Cassie’s Wishes

This was originally posted back in April of 2021. As I sit here today, thinking about what’s going on in my nation’s capitol (Ottawa, Canada), just a few hours drive from here, I thought it could use a reposting.

Cassie took a deep breath and blew her wishes into the wind. It was getting dark and Mommy wanted her home for dinner, so she got up and watched them drift into the sunset. Satisfied, Cassie went home, washed up, and sat down at the table.

“So, Miss, what did you get up to today?” Mother smiled.

“I blew some wishes out into the world.”

Mother handed Cassie a plate of spaghetti, her favorite, and winked at her. “I’d ask you what those were, but I know that takes away their magic.”

Later, as Cassie laid her head against the soft pillow, listening to the crickets and the hoot of Chester, the barn owl, she prayed that her wishes would find the right people.

As Cassie, slept, a great wind picked up and blew those wishes around the globe, over miles of ocean and into every country of the world.

One landed the shoulder of a grieving father, as he stood at the graveside of his ten year old daughter who’d died from leukemia. An inexplicable peace began to fill his heart.

Another drifted past an ICU nurse, as she left the hospital, exhausted and discouraged from a never ending battle against COVID. Hope renewed some of her energy and lifted her spirits.

One landed in the lap of a little girl, as she sat in threadbare clothes, eating the last meal she’d have for awhile. Her rumbling belly ceased and her heart was filled with the promise of a better tomorrow.

One landed on the uniform of a police man. The years of service for his community, had lately seemed to be overshadowed by the horrific actions of a few, and the media relentlessly pelted them with negative stereotypes. He felt his discouragement fade.

The last wish will land on you, wherever you are, and whatever you are going through. It will give you strength and resilience.

Cassie woke the next day, to a better world.

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Guest Blog Post: Happiness for author Mark Bierman

Not too long ago, I had the privilege of being hosted by talented blogger, DA-AL, on her wonderful blogsite Happiness Between The Tails. I encourage everyone to visit her site, there is a variety of topics, it’s well crafted and there’s something for all! Thank you again, DA-AL for this opportunity.

Thrills — and reading and writing — have always been important to Ontario blogger/author Mark Bierman. Here he describes his favorite sorts of adventures!…

A special award from Grandma to commemorate Mike Bierman’s bike ride with his daughters from their home to the city of Kingston, a distance of about forty kilometers.

* * “Bonding with my kids is what I love to do!” by Mark Bierman * *

Time has a way of slipping by way too quickly. It seems that only yesterday I held my oldest daughter, Amanda, in my arms when she was a seven-pound, ten-ounce newborn. I was both overwhelmed and overjoyed at the same time. That was back in February of 2007! Two years later, our second, Isabel, was born. Today they are a pair of beautiful, smart, and fun-loving girls with whom I’ve had many adventures. This fits well with both my lifestyle and writing style. I love to write action/adventure, and you can go to my website to find out more about it.

I won’t take up too much of your time here. I know we all have busy lives, so I’ve compiled three of my favorite photos that show the type of activities we do to bond. Thanks for reading! Thank you, Da-Al for opening up your blog today and allowing me the privilege of being a guest!

We were at a waterfall, and the rocks were slippery. I “wisely” cautioned the kids about the slippery algae, but then decided to jump a small puddle, yup, I slipped. Amanda must have been feeling empathetic because she slipped soon after.

In this photo, we are proudly displaying our slimed pants.

On a recent trip, the writer in me was annoyed by this sign. Rather than spray paint “for” between the words, I had Isabel pretend to be a ‘Watch Child.’

She watches and reports ALL to Mom!

I think most parents will agree that spending time with your kids is worth more than anything you can give them.

What’s your favorite way to spend time?…

 

Another Word Quiz? Verily!

So, are we all settled in to 2019? Are the Christmas decorations neatly tucked into their boxes in the attic or basement? Is that New Year’s resolution list gradually being struck off as each goal is completed? Ya . . . me neither.

Hey, what about stepping back in time with me to last September and whipping that cerebral cortex into post holiday shape? Some of you may recall that word quiz, and if you participated, I thank you kindly. For those who did not see it, you can find it here: Bibbles, Ratoons, And Bumfuzzles. Oh My! 

Well, instead of prattling on like a blatherskite, I’ll plunge right in. Please feel free to post your answers in the comments section.

Woopie: 

A: To declare oneself victorious, in spite of logical argument(s) brought forth by one’s opponent(s).

B: A beveled edged chisel used in nineteenth century cabinet making.

C: An affluent retired person able to pursue an active lifestyle.

D: A pie (any flavor) that is offered to another in order to win their affection. (shortened and derived from, To woo with pie).

 

Sockdolager: 

A: A forceful blow

B: A nineteenth century derogatory term for someone who begs for money or food on a wharf

C: To shun.

D: A mythical creature responsible for missing socks. It is believed to dwell in the linen traps of clothes dryers.

Winklepicker

A: Style of shoe or boot with a long pointed toe.

B: Another name for the threshing drum on a nineteenth century grain threshing machine.

C: The long claw on the middle toe of an African Wild Dog.

D: An ancient fairy who steals periwinkle flowers.

Erinaceaous 

A: The characteristic of excessive boldness.

B: A term used in marine biology to refer to the time period during which the Great Barrier Reef began to form.

C: A term used to describe someone attractive enough to resemble a goddess. This was derived from the goddess Eriu, the goddess of Irish Sovereignty.

D: A term that refers to something or someone who resembles a hedgehog.

There you have it. I will post the answers in the next blog. I challenge you, once again, to practice googlestraint and avoid searching online for the answers. Have fun!

Yes, she’s still confused. 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

What’s on YOUR “Thumbs up” list?

Portrait of a geek showing thumbs up against gray background

At times, I find myself focusing only on the negative side of life. That is, until I remember that the only one responsible for my happiness is me. In reality, it’s not the CIRCUMSTANCES that control my mood, but rather my PERSPECTIVE. Though I may not always succeed, I am going to try and be thankful for the good things in life. They don’t all have to be big events, the little ones can be just as awesome. Here is a list of three random situations that always bring a smile to my face. These are definitely up there on my “Thumbs Up” list. Please feel free to add yours, add as many as you like. Keep on!
Mark

  1. When I catch my oldest daughter helping her younger sister learn a task, without being asked to!

2. Fun outdoor adventures!

3. Watching a news report about someone helping others!