - or casts a shadow.
Shine a BIG light! and...
don’t worry about the “cups.” :-)

>>author unknown, shared by a friend, WORTH repeating.

Your Friend in KY,

Laura

Let me Introduce you to Ean & Eli

2008-07-09T22:55:00.002-04:00

View Album

Get your own

Ean, 10 years old, and Eli, 23 months, are my nephews.

In my opinion the GREATEST nephews EVER!! and pretty darn cute too.

As I am sure you can see, these two always give me a reason to smile.

They are a big part of the reason I am in Kentucky--being a regualr part of their lives is important to me. I never want to be a strange, far-off relative that they only see once a year at holidays.

At HOME in KY,
Laura

Just Be the BEST You!

2008-06-18T22:11:00.003-04:00

"Trying to be someone

you aren't,

is a waste of the person

you are."

unknown author

Enough said. Your Friend in KY, Laura

Believe in Yourself

2008-04-07T22:43:00.006-04:00

Under the inspiration and encouragement of some dear friends, I allowed them to video tape me this past weekend.

Now keep in mind that I am not "yearning to be on the big screen." I have never had any desire to be on TV or in the movies, I have never been tempted to try out for a part on "Real World" or "American Idol." It's just not me! Until just a few years ago, I was camera shy. I'd rather be taking the picture than in it. But I came to the appreciation that its only right that if I take pictures of others, I allow pictures to be taken of me.

So here I am, taking another fantastic LEAP out of my comfort zone.

Bravely seizing the opportunity to grow.

As I watched the replay, the little voice started in my mind. . . commenting on how I look, how I sound, the words I used. . . .This was not the voice of a "best-friend," rather a critic.

I have worked to improve my thoughts of self-worth and self-love this year; Learned that it's okay to put my needs and wants first sometimes; learned to find a more healthy balance between helping others and taking care of myself.

So where did these critical thoughts come from???

My journey has taught me that I can be my OWN best-friend and worst-enemy.

My reality begins with MY perception.

So to all those who have had similar thoughts,

let's treat ourselves with the same loving support we give our dear friends.

May each of US see the "Lion of Potential" that lies within each of us.

Getting Better & Better Everyday in Everyway.

Your Friend in KY, Laura

Being a Friend. . .

2008-04-07T22:32:00.005-04:00

"Always try to help

a Friend in Need."

Friendship is a dynamic and reciprocol arrangement between like-minded persons.

I am grateful for the abundance of friendships I now enjoy, and the many more I've yet to meet :)

Your Friend in KY,

Laura

Learning to FLY!!!!

2008-04-06T21:29:00.003-04:00

" We can lift ourselves out of ignorance,

we can find ourselves as creatures

of excellence and intelligence, and skill.

We can be Free!!

We can learn to FLY!!"

What will you LEARN today?

What makes YOU fly?

How can I help YOU reach your dreams??

My sincerest thanx to all of those who create the "wind beneath MY wings,"

THANK YOU!!

Your Friend in KY, Laura

--Jonathan Livingston Seagull, by Richard Bach

Greetings from the Farm in KY

2008-04-06T08:59:00.005-04:00

Spring has arrived, green is returning, and babies are being born--the Farm is becoming more active.

In this month of April, My friends, Pat Crosby from NY and Lynn Rothfuss from NJ, honored me with a visit. During their stay, I showed them Farm-Life next door at my mother and step-father's farm. Goats are becoming a growing part of KY farms as farmers look for alternatives to growing tobacco as part of the "tobacco buy-out" program.

Farming is ALOT of work-- a job without paid-holidays or sick-days.
It was nice to visit briefly, but definitely NOT the job for me :)

**slideshow compliments of Pat Crosby**

Your Friend in KY, Laura

2007-12-21T21:59:00.000-05:00

Cumberland Falls "Moonbow" Corbin, KY

I'd like to share a story with you . . .

~TELEPHONES IN CHURCHES~

A man in Topeka, Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there.
Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read "Calls: $10,000 a minute." Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to GOD.

The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee, and around the United States, he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.

Finally, he arrived in Kentucky, upon entering a church in Louisville, Kentucky, behold - he saw the usual golden telephone.

But THIS time, the sign read, "Calls: 35 cents."

Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor, "Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to GOD, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute.

Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?"

I love this part.............................
The pastor, smiling benignly, replied, "Son, you're in Kentucky now ......
You're in God's Country, It's a local call."

American by Birth - A Kentuckian by the Grace of God !

(I do not know the original author)

. . . As for me I was born a "Yankee" from Connecticut, but my life's journey has brought me to Kentucky. I must admitt, when I first came, I was reluctant and did not understand many things I saw or heard here. But the landscape is welcoming, the people genuine and warm hearted---they'll wave at ANYBODY when they drive by, they don't have to know you--but they will aknowledge you in a friendly manner. Unnecessary--maybe, but genuine and friendly none-the-less (and, yes, I do wave at pass'er bys and Amish buggies).

