Everyday Thoughts for Your
Everyday Life.
The Power of…silence.
July 15th, 2010 by stephanie
I was watching a new campaign ad that had just been released. As the images faded in and out, I realized there was only music…no words. The only message was the one that was written on the screen matching each image.
I am often amazed at the power of silence. A power I truly wish I personally fully understood and harnessed. But alas, my words usually find their way out into the world as we know it.
Do you ever notice that when someone sits silent, there’s a tendency to think they might just know something we don’t know? It’s like they are holding in some grand secret that will be disclosed only at the proper place and time. And we wait with baited breath.
Then, there is also the person who, whatever comes into their mind generally exits their mouth. Those folks don’t always realize it, but many times, the expression of their thoughts is simply dismissed by their hearers.
How many times have I heard that little voice deep in my own heart warn me, “Keep it to yourself.” But, alas, my pride or whatever it is at the moment gets the best of me.
It you are just dying to say something today, but that warning system seems to quietly be beeping deep down inside, might I suggest, “Save it.” For a better time. A better place.
There’s an ancient proverb, or two, that backs up that tidbit of advice for today. See what you think:
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is considered prudent. Proverbs 17:28
I like this one as well:
A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; a time to be silent and a time to speak. Ecclesiastes 3:7
Just my thoughts, well, and again, my words…
S.
Welcome! KVII Channel 7 (ABC) viewers.
July 12th, 2010 by stephanie
Greetings Amarillians! Is that even how you say it? If not, do let me know. But I must tell you, I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit to your very All-American town. I just wish I could have eaten that entire 72 ounce steak at the Big Texan. Oh well, maybe next time?
We are so glad you have joined us here today. Maybe you caught the interview on DAYBREAK. It was such a treat to meet and spend a bit of time with Meredith, Liz and the ProNews7 team. Thanks gang for a wonderful visit. And too, I hope a few of you viewers were able to come on out to Barnes & Noble to join me for a cup o’ Joe and maybe even take a book or two home with you.
If this is your first time to visit the site, we’d love for you to take a few moments to click around on the tabs above.
At this website you will find:
- Stephanie’s Blog
- Information about the Chix Chat Club (Join us on Facebook)- Click Here
- A Store where you can buy Stephanie’s Book: When You Grow Up & Get…Single - Click here
- Music from Stephanie - click here!
- A Chix Chat Club Store click here
- Join us on Twitter! Click Here
As a special offer for you viewers, and guests today, here’s a link to the first 9 chapters of Stephanie’s book. For your viewing pleasure. We hope you enjoy!
Click Here for sample!
Stephanie was honored to have the opportunity to be a brief part of DAYBREAK today. It’s truly a super show. And we have no doubt you enjoyed the entire show if you were able to tune in. What ARE you people doing up at that hour! 
Thanks again for tuning in and/or stopping by.
Chat soon!
Stephanie
www.twitter.com/StephanieKH
When plan “A” is replaced by plan “B”.
July 1st, 2010 by stephanie
Have you heard someone lately talk about their having to default to “Plan B”? Seems there’s alot of that in the air these days. But then too, it’s most likely the simple reality that a lot of plan “A”s just didn’t pan out, leaving folks scrambling for plan “B”.
“Plan B isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” the older and much wiser woman gently reminded me as we chatted on the phone. We had painfully watched a mutual friend of ours be “thrown under the bus” as they say, by supposed colleagues and we were both grimmacing over the incident. The Plan “B” for this beloved individual, however, may be just what the doctor ordered in the end. We shall see.
Plan “A” is simply that: a plan. It doesn’t mean it is the perfect plan. Nor is it necessarily the permanent plan. It’s just the plan of choice for the moment. The plan everyone, or perhaps someone, thought was the best way to go.
Time, circumstances, and a multitude of factors later Plan “A” can sometimes suddenly be washed away like an unsuspecting tidal wave. Those who are prepared with a Plan “B” usually land on their feet rather quickly . Those who resign themselves to sitting down and lamenting the loss are the ones that tend to be left behind. It’s always best to pick up and move on. Not easy. But best.
I remember a friend sharing with me her unanticipated Plan “B” regarding a particular situation. She said it never crossed her mind to worry. And too, it just wasn’t necessary. Unfortunately, when her situation suddenly changed course, she was shocked, angered and at a loss.
If you are a Plan-”A”-only kind of person, might I suggest you be open to having a Plan “B” on hand, or, simply on the back burner. And for those of you being forced to a Plan “B”, be encouraged. It might just be the best thing that ever happened to you. Sometimes, it’s good for you to allow those who thrust Plan “B” upon you get what they asked for. Only in doing so will you help them perhaps see what needed to be discovered or uncovered in the first place.
