PONDERING.....HMMM!

The title is somewhat a clue of where and what I've been up to lately. Yes, pondering.

I'm pondering what direction I should go with my photography next, pondering what my steps should be regarding my father who is undoubtly at a concerning level of dimentia, pondering what plans to make for Christmas, pondering what to bake for Christmas holidays, pondering who to invite for Christmas or to spend it quietly at home, pondering why some people are a disappointment, pondering how many people I may have disappointed and so on and so on.

It kind of gives you the idea why posting has been on my list, but my brain is slightly on overload at the moment.

The truth be known, I'd much rather be spending the bulk of my time going to different locations and shooting whatever I'm drawn to that particular day. My heart continues to tell me I could be SO good at the photography, but I need to be more patient with myself. When I have quiet moments, I am reassured I should continue to follow my passion. I sometimes feel selfish as I feel right now, I would love more 'me' time.

I was going through a box of clippings I've cut out and saved over time and came across this article I saved out of a newspaper. I have no idea of the author or when I cut it out. It's kind of karma, that I should find it at this particular time.

Here is the clipping I saved....

Ponder and know that HOW you live is YOUR choice alone!

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve.

Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity.

An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people.

As you grow, your associates will change.

Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are.

Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl.

Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream.

Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.

Consider this: Never receive counsel from unproductive people.

Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how.

Not everyone has a right to speak into your life.

You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person.

Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere.
With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it.
Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life.
Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships.

If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights.

"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses."

The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad.

Note: Be not mistaken. This is applicable to family as well as friends.

Yes...do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family, for they will always be your family no matter what.

Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above.

"In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us.

In Adversity We Know Our Friends."

"Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them."

"If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you have to develop the habit in little matters.

Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude."

P.S...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER, LINDSAY!

Your entire family loves you!