As I venture out to other places and big cities across the country, I enjoy the entertainment and opportunites for fun--but I am always glad to come HOME to Kentucky. Big cities can keep their super-highways, toll roads, grid-lock traffic, and high prices. Give me a curvy country backroad any day :) These days I find myself interpreting KY ways and traditions to other new-comers.

So perhaps, Kentucky is not the only place God calls home, BUT it is the place I call HOME.

Perhaps, sometime I can show you around MY HOME STATE, Kentucky.
Your Friend in KY, Laura

PS--I am friendly so if you post/e-mail a comment to me and include your email address, I WILL email you back. Always open to making new Friends.

Holiday Wishes & Year End Highlights

2007-12-20T22:17:00.000-05:00

December 2007

Dear Friends & Family,

This Holiday Season marks the end of 2007. Along with the Holiday festivities, comes a time for reflection and an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends.

This has been an AMAZING year of learning and growth for me. I have come to appreciate this quote: "Life is the Hardest Teacher, it gives the Test first, the lesson after." (I do not know the author)

2007 began with the decision to end the union between Scott and I. We both touched each other's lives for a reason, but ultimately our 'lessons yet to be learned' led us on different paths. Our divorce was finalized in February. Logan and Sierra (pictured above) have adjusted to the changes, but look forward to every opportunity to visit with Scott. Logan, Sierra, and I have remained in the "work-in-progress" house on Nolin Road.

Change often leads to other doors of opportunity. One of which was to spend time exploring and re-evaluating ME--I have read books, met new people, reconnected with old friends, discussed new ideas, and traveled extensively. I could fill pages, but I'll mention just a few:
* New Favorite Books: "Think and Grow Rich" by Napolean Hill, "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olsen, " Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki , "Love Languages" by Gary Chapman
* New Favorite Movies: " The Secret" and "Facing the Giants"
* New Favorite Singer: Dixie Trahan
* Same Favorite Pastime: Talking & Visiting with Friends

I am currently working at a local rural hospital in a neighboring county. I am the only Occupational Therapist and have 1 assistant. I have been there a year and a half. Although I miss the friends I made while working at the nursing home, I have made new friends and enjoy the stimulating challenges that come with in-patient, out-patient, and home-health clients. This is exactly where I need to be during this time of my life.

Another change was my decision to pursue a self-education in marketing and business (ironic I know to those aware of my previous aversion to such). Although I enjoy my career in OT, I want to expand my knowledge and skills. Learning about business and economics will strengthen my financial skills. I have also discovered marketing to be a good fit for my creativity and love of communicating with people. True marketing is communication, and does not require pushy, aggressive sales. I am currently working with a line of nutritional and health products thru the Vitamark Corp. (A congruent fit with my primary focus this year on my personal health and fitness-- a work in progress.) So if any of you know someone looking to make changes in their health or would be interested in sampling new prodects--feel free to pass on my name and contact information.

Highlights of My Year include:
*Watching Ean (my nephew) rise to the responsibility of "Big-Brother"
*Visiting Tampa, FL and eating Grouper for the 1st time
*Watching my brother give the Sunday sermon in his congregation
*Learning to cook with Super Soy (dehydrated meat substitute)
*Getting a new hairstyle in Detroit
*A boat ride on a North Carolina lake with my Dad and nephew Ean
*A new niece, Lydia born on 7/5/07 (my step-brother's little girl)
*My friend from NY moving to Glendale, KY (only 6 miles away)
*A greater appreciation for the details
*Losing 40 lbs
*The privilege of proof-reading a friend's autobiography
*Watching my little sister Melissa successfully tackle the challenges of college while working full-time
*Watching Eli (my youngest nephew, 16 months) learn to walk & shoot a basketball *grin*

One of the Biggest Highlights of 2007 was my first cruise to the Carribean. I traveled on Norwegian Cruise Lines to Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Cozumel. My adventures included swimming with the dolphins and parasailing! This trip also afforded me the opportunity to re-connect with a friend and former college roommate Sara. I had an amazing time and will definitely cruise again.

If success in life can be measured by the people in one's life----I am truly blessed and extremely wealthy!!! My warmest thoughts and best wishes are with
All of the Special People who touch my life.

Wishing you all a Happy Healthy Holiday,
Laura, Sierra, and Logan

PS- I now use email on a regular basis, so feel free to email me anytime: llucas.success@gmail.com
OR. . . check out my latest posts at "YourFriendinKY.blogspot.com"
My other sites: "successtransformations.vitamark.com" & "CraveTheRush.com"

What an Amazing Year for Challenges, Growth, and Joy!!

2007-12-10T21:40:00.000-05:00

me. . . Parasailing in Belize!