And too, if you believe in Providence, is there really ever a true Plan “B”? If you look at the situation with an appreciation for the Omnipotent, then Plan “B” might actually have been the very Plan “A” you were ignoring, missed, or weren’t ready for in the first place.
So, here’s to all of the Plan “B”s out there. Go with it, I say. “Make it work, people. Make it work,” as fashion guru Tim Gunn likes to advise. And don’t forget, a back up plan is always a good thing. Be sure to consider one. It never hurts. Because you never know when you might have to default to it. And if you do, take heart and remember: it might be just what the doctor ordered.
S.
Welcome Pranzo Cafe’ Guests.
June 25th, 2010 by stephanie
For those of you who joined us at Pranzo Cafe’ last night, perhaps this is your first time to visit this site. If that’s the case: WELCOME. We are so glad you’re here.
It was a fun night to be sure out at Music Row on the roundabout. The food was great, the venue was perfect and the company was spectacular. There were lots of laughs and chatting and we ended up with standing room only!
We even had a celebrity guest phone in. None other than actress, model, author and more Jennifer O’Neill herself treated us to a chat by phone. As usual, Jen was a delight. I wish each of you could meet her in person. She’s simply the best. Jen graciously did the Foreword to my book: When You Grow Up & Get…Single. And it was a treat to hear her take on the subject.
So, if you’re new, be sure to take a look around.
Again, we’re just glad you’re here!
S.
Father’s Day.
June 20th, 2010 by stephanie
If you are a Father on this day, well wishes are warmly sent your way.
If you have a father, I hope you reached out by phone or plan to spend a little time with old dad today.
It’s one day of the year to make dad smile for sure. Make it the best you are able.
S.
Welcome WSMV BETTER NASHVILLE viewers!
April 23rd, 2010 by stephanie
We are so glad you are able to join us today…
Welcome.
If this is your first time to visit the site, please take a few moments to click around on the tabs above.
and if you missed the interview click here!
At this website you will find:
- Stephanie’s Blog
- Information about the Chix Chat Club (Join us on Facebook)- Click Here
- A Store where you can buy Stephanie’s Book: When You Grow Up & Get…Single – Click here
- Music from Stephanie – click here!
- A Chix Chat Club Store click here
- Join us on Twitter! Click Here
As a special offer for you viewers, and guests today, here’s a link to the first 9 chapters of Stephanie’s book. For your viewing pleasure. We hope you enjoy!
Click Here for sample!
Stephanie was honored to have the opportunity to be a brief part of BETTER NASHVILLE today. It’s truly a super show. And we have no doubt you enjoyed the entire show if you were able to tun in. If you missed the interview, catch it here: Click here
C U Soon!
Thanks for Joining Us!
April 5th, 2010 by stephanie
We hope you enjoyed following with us here this week as we walked through the last week of Jesus’ life as a human.
If you weren’t able to join us, we began following the popular 1st Century healer and teacher from Friday before Palm Sunday to Good Friday.
We then wrapped up with his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
It was a fascinating week, and for those of you able to follow along, thank you for letting us be a part of your lives.
Don’t be a stranger. We have some fun things in store and coming your way. (Spoiler alert: we have a guest blogger later this week!)
Mark this blog as a bookmark and subscribe.
C U tomorrow!
S.
In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue…
October 10th, 2009 by stephanie
Most of us like to hear stories from the past about great adventures or victories won against all odds. But we tend to perk up a bit more when we hear the actual words that came directly from folks who lived during a particular time or were eye-witnesses to the occaision that we might be researching.
Naturally, when I came across a few journal entries of Christopher Columbus, I had to stop and take a look. I did know some trivia on the man. Like the fact that he turned fully gray by the age of 33. But other than that, these days, we don’t hear a lot directly from his own words.
With that, here are a few I was able to locate in honor of this holiday weekend named after the famous Discoverer.
Journal of First Voyage of Columbus
Columbus’ actual journals have been lost, but two of his companions, his son Ferdinand and Bartolome Las Casas, recorded abstracts of the original journal. At places they quote Columbus and in other places they summarize his journals. (2)
Wednesday, Dec. 12th… A large cross was set up at the entrance of the harbour, upon a beautiful spot upon the western side, “as an indication” in the words of the Admiral, “that your Highnesses possess the country, and principally for a token of Jesus Christ our Lord, and the honour of Christianity.”
Wednesday, Jan. 23rd… The sea all the time smooth as a river, “many thanks be to God,” says the Admiral.
Letter of Columbus to Rafael Sanchez
After his arrival in Lisbon, Columbus wrote a summary account of his voyage as a report for Ferdinand and Isabella. It was written as a letter to Rafael Sanchez, Treasurer for Ferdinand and Isabella, and clearly reveals Columbus’ Christian motivation. The following quotes are from this letter:
(In his voyages, Columbus discovered many islands) “I named the first of these islands San Salvador [which means holy saviour], thus bestowing upon it the name of our holy Saviour under whose protection I made the discovery.” Other names he chose included Trinidad [for the Trinity], and Monte Cristi.
