TGIF Friday can sometimes be lonely on a dark snow covered road

I love Fridays, and actually, I get to experience

one again tomorrow. You see, I've been working

shift work for the first time in my life, going on

two years .......

One who works any 7 day of the week and any 

morning, afternoon or evening or a combination

of any of them all. There is nothing more

wholesome and rewarding as Friday.

A tradition we start in our teens, move into our

dating years, into our children's lives and all 

back again. Most important, in all of those 

memories are the friends we hold dear. 

Yes, I mean you. One who thinks to reach out

every single day. Perhaps for some that is their

brightness for their day. You bring that to

people, the world, and so much more. If you

don't. You should.

I drove along the lonely road

exhaust falling behind as hazy residue

The snow covering winter's total darkness

from light

The city behind with failing from sight

I had a talk with myself in my mind asking: 

are you living the life you designed?

Well, no, my honest voice spoke

Not out loud, for others to vote

It shows in your face when looking down

A slight crease, warding off forming a frown

The music in the background drowned out by the

whop whop whop of the wipers

You realize you've been gripping the wheel so

tightly as though fleeing vipers

Suddenly your grip loosens up ad your chin rises

Your eyes open wider in rejoicements to see

you've arrived at you journey's end without

hitting a tree

The radio's music tempo on the radio reacts

with an upbeat change -even if it is only

snow within eye's range.

You wanted to drive to dispell the worry and conquer the fear

To master the feelings that linger near

So take a drive in sleet and rain

Out of the city lights to clear your brain

Not realizing it as the symbol it was

Daily we face limitations clouded in fuzz

The gift that you strive forward to is 

a new appreciation of facing your fears

Like the miles on the snow ridden highway 

with music's melodic soothing

To hip hop lyrics, guitar strings beats it brings.

Startling us back to the light we should focus on

Appreciate life even on abandoned roads

Forget about work, life's worries, those fears

Instead, reflect upon nice acts of kindness

There is always someone not waiting, nor hoping

for a kind hand to reach out

That may be who you needed to remember as,

for and being about.

 

Your gift is wrapped, even with a bow,

Who it is waiting for, may never know

 

While the whole world may wonder

how you found the calmness you glow

It is for you, about you, the forgiving you,

the worries bursting with warm memories

How odd that it is. All day long, every day, we

see those we know, meet and care about 

Not ones we end up staking our lives, intentions

clouded by being part of a crew.

Forgetting to realize how important we are too.

Wanting to be close to that important crew

It is with caring and optimism that allows gratitude to renew

Written by Jeannette Marshall

BLING it on ....

Diamonds are a girls best friend.

Ok fellas, soon it will be Christmas and are you going to be one of those sheepish men out on its eve, madly swirling around the cosmetic counters, prey to the stylish babes who are ready to squirt perfume on you, shellshock you with all the choices, then twirl some ribbon around your gift? ... then voila!  You're good to go for another year.

Allow me to be bold for the babe in your life and give you a big hint:  ladies love bling.   Now, not many, and not even a few could afford this diamond but in her eyes, any bling says to her, from you, that you GET her.  Well, you've got her and likely a diamond is nestled on her finger with the band that signifies LIFE together, forever.

Before you start groaning.  Don't be so stubborn.  You have almost 20 whole days to startle your lady with something that reflects the sparkles in her eyes when you buy her something that shines, saying:  "I love you" every time she wears her new gift.  Right?

Don't start sweating and start running away.  I'm not going to drill you on whether your last minute purchase is really about the beautiful hotness convincing you that this is the perfume that your lady would love.  Just remember, she'll love it because it is from YOU, her man, her main squeeze, the hunkster husband.  A perfume ensemble is going to set you forward $150-$200.

You probably grumble that she has wayyyyy to many purses, you couldn't possible choose one that she would adore.  Think again.   How could she possible think anything but love (especially if you know the "IN" names in bags these days):

Voeevodd Reg.$277 Sale $80.88 (71% off)

Deck her out in style with a complete ensemble that will warm her up in more ways than one.  This can be found with the right name on it:  COACH.  The latest "shearling look" will communicate to the world that lady is in touch with the latest trends.