WOW, the Year 2007 is almost gone. And what a year for me it has been. This year has included some of the hardest challenges, saddest moments, and greatest Joys in my life thus far.

*This year I faced the loss of love, friendship, and pre-conceived dreams with the termination of my marriage.

*This year I faced my GREATEST enemy and made a NEW friend--I found both within myself.

*This year I am learning to let go of Fear and Control---the only thing I can control is my own mind.

*This year I have made some of the most Amazing Friends!!! and met some very interesting People!!!

*This year I have TRAVELED- Tampa, Houston, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico.

>>>I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea:

My Life has TRANSFORMED this Year.

I have learned the true measure of SUCCESS.

The following expert summarized my thoughts for this Year well. . . .

December 10

Challenges

"The ultimate measure of a man is not wherehe stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but wherehe stands at times of challenge and controversy." Martin Luther King Jr.

What our friends know of us while the sun is shining is one thing -- what they find out about us when the darkness closes in is something else altogether. It doesn't take a person of very great character to reflect a bit of glory when there is beauty and brightness all around, but let a person be tested by hardship or pain and then, if there's no light coming from inside that person's heart, the darkness will be dark indeed.

Challenges show us our weaknesses. All of us have some of these, of course; there is no use denying that we do. But we may not pay adequate attention to our weaknesses until some crisis makes us aware of them. And to that end, challenges are good for us. Whatever helps us see the areas where we're vulnerable is a thing to be thankful for. Wise people want to know, as soon as possible, where they need to shore up their defenses, and challenges offer us that opportunity.

But challenges also show us our strengths. Just as we each have our weaknesses, we each have our strengths also. And just as challenges force us to look honestly at our weaknesses, the same challenges may surprise us by bringing to light some strengths that we didn't know we had. "Within us all there are wells of thought and dynamos of energy which are not suspected until emergencies arise" (Thomas J. Watson). When we have to take one of life's hard "exams," we make not make a perfect score, but often we do better than we ever thought we could.So, when all is said and done, what's the main thing that we want from life? Is it simply ease and pleasure? If that's all we want and we're discontent when we get anything else, then we probably have our sights set too low. The fact is, there are several things, such as character growth, that should have a higher priority than ease and pleasure. And if the goodness of something is judged by what it does for our character, then we'd have to say that challenges and tests, however difficult or unpleasant, should be placed in the "good" category.

"Our prayers are answered not when we are given what we askbut when we are challenged to be what we can be." Morris Adler

"Thank You!"

To all those who touched my life this year

I thank you for whatever contribution you made.

I am Grateful for my Year of Transformation.

I wish YOU all a

a Happy Healthy Holiday.

Your Friend in KY,

Laura

SMILE!!

2007-10-25T21:33:00.000-04:00

"I've learned....

That a smile is an inexpensive way

to improve your looks. "

Andy Rooney

Joy in the Moment

2007-10-25T21:14:00.000-04:00

Fall is My Favorite time of year. The wonderful array of fall colors in the foliage and harvested produce becomes "Art." Too often in the past, the fall colors come and go without my taking time to truly "savor" the time-of-year.

This year, I was invited to my first Pumpkin Carving. I generally considered carving pumpkins as an activity children do with their parents at home. However, my friend Donna elevated the activity to a "Social Event." Complete with good food, dear friends, perfect weather, stimluating conversation, and topped with mulled cider. We had a Great time!!

Then I realized, how often have I said "We should get together sometime" then NOT--time gets away or I get "too busy." Somehow though I MAKE time for events, such as Birthdays, Christmas, Weddings, etc. I have resolved that Life is Best seasoned, like the sprinkling of salt, with many "little" memorable events with friends and loved ones. In the end, it is those moments that help determine the value of MY life. If giving a get-together a "Name" or "Labeled-purpose" helps make-it-happen, so be it.

I want to challenge each and everyone of YOU to find a reason to celebrate--ie. Un-Birthdays, Girls-Night-Out, or Just-Because.

Living is in the Details.

I wish the best of this Fall Season to all My Friends & Loved Ones.

Butterfly Transformations

2007-10-09T20:36:00.000-04:00

I found myself drawn to the symbol of the Butterfly this year. Although several different creatures begin in one form and change into another form as they progress thru the stages of life, the Butterfly most fittingly captures the struggle involved in transforming, the achievement of beauty, and freedom of flight.

It is the effort expended to break out of the chrysallis that builds the strength necessary for survival and flight of the newly emerged Butterfly. Without the struggle, the butterfly would be too weak to survive it's new life. My struggles in life took on a new meaning, once I realized that the lessoned to be learned would provide me with the strengths I will need in the future.

Freedom of flight for me, means : Freedom of Thought, Freedom of Time, and Financial Freedom. While living my life with both inward and outward beauty.

So. . . How Does One Become a Butterfly????

You Must Be Willing to Give Up Being a Caterpillar.