Maturity

Maturity is many things. It is the ability to base a judgement on the big picture, the long haul. It means being able to resist the urge for immediate gratification and opt for the course of action that will pay off later. One of the characteristics of the Young is "I want it now". Grown-up people can wait.

Maturity is perseverance_ the ability to sweat out a project or a situation in spite of heavy opposition and discouraging setbacks. To stick with it until it is finished. The adult who is constantly changing jobs, changing friends and changing mates is immature. He cannot stick it out because he has not grown up.

Maturity is the ability to control anger and settle differences without violence or destruction. The mature person can face unpleasantness, frustration, discomfort and defeat without collapsing or complaining. he knows he can't have everything his own way every time. He is able to defer to circumstances, to other people- and to time. He knows when to compromise and is not too proud to do it.

Maturity is humility. It is being big enough to say, "I was wrong." And, when he is right, the mature person need not experience the satisfaction of saying, "I told you so."

Maturity is the ability to live up to your responsibilities, and this means being dependable. It means keeping your work. Dependability is the hallmark of integrity. Do you mean what you say- and do you say what you mean? Unfortunately, the world is filled with people who can't be counted on. When you need them most, they are among the missing. they never seem to come through in the clutches. They break promises and substitute alibis for performance. They show up late or not at all. they are confused and disorganized. Their lives are chaotic maze of broken promises, former friends, unfinished business and good intentions that somehow never materialize. they are always a day late and a dollar short.

Maturity is the ability to make a decision and stand by it. Immature people spend their lives exploring endless possibilities and then do nothing.

Maturity is the ability to harness your abilities and your energies and do more than is expected. The mature person refuses to settle for mediocrity. he would rather aim high and miss the mark than aim low- and make it.

Maturity is the art of living in peace with that which we cannot change, the courage to change that which should be changed, no matter what it takes, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Counting my blessings

It's time I counted my blessings and what I'm thankful for. I get pretty wrapped up in the stupid stuff in life the things that do not deserve as much merit as I have given them. I put to much importance in the mundane things. I've been blessed with a family that loves me very much even when I feel like I don't deserve them. They give me grace and tell me it's OK. We all have each other and that's a rare thing for some. You don't realize what you have until you lose it, not that I am losing it, what I am really saying is I take it for granted most days and that's not something I am proud of. Another thing I am thankful for is our health, I see the struggles of others and I fear some days I've taken my health for granted for way to long instead of taking care of it. I know I can do better. I'm also thankful to still have both my parents, I have so many friends who have already lost theirs and can't imagine how it must feel. I'm also thankful I live in America, we don't stop to realize how good we have it. I'm thankful to have a warm house to come home too every night with cupboards of food to make dinner. I'm thankful to have a job so many have gone with out for a very long time now! I need to put things back in perspective and I'm starting right now!

The Oregon coast is so beautiful if you have not seen it you really should. Bandon Oregon will not let you down.

Shelby

My first attempt at painting faces on wood I'm pretty happy with it, the hair was the hardest part but it's partly because of what I chose to paint on. I think this is the start of a long and happy face painting relationship, I really enjoy painting!

Play Dough
1 Cup of flour
1/2 cup of Salt
1 cup of water
2 tablespoons of oil
2 tablespoons of Cream of Tartar
Beet, Spinach, or Carrot Juice (or food coloring)

Mix flour, Cream of Tartar, salt and oil, slowly add colored water. Cook over medium heat, Stirring until dough becomes stiff. Put ball of play dough onto wax paper let cool enjoy!

I found a chair and it was free! So I am in the process of reinventing it. I am not done and will post the finished product after completed. I found a dresser for free on the side of the road a few years back and have just now made some time to paint it! I'm not sure if I am going to leave it solid black or apply a finish of some sort. I am in the learning phase still!