Fully Fragmented

Thanks to Traci at A Star In My Universe, this wonderful place called Friday Fragments is still a bright spot in my blogging life, where I can share the exciting events of my life! At my age, it is usually encompasses my getting out of bed unassisted, and pouring myself a cup of coffee each morning! Once these two events have taken place, my world is ready to begin!

Today, I am blessed to celebrate 39 years of marriage to a great guy!  We've had many a storm, but managed to come out of them practically unscathed.  We've laughed and cried and embarrassed the heck out of each other.  We raised four extraordinary children, who managed to live through all of our parenting blunders (thank you, God, for therapists) and who now are each on their own path to rule their world.

Media has changed the way we all live our lives, and this week has been full of many reminders of the tragic events of 9/11/01.  Many of us will forever be touched by actions of this date.  I believe that it made us stronger, and brought out the best in the human condition as evidenced by the selfless acts of those who wanted, and still want, to help. God rest the souls of those who fell, and God Bless the rest of us who remain.

I'm going to have a second cup of coffee.  Would you care to join me?

Forever Changed

It has been 14 years to the day since the most horrendous event in my lifetime occurred. I will never forget the images of the day and the helplessness that I felt for the weeks that followed. As we became glued to our televisions, we learned more each day.  And with each new report, my heart would break into a million pieces over and over.  I was fortunate to have four children that needed my attention...and distraction. It was very important to me to keep their eyes and ears away from the news as much as possible.  I prayed every single day.

Each year on this day, we solemnly remember the events and celebrate the lives of those who were lost.  We honor those in heaven, as well as, the thousands of people who stepped in to help someone in need.  I still hear new stories of heroes who made a difference in the lives of those who were suffering.  They continue to make a difference every single day.  God Bless each and every one of them.

There were babies born on that day; birthday parties were planned; anticipation was building for an anniversary or family reunion celebration.  All of these celebrations have been touched by this event, but by no means diminished.

On September 11, 2001, I was expecting to celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary.  We decided to postpone our event for a later date.  We continue, by God's grace, to celebrate our wedding anniversaries and feel blessed to have had so many years together.  Cute couple...don't you think?

Thank you for your visit today.  I hope your weekend is wonderful!

P is for Peacock

              Peacock - The male peafowl that can spread its long tail feathers to make a colorful display

 

What I found interesting was that Peacock is the name given to males only, and that they are the beautiful birds full of color and flash.  The female is called a Peahen, and, like so many other females, is very drab in color.  The males need "flash" in order to attract the females.  The females need to blend in with the bushes so that they can protect their eggs while incubating. 

Most of these beautiful birds originate from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and central Africa.  They can be enjoyed in many American Zoos thanks to International cooperation. A group of peafowl is called a "party" or a "pride"! The Indian peafowl is the national bird of India and is protected in that country. In the Hindu religion, the peafowl is a sacred bird, because the spots on the peacock’s tail symbolize the eyes of the gods.  (http://kids.sandiegozoo.org/animals/birds/peacock) 

                  Peacock - The human male who can strut his manhood and display his colorful flash

He must be flashy in order to attract the female human, even if it means transforming himself into a dreamboat with attitude; or 

Expressing his "flash" by verbose and unintelligent communication, and still managing to get women to fawn over him day and night; or simply

Acting like a child, but with all of the privileges of a man, speaking nonsense while looking dreamy and full of flash! 

 Peacocks come in all forms, and some of them sure are pretty to watch, aren't they?  

The Letter "P" has been brought to you by Jenny Matlock...Off On My Tangent.  Please stop by her classroom and see what other "P" essays have been turned in!

Thanks for stopping by today!