IF you do consider

going with COACH crossover, these boots are so adorable when enhanced by the "shearling" cuff.

Before you have a heart attack when Tiffany comes up, remember, there's a staple necklace, that anyone would adore, at around $392. Cdn, it won't set you back as much as you think.

If on the day of Christmas you want her to sing: "my true love gave to me" think this amazing set of tanzanite which is the NEW diamond every gal should have in a collection:

The Seleste Collection will set you back more than a pretty penny.  The pendant is $5,500, the earrings $8,800 and the ring $4,100.  

For almost $20,000 it SHOULD be a gal's dream come true.

Now that you've had a mild stroke and the sweat is pooling off your brow, it is time to settle down and consider some lovely fashion jewellery that can cause a stir with your good taste.

I found a great location in a Farmer's Market locally that was selling genuine Blue Topaz pendants. Forget about hinting at Tiffany's first.   There are plenty of reputable jewellers like People's Jewellers in Canada who had this moderately priced at  $229.  Not really my style, but I wouldn't complain ... if there were matching earrings.  Just kidding ...... um sort of.

Their enticing words

were:

Offer her your heart and say, "I love you." A gracefully looping 10K white gold ribbon gently suspends the heart-shaped 12.0mm blue topaz featured in this charming pendant. The soft and serene blue hues sparkle beautifully with six brilliant diamond accents. Delicately suspended, the pendant rests on a rope chain 17.0 inches in length with a spring-ring clasp. Make her December birthday unforgettable with the gift of blue topaz birthstone jewellery.

There are lots of pretty and funky jewellery around 

to suit versatile tastes.  

Some fellows may have a greater

challenge to impress with 

those having ladies that don't

usually wear jewellery.  I'd

suggest a dainty gold one in

that case.

You can't go wrong with an extra long one either.  They're popular with the young or older set, adding charm to a casual ensemble or a business blouse.

Not everyone inherits their grandmother's pearls, so you could start your own heritage.

Well, that should kick start things for you.  There is plenty of time still to buy online and most places will ship for free.  If not, there are enough choices out there that you can bypass the ones that don't.  Don't underestimate sites like Amazon.com to have everything that you can dream up all in the same place.  Think of a bestselling book -- or even an adult coloring book.    You could always ask if they provide gift wrapping and you'd have it made .... long before Christmas Eve with all the other schmucks who haven't realized that online shopping is a time saver with a lot of ideas, even if they're not diamonds, at your fingertips.  Just DON'T fall for buying her a gadget -- that is what YOU like.

Danke. Gracias. Merci. Thank you.

I found this quote several months ago and use it over and over again on Social Media (@optioneerJM) to show appreciation for others including me in some way..

It is nice to give credit to those who inspire you, support you and make you want to flourish and do better.

. After spending horrendous hours over the past weekend in escalations and support for major corporation, where people were constantly discontent and expecting more, more and more.

It reminds me how small the words "thank you" are yet are withheld so often as a demonstration of ego, power or arrogance. It means manners to me and is something we should continuously reinforce as much as we can.

 As we head into the holiday season, regardless of our faith or religious background, we should be reflective and never withhold appreciation for those that are important to us, whether fleeting or firmly entrenched in our lives.

 I want to celebrate my friends, family, but mostly acknowledge and appreciate everyone and anyone. Without any of you, I am nothing. I don't want to be a void or blink when someone hears my name. I would like to be known as someone who makes a difference. However small or short term.

I want to thank you for accepting my friendship, liking my posts, inspiring me daily. Goodness knows, there is enough negativity in this world.  Let  us reach out and give thanks as much as possible..... it is contagious.

"Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought,

doesn't come from a store"

                                                   ~ Dr. Seuss

 People automatically smile when you take the time to thank them. The acknowledgement can be more powerful than you can imagine. Try it. It is something that we should be spreading around more often.

 It costs nothing while priceless. Thank YOU. Merci. Danka.  Gracias. 

_______________________________________

"Christmas is a season of not only

rejoicing, but of reflection"

                                       ~Winston Churchill

_______________________________________

Happy AMERICAN Thanksgiving

I wanted to take a few minutes to pay tribute to my American cousins for a blessed, happy, peaceful thanksgiving celebrated with good friends, family, and good cheer.