I love the parts where he gave the natives bright hats and other lovely items he’d brought from Spain. Their delight and gratitude is touching. He goes on and on about what delightful people he has discovered along his way.
We hear a lot about Columbus these days. But many times, what we hear is what someone, centuries later, wrote about him, felt about him. I like to know what he really said. What his colleagues wrote and what the courts documented. Much more fascinating, in my opinion.
Obviously, one can spend days looking over the data. Perhaps this small bit will be a cause to pause for you this weekend to see what you can unearth about the historic adventures of the man from Spain. Just be sure to check your sources. Always default, when you can, to get it from the horses mouth. Someone that was really there- 0r spoke with someone that was.
Have fun.
S.
1 The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus, Washington Irving, (New York: Belford Company, n.d.,) pp. 632-633.
2 The following journal excerpts and quotes of Columbus are from the work of Las Casas, printed by Albert and Charles Boni, New York, 1924
Healthcare Reform. What exactly is it all about?
August 22nd, 2009 by stephanie
Tort Reform. Healthcare Reform. After awhile, it’s all a jumbled mess and the pundits have our minds spinning.
Legal reform. Defensive medicine costs (doctors defending themselves and their practices – which you and I pay for!) that waste billions of dollars and do nothing for the patients. Health care reform that benefits trial attorneys or patients? It can all be a bit confusing. Then, I happened across a bit of info that helped me clear up an issue or two. I hope it helps you.
“Many states…have enacted caps on lawsuit awards against health care providers. Texas enacted caps and found that one county’s medical malpractice claims dropped 41 percent, and another study found a “55 percent decline” after reform measures were passed. [4] That’s one step in health care reform. Limiting lawyer contingency fees, as is done under the Federal Tort Claims Act, is another step. The State of Alaska pioneered the “loser pays” rule in the United States, which deters frivolous civil law suits by making the loser partially pay the winner’s legal bills. Preventing quack doctors from giving “expert” testimony in court against real doctors is another reform.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry noted that, after his state enacted tort reform measures, the number of doctors applying to practice medicine in Texas “skyrocketed by 57 percent” and that the tort reforms “brought critical specialties to underserved areas.” These are real reforms that actually improve access to health care. [5]
Dr. Weinstein’s research shows that around $200 billion per year could be saved with legal reform. That’s real savings. That’s money that could be used to build roads, schools, or hospitals.
If you want to save health care, let’s listen to our doctors. There should be no health care reform without legal reform. There can be no true health care reform without legal reform.”
I have to say, this was news to me…
S.
Source: http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?id=24718773587
Just When You Thought It was Safe – Part II
July 30th, 2009 by stephanie
Earlier this year I wrote about the continuing drama, or ensuing battle, that I seem to have going with the squirrel population in my neighborhood. Many of you may know that the little tree critters seem to love my house. I don’t know why, but time and again, they have been not simply content with dwelling near my home, they insist on finding ways to live inside it.
With that, I have now successfully, personally chased the fluffy-tailed rodents out of both my kitchen and front doors. It’s a rather surreal experience if truth be told. During my second encounter, a tree fell on my roof exposing their nest in my attic. Once the monstrosity was removed, I was content to believe I was now squirrel free. But this past spring—they were back. Critter Control and their forces were called in and they promptly trapped and hauled away the two culprits that had taken over my office. (Dancing on my computer, doing things in my chair…)
But again, this last time, I figured we’d patched all entry holes and would be rid of them soon.
While turning the corner one day onto my street, I heard something roll across what I thought was the roof of my car. It sounded like a nut and I was not the least bit surprised. But many stops and checks later, the noisemaker could not be found. In time, it sounded like nuts or bolts. Loose somewhere and rolling to the opposite end of the car each time I turned.
Finally, in desperation, I asked my mechanic to assist. He climbed in the back of my car and said, “drive me.” It was a little odd driving a man around in the back part of my SUV. I almost asked if he’d like me to lower the window so he could hang his head out, but I resisted.
When we returned to the house, he was confident he had located the culprits. Unscrewing the entire panel above the bumper, he managed to enter the secret chamber. When he called out to me to show me his find, he was laughing. I was not. In his hand he held six, very healthy nuts. My squirrels had obviously sent me a message. If you won’t let us in, we’ll find a way to leave our mark.
I have no idea how I became Snow White, but of late, I feel that birds and critters seem to just find me and stay. I can assure you, I have no plans of inviting them all back in.
With that, the squirrels that have been ousted from my abode on multiple occasions were able to crawl into the undercarriage of my vehicle in the driveway and get the last laugh. Or, maybe my mechanic did. Whatever the case…
All’s well.
S.
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